blog; Motor Controller Options for 2015

[Nemo]

If I didn't care how much I was spending but I wasn't completely oblivious to cost (only mostly oblivious), I'd probably order something like 48, because then I'd have 12 of each controller for a regular bot and practice robot, and I wouldn't have to decide which controller to use right now. I can understand the number 40 from a team that is well established and has the means to raise a reasonable amount of funding.

At this point I'm thinking 8-12 Talons for our team. Ideally I'd want 20-24 talons, but I think we will end up mixing and matching and building up our stock of these controllers over a period of about 3 years.

Even if we ended up strapped for cash and unable to buy a single new controller, I wouldn't feel too bad about life. We have enough to get us through next year, because prices on controllers have been good in the last two years, plus we have been able to get some donated controllers through the IFI voucher, AndyMark product donation voucher, and FIRST Choice. And best of all, Talons and Victors are reliable. The motor controller situation has been better than ever in 2013-2014; 2015 looks even better.

Note to IFI / CTRE: if you make a DC motor controller for FTC to compete with the overpriced / unreliable HiTechnic controllers, I promise to order a bunch of them. Seriously.