FRC Blog - 2016 Motor Controllers

[Thad House]

Originally Posted by Taylor

I'm assuming the AndyMark versions of the 500/775 will still be available. They're still listed on the AM website.

Yes they are, however they are nowhere close to the power provided by the banebot motors. The 9015 is 179W vs 253W, and the AM 775 is only 150W vs 273W. So there are similar size motors, but nowhere near similar power. That means if you want more then 250W in a motor you either need to double up motors, or go to a CIM, where there just sometimes isn't space.

[Jay O'Donnell]

Does anyone else dislike that it feels like they tried to stick the information about the 775 and 550 into a blog post? It's like they didn't want us to notice or something. This is a fairly large deal that teams need to know about and it feels like an add-on to a blog post that not everyone would normally read.

[Michael Hill]

Originally Posted by Jay O'Donnell

Does anyone else dislike that it feels like they tried to stick the information about the 775 and 550 into a blog post? It's like they didn't want us to notice or something. This is a fairly large deal that teams need to know about and it feels like an add-on to a blog post that not everyone would normally read.

Where would you suggest they put this kind of information? Blog posts are one of the more effective means of communicating to the teams. I'm sure it will come out later in an e-mail blast to the teams, just the blog post came out ahead.

[Knufire]

Originally Posted by Jay O'Donnell

Does anyone else dislike that it feels like they tried to stick the information about the 775 and 550 into a blog post? It's like they didn't want us to notice or something. This is a fairly large deal that teams need to know about and it feels like an add-on to a blog post that not everyone would normally read.

In my mind they're doing us a favor. They're under no obligation to tell us what motor controllers or motors are legal until the manual is released.

I am surprised about the decision concerning 775s. Banebots discontinuted the motor but still has ~2300 in stock, and I imagine lots of veteran teams have big stockpiles of these motors.

[Michael Hill]

Originally Posted by Knufire

In my mind they're doing us a favor. They're under no obligation to tell us what motor controllers or motors are legal until the manual is released.

That's exactly how I feel. I'd much rather know now in a blog post than to read it in the rules.

[Jimmy Nichols]

Originally Posted by Michael Hill

That's exactly how I feel. I'd much rather know now in a blog post than to read it in the rules.

Agree. When I started things like this didn't exist. There wasn't a blog and information like this wasn't widely distributed.

I just go the weekly email, I do feel that the timing of the blog post to the email could be better coordinated so that the information goes out together. So more teams get the info at the same time.

[Gdeaver]

We use the BB RS540 for our swerve steering. I wonder if all BB motors are going to be illegal at a late date. With all BB motors listed as discontinued and new Planetary gear boxes from BB, they may have a new line for 2016. Time will tell. We have used the BB products for years and have liked the small light weight solution they provide. We design with in spec. The Vex pro planetary maybe nice but heavy and larger foot print.

For those who complain about motor controller prices, look at the other commercial shipping controllers for hobby robotics. These companies are providing high quality devices for a fantastic price. The Talon SRX with it's program ability is an unbelievable bargain compared to the other market options. Sub 50$ controllers is fantastic.

[Jimmy Nichols]

Originally Posted by Gdeaver

We use the BB RS540 for our swerve steering. I wonder if all BB motors are going to be illegal at a late date. With all BB motors listed as discontinued and new Planetary gear boxes from BB, they may have a new line for 2016. Time will tell. We have used the BB products for years and have liked the small light weight solution they provide. We design with in spec. The Vex pro planetary maybe nice but heavy and larger foot print.

For those who complain about motor controller prices, look at the other commercial shipping controllers for hobby robotics. These companies are providing high quality devices for a fantastic price. The Talon SRX with it's program ability is an unbelievable bargain compared to the other market options. Sub 50$ controllers is fantastic.

Our kids are designing a swerve and was getting ready to purchase the parts which included BB parts. I'm thinking Saturday will be looking at redesign or other motor options.

I'm very happy to see motor controllers going down in price over the last few years.

[Basel A]

Originally Posted by Knufire

In my mind they're doing us a favor. They're under no obligation to tell us what motor controllers or motors are legal until the manual is released.

+1 I feel like letting us find out Kickoff Day is their regular MO, so this is great.

[AllenGregoryIV]

Originally Posted by Basel A

+1 I feel like letting us find out Kickoff Day is their regular MO, so this is great.

If I remember correctly when we lost Fisherprice motors in 2013 we didn't know until kickoff.

The banebots issue has been on the horizon for a while if you read this thread.

As far as motors go we have been pretty spoiled the last few years having MiniCIMs, BAGs, AM motors, BB motors, and more. There a lot of people who don't remember the days of designing arms that were powered by van door motors. Don't get me wrong I love more motor power as much as the next guy, namely because I think it makes the robots more entertaining but if we have to go without for a few seasons teams will adapt.

[techhelpbb]

Happy to see the competition for this non-optional FIRST part!
I'll buy at least one of each of the new products for my R&D bots.

[Ryan_Todd]

I want to know whether or not the dual- and quad-bank SD540s will come at a discount with respect to buying two or four of the singe units...

Also, what happens if I manage to fry one out of a bank of four?

Inquiring minds want to know!

[IKE]

Very excited about additional motor controllers. A bit concerned about the lack of "vented" motors on the list. 550s and 775 had their issues with stall, but when done right, the air cool was nice for consistent performance.

Anyone have issues with BAG motors overheating in heavy competition? I would assume they get and stay hot similar to CIMS which is a bit concerning when you have back to back matches. Any experience?

[Tom Line]

Originally Posted by IKE

Very excited about additional motor controllers. A bit concerned about the lack of "vented" motors on the list. 550s and 775 had their issues with stall, but when done right, the air cool was nice for consistent performance.

Anyone have issues with BAG motors overheating in heavy competition? I would assume they get and stay hot similar to CIMS which is a bit concerning when you have back to back matches. Any experience?

Bag motors are awesome in terms of durability. In fact we swapped out our 550 and later 775 with a bag motor on our 2014 catapult, because the bag motor can handle comparatively long periods at stall without giving up the magic smoke. We swapped all our intake mechanisms to bag motors that year too.

[EricLeifermann]

Originally Posted by IKE

Very excited about additional motor controllers. A bit concerned about the lack of "vented" motors on the list. 550s and 775 had their issues with stall, but when done right, the air cool was nice for consistent performance.

Anyone have issues with BAG motors overheating in heavy competition? I would assume they get and stay hot similar to CIMS which is a bit concerning when you have back to back matches. Any experience?

We burnt out at least 10 on our practice robot before we switched them to different motors before out 1st comp last year.

Edit:

After several PM's I should note that we were not using the BAG's properly and that our systems last year were extremely inefficient with lots off loss to make up for, as well as several times the motors were stalled for an extreme amount of time.

We will continue to uses BAG's in the future as they are excellent motors when used properly(crazy how that works).