blog; Motor Controller Options for 2015

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by Jared Russell

> go north



Crap.

> Use Peanut Butter on grue


On a topic I don't think has been covered. How's firmware updating on the new Talon done? Is it simpler that the Jags? And how's the error recovery for if we lose power or connection mid flash?

I assume upgrading firmware isn't really an issue for the Victor?

[Jefferson]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

>


On a topic I don't think has been covered. How's firmware updating on the new Talon done? Is it simpler that the Jags? And how's the error recovery for if we lose power or connection mid flash?

I assume upgrading firmware isn't really an issue for the Victor?

I assume the firmware on the Talon will be updated similar to the PCM and PDP, through the roboRIO webdash. It's straightforward and painless.
I don't know about error recovery during flash, but I'm sure Omar will take care of us.

[Kevin Sevcik]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

> Use Peanut Butter on grue

As the grue's favorite diet is adventurers, it presumably ignores the peanut butter. You hear horrible gurgling noises from the darkness.

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

On a topic I don't think has been covered. How's firmware updating on the new Talon done? Is it simpler that the Jags? And how's the error recovery for if we lose power or connection mid flash?

I assume upgrading firmware isn't really an issue for the Victor?

They list several communication channels in addition to CAN. I'd assume serial is likely to be a flashing option as well. If they can get a stable bootloader that they won't be upgrading in the flashes, they could presumably use that as a fallback option. I'm guessing it's going to be even harder to get to a JTAG port inside a sealed speed controller, though it'd be nice if they released a JTAG flashable image invade someone tried.

[aldaeron]

Great thread with lots of good info!

There is one question I was hoping would show up but hasn't - will there be an option to pre-order the controllers soon?

The features and prices seem set. I know there will be last minute tweaks based on beta testing. I know they can't provide an exact ship date yet. I am reassured that there will be enough parts.

It is easier with for the folks that handle the paperwork for our school district to be able to pre-order. There are already opportunities to pre-order the rest of the new components. A nice side benefit is that I don't have to keep checking VEX to see when the controllers actually go on sale - I can pay for them now and they will ship when they're ready (As Ron Popeil would say - "set it and forget it").

Thanks!

-matto-

[FrankJ]

I have not seen that the motor controllers are available for per-order. They are on the VEXpro site as coming soon.

[aldaeron]

Originally Posted by ebmonon36

The controller is available for pre-order through AndyMark:
http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-3000.htm

Eric

I meant the motor controllers. I already have that on order =)

[ebmonon36]

Originally Posted by aldaeron

I meant the motor controllers. I already have that on order =)

Oops, just realized this was the motor controller thread and not the beta test thread. I had opened both threads...

[mrnoble]

Anyone heard anything new about availability? The only source I've seen that says there will be plenty to go around is this thread. What reliable source has said that there will be Victor SP's and Talon SRX's available in quantity in time for kickoff? The most I've been able to do so far is create a wishlist on VexPro.

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by mrnoble

Anyone heard anything new about availability? The only source I've seen that says there will be plenty to go around is this thread. What reliable source has said that there will be Victor SP's and Talon SRX's available in quantity in time for kickoff? The most I've been able to do so far is create a wishlist on VexPro.

Read the posts by Paul, like this one: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...&postcount=185

I think he probably has some solid information at his fingertips about availability of the components, and I would consider him a reliable source, given his role in one of the companies involved.

[mrnoble]

Thanks Jon. I was really just wondering if there had been any updates. I guess there haven't, but thanks just the same.

[Sparky3D]

Have any of the beta test teams gotten any of the new Talon SRX's yet, or have line of sight as to when they will get them? It looks like several teams have the new Victors in the beta systems, but I haven't seen anything on the Talon's. It's getting to be a bit late in the year to get them tested and FIRST approved.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by Sparky3D

Have any of the beta test teams gotten any of the new Talon SRX's yet?

Yes, Talon SRX speed controllers are in the hands of Beta Test teams. More information will have to wait.

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by Sparky3D

Have any of the beta test teams gotten any of the new Talon SRX's yet, or have line of sight as to when they will get them? It looks like several teams have the new Victors in the beta systems, but I haven't seen anything on the Talon's. It's getting to be a bit late in the year to get them tested and FIRST approved.

Ours arrived on Friday, and should make it into the robot this week.

[marshall]

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

Ours arrived on Friday, and should make it into the robot this week.

We got ours installed on Saturday but unfortunately we are waiting on the next release of the LabView software on Tuesday before we can program them.

[Greg McKaskle]

I saw one drive a motor on Friday afternoon.

Greg McKaskle