Tablet computer as driver station

[team2130first]

Would a tablet computer work just as well in place of a netbook? Also, is it alowed in the compitetion? Any ideas?
Thanks
BFHS robotics

[sam_who]

Can't say for a tablet but I'm using my dell laptop. Works great. Don't have to use a magnifying glass to see the screen!

[davidthefat]

Yes it is allowed.

[Phoenix Spud]

Our team is using a tablet laptop. It seems to be working just fine!

[Dkt01]

The rules seem to allow any laptop/tablet/netbook to control the robot. You'll need one with an ethernet port to connect to the FMS. Also, power is provided at the alliance stations for the classmates only. If you use a different driver station, you'll need to make sure your battery stays charged all day.

[richwong]

Would it be allowable for a driver to use the touchscreen of a tablet as a means to control the robot?

[DarrinMunter]

Originally Posted by richwong

Would it be allowable for a driver to use the touchscreen of a tablet as a means to control the robot?

Yes,
It would be really neat to see this. But just keep in mind of the challenge of looking at your robot, and what the others are doing and keeping on eye on the tablet screen.

[JesseK]

Using a tablet seems cool, but get plenty of practice with it. Unless it's hanging from the field window (or one driver dictates what the other does), I don't foresee it being practical.

Though it would be a fantastic replacement for the 2nd driver's joysticks... hmm.

[Bot190]

Just note that you would have to write custom drivers for the touch screen to make it look like a gamepad to windows. I'm sure it could be done, but probably not in 6 weeks.

[team2130first]

thanks will keep that in mind.
might be really useful for displaying camera feeds.
team2130first

[Daniel367]

Originally Posted by Dkt01

Also, power is provided at the alliance stations for the classmates only.

Is this for sure? It is stated in the manual as such but Is it implemented or is it an outlet that you plug in to?

[Mark McLeod]

Originally Posted by Daniel367

Is this for sure? It is stated in the manual as such but Is it implemented or is it an outlet that you plug in to?

You get a barrel connector, center positive, 19v, 2.1a
To Classmate specs.

If your laptop matches that, then you're good. If not you're on battery power.

[Nadav Zingerman]

Originally Posted by richwong

Would it be allowable for a driver to use the touchscreen of a tablet as a means to control the robot?

While legal, it is technically challenging, and not at all trivial.