Posted by Rick Berube.
Engineer on team #121, Rhode Warriors, from Middletown H.S..
Posted on 5/25/99 10:06 PM MST
In Reply to: Nearly off the shelf... posted by Joe Johnson on 5/24/99 6:55 PM MST:
Ok. Let's see if I can address these issues one at time. I have nothing against C. It's probably the best embedded high level language for mid to lower-level micros going. And its only one step away from C++. It has been around for ages (at least in computer years

and is well supported by just about every development environment I can think of.
As far as the 'off-the-shelf' bullet is concerned, I heard a rumor that FIRST is having someone develop the controller for them. So perhaps you will get your wish for a COTS controller that can be purchsed. Regardless, we are talking about the need for some type of integrated development environment (IDE). I can see something like a Motorola micro which supports background debug mode (BDM). This is a great way to go. Its functional, register level access and cost effective (read CHEAP!). Mike isn't the only one on a budget. No emulators, or JTAG debuggers need apply, thank you.
I'll argue however, that if FIRST were to provided a system complex enough to require a battery of development tools, you'll see more complaints regarding this issue than those attacking the lack of power in the earlier models. I think a 'high-level, wiz-bang' system means embedding a microkernel/OS. This means someone must write one or purchase one. Last time I looked, vxWorks and Windows CE both came with a pretty good IDEs, but neither is cheap. Is someone going to strike a deal with Jerry or Bill? Are they on-board for this project?
Whatever the IDE provided, if the controller goes the route of a generic micro, one where the entire application programmer's interface (API) were a custom design, its has to be an open system. One with plenty of documentation. One where FIRST teams could contribute in a GNU-like fashion. But it has to have some straight forward tools to leverage or it'll never make it as a commercial product. There's a reason companies like Wind River and Microsoft are doing so well. Software at this level is hard to write and make bullet proof in short order. I think starting from scratch with a custom IDE and API would kill this project dead. I just don't think there's enough time to do it well unless you leverage off an existing COTS software, or 'Simplify' the design of teh controller itself.