Driver Console Ideas

[lokistormbringe]

We are building a new driver console to replace our previous console which consisted of a plywood board, a shoulder strap, and some velcro to hold the computer and joysticks down. Currently we have plans to include a few buttons, switches, dials, and a giant red button.

Does anyone have any ideas of for interesting or useful things we can add?

EDIT: And of course we left room for a bobble head or two

[GeeTwo]

Driver consoles should be functional - if you don't know why you would need a button or stick or switch or light, leave it out! The audience doesn't see it, so anything extra is just another distraction the driver, gunner, and coach don't need. That said, do it right - make it smooth and clean and attractive.

Our driver console for the past two years is just a (nicely sanded and sealed) wooden board with a 3-board stand in the middle, velcro on the bottom and dual-lock on top. The velcro on the bottom holds it down, and the dual-lock on top (which is subject to minor adjustments from year to year) holds down the driver station classmate and joysticks, or keeps the xBox controller from falling during autonomous.

[rich2202]

My team brings the laptop and xbox controller. Plywood adds weight and bulk.

If you do mount it, I suggest securing the usb connection so the controller doesn't accidentally disconnect.

We use Smart Dashhboard to pass parameters.

[Dale]

We make ours slide into a set of rails or otherwise attach to our cart at waist level. That way no one has to hold the drivers station in queue and it's handy when working on software in the pit.

[Sperkowsky]

I'm think about using aluminum u channel and some black plexi to make a driver station this year. Being who I am I may add some leds for the fun of it or a speaker during community events.