RoboRio

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by iliampatterson

Does anyone remember the beta test signup link that was on the NI flyer given out at champs?

Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JLTYSGS

[Tem1514 Mentor]

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

Having been through one transition previously (from IFI to cRio), I can tell you this one is nothing like it. When the cRio was introduced, everything was different. Now, it's the same old stuff with more power in a smaller package and a few new features you don't even need to worry about if you don't want to.

Please, please, please tell us more. What "new" features are there. I have heard that there will only be 4 solenoid outputs. What is the true story? And on the subject, will we still be able to use 12 or 24 volt solenoids Directly from controller?

I have so many more questions but lets start here.

[Dale]

It has four relay outputs for Spikes but I imagine you could use those to drive 8 Solenoid valves unless the rules prohibit it. There is a new Pneumatic Control Module from Cross The Road Electronics that communicates over CAN and provides support for many more valves and compressor control.

https://decibel.ni.com/content/docs/DOC-30419

http://uwinfirst.com/Files/roboRIO%2...on%20Flyer.pdf

[Jon Stratis]

As Dale said, you'll probably be controlling your solenoids through the Pneumatics Control Module (PCM). It has specific ports to plug in the compressor and pressure switch, ports for solenoids, and a jumper to let you switch from 12 to 24 volts. It sits on the CAN bus, which lets you add several PCM's if you have enough solenoids to need to (in otherwords, you're no longer limited to the 16 you can currently have with 2 pneumatic modules in the cRio).

New features include native support for CAN on the RoboRio (no more serial to CAN converters), USB host and USB device support, native ports for most outputs (no need for a digital sidecar or breakout boards), and an expansion port to give you as many ports as you'll probably want.

[markmcgary]

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

native ports for most outputs (no need for a digital sidecar or breakout boards), and an expansion port to give you as many ports as you'll probably want.

I've read many threads on CD discussing the robustness, or lack thereof, of the Digital Sidecar. In our first two years, we had never had a problem with a DSC. In 2014, we lost at least three DSCs.

So, I wonder how robust will be the DSC that is now integrated into the RoboRIO? If the integrated DSC dies, do you also lose the entire RoboRIO?

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by markmcgary

I've read many threads on CD discussing the robustness, or lack thereof, of the Digital Sidecar. In our first two years, we had never had a problem with a DSC. In 2014, we lost at least three DSCs.

So, I wonder how robust will be the DSC that is now integrated into the RoboRIO? If the integrated DSC dies, do you also lose the entire RoboRIO?

Don't think of it as an integrated DSC... it's just the controller. If the controller dies, then yes, you lose the controller! It's all together on one circuit board.

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

Don't think of it as an integrated DSC... it's just the controller. If the controller dies, then yes, you lose the controller! It's all together on one circuit board.

I didn't get a chance to come by at CMP but every prototype I've seen has had male pins on the controller. Perhaps someone can explain who thought this was a good idea? Male pins belong on cheap/easily replaceable components not on the core controller. They bend, they break, they accumulate chips. Is the plan to stick with male headers on the RoboRio?

[AllenGregoryIV]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

I didn't get a chance to come by at CMP but every prototype I've seen has had male pins on the controller. Perhaps someone can explain who thought this was a good idea? Male pins belong on cheap/easily replaceable components not on the core controller. They bend, they break, they accumulate chips. Is the plan to stick with male headers on the RoboRio?

I was told the RoboRIO we saw at champs was most likely the final hardware, so yes they are sticking with the male pins on the main controller.

[cadandcookies]

Originally Posted by AllenGregoryIV

I was told the RoboRIO we saw at champs was most likely the final hardware, so yes they are sticking with the male pins on the main controller.

Unfortunate. Maybe for R2?

Either way, seriously looking forward to the new controller. I doubt it will be worse than cRIO/DSC in terms of reliability and I've heard of so many improvements. I might not be directly involved with a team next year but I'll still have to swing by a tournament (or two) to check out the new controllers.

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by AllenGregoryIV

I was told the RoboRIO we saw at champs was most likely the final hardware, so yes they are sticking with the male pins on the main controller.

*sigh*

What's the spacing on the pins? I guess I'll go about trying to source some sort of adapter to make it harder for my students to destroy.

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

*sigh*

What's the spacing on the pins? I guess I'll go about trying to source some sort of adapter to make it harder for my students to destroy.

Did you destroy pins on the IFI controller?

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

Did you destroy pins on the IFI controller?

I saw a fair number of them get mangled. Personally I just feel that it's safer to put female connectors on more expensive components due to them being harder to damage.

[adciv]

Originally Posted by Dale

In the Q&A at champs they said it would sell for under $500 and be available through AndyMark. They said December for general availability, sadly. There will be no limits on the number of them you can buy. I imagine forecasting how many to make right away will be a challenge,

Considering my I would buy at least 4 (in addition to the one in the KOP), yes.

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

*sigh*

What's the spacing on the pins? I guess I'll go about trying to source some sort of adapter to make it harder for my students to destroy.

Standard 0.1"/2.54mm spacing. Also, the part number for the breakout connector mate is On-Shore Tech SH4-34G-RP or SH2-34G-P. I think the connector they are using on the RIO Itself is On-Shore Tech 302-S341.

I recommend using the MXP port, if possible, as your adapter for this. For those of us who remember 3.5" floppies, it looks to be the same keyed connector, so if we can source 34-pin ribbon cables....

[adciv]

Originally Posted by Tem1514 Mentor

Please, please, please tell us more. What "new" features are there. I have heard that there will only be 4 solenoid outputs. What is the true story? And on the subject, will we still be able to use 12 or 24 volt solenoids Directly from controller?

I have so many more questions but lets start here.

There are 8 solenoid outputs per solenoid module. Each module can be separately set for 12v or 24v. The modules connect by CAN to the RoboRio. I am not exactly sure what the current limit is for CAN modules (need to update the software), but it will be more than two. The number we heard was high enough, we're debating what it would take to make a robot that walks.

[Chris Endres]

They did talk to our head Electrical mentor, we are signed up for a full Beta testing this summer/fall. I haven't heard anymore specific details about RoboRIO, but all I know is that we get more mechanical room next year.