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Re: Maybe a Partial Solution to the Learning Curve
Posted by Rick Berube, Engineer on team #121, Rhode Warriors, from Middletown H.S..
Posted on 5/23/99 10:16 AM MST
In Reply to: Maybe a Partial Solution to the Learning Curve posted by Tom Vanderslice on 5/22/99 11:48 PM MST:
: Maybe if they sent the new control system a little early (say before x-mas)
: it would give everyone a chance to 'get to know' the new controller...
Certain an idea worth entertaining regardless of what the new controller looks like. Although I haven't been to a kick-off mtg yet in NH, I believe the manufactures of the animation software provide a seminar to those who wish to attend. This same type of thing for the controller would certain help the un-initiated to get over the learning curve. However, realize this is just a start. Aside from the controller hardware and software, there would also be the potential learning curve of real-time multi-tasking, operating system/kernel, development tools, etc.
Engineering will always be about tradeoffs. This new controller is no different. How fast does the micro have to be? what programming language will you make available for teams to program in? what type of development environment should be established? I'm not saying we can't strike a balance. I guess the point I'm trying to make, is that while all these suggestions are valid, there must be some thought put into the final product and the level of expertise required to program it (have mercy on the rookie teams).
Again, I'm not saying this can't be done with a well published API. Maybe it's done by starting with a well documented micro and OS, with networking and multi-tasking support built-in. Typically your talking about using the C programming language here however not Basic. But if the software is layer properly, and you can minimize the shear number learning curves to overcome, it becomes more feasible.
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