Driver station computer limits

[ArchosR4]

This year for competition we are thinking of using a new laptop for our driver station computer. However we are unable to find any rules about the size of driver station computers. Is there any rules limiting driver station computers? If so where? Thanks

[irvingc]

I don't recall any rules specifically limiting the size of the driver station computer. However, you probably want your laptop fitting on your OPERATOR CONSOLE in such a way that it doesn't interfere with your drive controls; the OPERATOR CONSOLE has to fit on a shelf 5 ft. 9 in. wide x 1 ft. deep (section 2.2.8). Also keep in mind that the computer needs to have an Ethernet port to connect to the FMS, and that you will probably be carrying around your OPERATOR CONSOLE and a heavy/bulky laptop may become annoying to deal with.

[alectronic]

To quote the rule:

Originally Posted by R94

The OPERATOR CONSOLE must not exceed 60 in. long by 14 in. deep (excluding any items that are held or worn by the DRIVERS during the MATCH).

There is a 54 in. long by 2 in. wide strip of hook-and-loop tape (“loop” side) along the center of the PLAYER STATION support shelf that may be used to secure the OPERATOR CONSOLE to the shelf. See Section 2.2.9 for details.

[orangemoore]

There aren't any real restrictions that I know of. But be careful about getting a computer that does not have a FIRST supported operating system.

[yash101]

You don't want to come to the field with the biggest and most expensive alienware laptop you can find. Not only will it be easy for it to be stolen, it will take up most of the space you have available! Think wisely. A netbook-sized computer will suffice for most teams!

No need to go for this

[Whippet]

Originally Posted by yash101

Not only will it be easy for it to be stolen

One would hope that the FIRST community is above stealing other teams' computers...

[yash101]

Originally Posted by Whippet

One would hope that the FIRST community is above stealing other teams' computers...

Nah. not the teams. More of the audience and the spectators when they are visiting the team, probably! Anyways, that was just for the sake of LOL

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Whippet

One would hope that the FIRST community is above stealing other teams' computers...

You'd be surprised. I've heard some of the stories of stuff disappearing when left unattended.

OTOH, I've also heard some of the stories of FIRST teams STOPPING stuff from disappearing, so it goes both ways.

[ArchosR4]

Sweet thanks for the help.

[MrRoboSteve]

If I was getting a computer that was dedicated for driver station use, I'd buy a 3 year old Thinkpad and put an SSD into it. A new computer solely for driver station use is overkill, and a solid Thinkpad is going to hold up well for driver station use.

All of our team computers are circa 2008 Dell laptops (Latitude D830), and work great as driver stations and development machines.

[yash101]

Just get an el cheapo netbook and overkill it with 4GB ram and 64GB SSD (all you'll need for the DS, programming tools, Windows, etc. (Note, I use Win7 with VS exp, FRC java tools and the DS on a 32GB SSD! . No wonder I ran out of space when I tried installing eclipse )

[E Dawg]

The driver station and dashboard are not incredibly intensive programs to run. Obviously, using a higher-end computer will make it run faster, but there's no need to buy a fancy gaming desktop for competition.