paper: 418's Mini-Encabulator

[CarlosGJ]

Thread created automatically to discuss a document in CD-Media.

418's Mini-Encabulator by CarlosGJ

[Coach Norm]

I am so disappointed to see this posted since you have taken our technology.

[Danny Diaz]

Now hold on there, it was given to us (at an extremely high velocity) while attempting to collect money for "Snots for Bots" (hey, robots don't have mucus glands of their own, and they feel bad about that!) - I still have a bruise on my tush from the impact, if you want I can prove it! We even tried to sell the device, but unfortunately everyone thought we were trying to sell overpriced light bulbs instead so nobody wanted to touch it. So we opened it up and peeled off the bubble gum (thanks, Cherry was my favorite) and decided to tinker with it a bit. If you remember the last couple projects you guys had, like the "portable excombobulator", the "hypercartographic depictionator", and the "Ham Sandwich" - we improved on them in such a way that make them easy to understand, easy to find, and tasty (respectively, of course - you guys in South Austin never use enough mustard); we figured we could do the same to this as well. You'll find that the internals look nothing like your original device - we used grape bubblegum chewed TWICE - so that certainly is enough to allow us to claim it as our own.

By the way, we are still accepting donations for our campaign drive. See Bertucci for more information.

-Danny

[Andrew Schreiber]

Well, I'm more confused than usual. Must be game hint season.

[IKE]

I am a bit confused by the wiring diagram. I was under the assumption that a "mini-enCABulator" ran on CANCAB which is faster, and more direct, but considerably more expensive than CANBUS.
My guess is someone is using the SSEP (seinfeld status enhancement protocol) for the message delivery. SSEP uses CANBUS for the majority of the trip, but switches to CANCAB right before exchange of information that way the recipient thinks the message is more important because it uses CANCAB.
It has been my experience that SSEP sounds great in theory, but requires an open CAB near the exchange point. All too often this results in long waits and longer total message delivery times. While the Status is higher, the extended period (and possible tardiness) negate the benefits of the CANBUS/CAB strategy.
Both of these systems suffer schedule issues due to high traffic or adverse environmental conditions. Thus I am hoping FRC someday adopts a more stable system like LightRail (high volume, efficient, and reliable in Europe). I think the added weight of 2-3 rails is worth it for its stability. I heard rumors there might even be an IFI MONORAIL system that only uses one continuous strand of wire for both power and control. Say it with me folks: "MONORAIL" Until MONORAIL, I would be cautious of using the mini-enCABulator.

Now, another controls item I would be interested in is supposedly being worked on not too far from Kettering University. With the minibots, an additional wireless connection is needed, so I heard rumors abothat the Wreless Bridge we use could be replaced with a Wireless Tridge being worked on in mid-michigan. Anyone hear anymore details on the Tridge?

*****************************************
I should warn you folks, I am a an ME, and the above information is my interpretation of what I overheard our programmers talking about. If this information is not 100% correct, you should follow the default advice I have for when anything goes wrong:
Blame the Programmers

So for us non-electrical people, can you explain what it does?

[s1900ahon]

Originally Posted by SuperNerd256

So for us non-electrical people, can you explain what it does?

Stuff. Important stuff.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by SuperNerd256

So for us non-electrical people, can you explain what it does?

If the phrase "modial interaction of magneto reluctance and capacitive diractance" doesn't explain it well enough, I'm pretty sure you don't have the background to understand it at all.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson

If the phrase "modial interaction of magneto reluctance and capacitive diractance" doesn't explain it well enough, I'm pretty sure you don't have the background to understand it at all.

That would be me.

[PAR_WIG1350]

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson

If the phrase "modial interaction of magneto reluctance and capacitive diractance" doesn't explain it well enough, I'm pretty sure you don't have the background to understand it at all.

I could not have said it better myself.

[Taylor]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

That would be me.

Wait - weren't you one of the authors?
I'm so confused. It's like I'm stuck in a purple fog (or something like that).

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson

If the phrase "modial interaction of magneto reluctance and capacitive diractance" doesn't explain it well enough, I'm pretty sure you don't have the background to understand it at all.

If one can't clearly and concisely state the benefit and application of a device to a common person, is it really that useful?

A non-programmer might not know what PID is, but they can tell you it makes arms more controllable. What's this thing do?

[Aren_Hill]

It confuses people, while creating energy from nothingness

[Taylor]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

If one can't clearly and concisely state the benefit and application of a device to a common person, is it really that useful?

Yes. For example: the mini-encabulator.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Taylor

Wait - weren't you one of the authors?
I'm so confused. It's like I'm stuck in a purple fog (or something like that).

Haze. Purple Haze.

I live it every day.

Jane

P.S. There's no way out... believe me, I've tried.
P.P.S. Just don't ask Danny for any tips on how to drive a robot. We would surely be doomed.