FRC Blog - New Motor Controllers – 2015 Legality

[Michael Hill]

Did FIRST really have any other option?

[cgmv123]

Originally Posted by Michael Hill

Did FIRST really have any other option?

Than using potentially unsafe or unreliable product(s)? Oh, yes they did.

Originally Posted by Kate Pilotte in FRC Blog comment

If one or neither of the new controllers are added to the list of legal motor controllers for the 2015 FRC season, we'll distribute existing controllers in FIRST inventory via a controlled distribution method as needed.

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by Michael Hill

Did FIRST really have any other option?

FIRST had teams extensively beta testing the controllers, and specifically asked those beta teams of the controllers were ready for use during the season. We had the option of saying one was ready and the other wasn't, if needed. While it was highly unlikely that both would be illegal, based on timing with the different controllers I completely could have seen FIRST go with just one for the season. At no point in all the beta testing we participated in did i see anything that would make me think FIRST wasn't looking out for the best interests of all the teams with this decision.

Frankly, beta testing the controllers was a little boring... We didn't have any issues with them!