FRC Blog - 2016 Motor Controllers

[topgun]

This is in the blog post:

Talon Motor Controller (Part #s: CTRE_Talon, CTRE_Talon_SR, & am-2195)
Talon SRX Motor Controller (Part #: 217-8080)

Having just ordered four Talon SRX's from AndyMark, I would expect them to be legal, but I don't see the AM part number like in the Talon line above it. It's AM-2854. I would expect it's just an oversight on Kate's part.

Also, I agree with Joe. I like the 775s and I will miss them.

[Knufire]

Originally Posted by cgmv123

What do we need relays for anymore?

Was hoping for a <$20 60A relay for intakes, internal rollers, etc. Flywheels as well, if you can get acceptable performance out of a bang-bang controller.

[cgmv123]

Originally Posted by Knufire

Was hoping for a <$20 60A relay for intakes, internal rollers, etc. Flywheels as well, if you can get acceptable performance out of a bang-bang controller.

I feel like this is asking for a lot. It would have to be an electrical relay, since mechanical relays can't switch fast enough for bang-bang control. At that point, most people would have a hard time distinguishing an electrical relay from an actual speed controller.

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by Michael Hill

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.

Actually a Blog post is not that good of a way to share this kind of important information as overall not that many people look there on a regular, consistent basis, if at all.

[FrankJ]

Originally Posted by Taylor

Spikes are $10 cheaper than the least expensive motor controller, and most veteran teams have bunches of them.

I don't see them being legal if there if not an option for all teams to get them or something equivalent during the season.

We stopped using spikes for anything besides window motors because of the annoying tendency to blow the fuse with the bigger motors.

[FrankJ]

Originally Posted by topgun

This is in the blog post:


Having just ordered four Talon SRX's from AndyMark, I would expect them to be legal, but I don't see the AM part number like in the Talon line above it. It's AM-2854. I would expect it's just an oversight on Kate's part.

Your concern has been answered.

Submitted by Kate on Thu, 10/29/2015 - 15:04.

Added alternate AndyMark part number for the Talon SRX.

[Michael Hill]

Originally Posted by Jared Russell

Banebots 775s have always matched the advertised specs for us (modulo case shorting issues in 2011).

Banebots 550s have always provided substantially less torque than advertised for us.

I'll concur with this assessment. We originally used two 550s on our elevator this year only to have them not have enough torque to perform to our expectations. Using the BB specs, it should have been no problem for us.

[MrRoboSteve]

Originally Posted by cgmv123

What do we need relays for anymore? (Note that Spikes are discontinued.)

Any chance that Spikes will be disallowed this year, based on their lack of availability? Might drive us to buy more speed controllers.

[GeeTwo]

Originally Posted by cgmv123

(Note that Spikes are discontinued.)

Given that, I would expect that Spikes will not be legal for switching motors. They may still be permitted for LEDs and other CUSTOM CIRCUITS, however. Most custom circuits can be more efficiently and less expensively switched with a relay module. You can replace 4 spikes for around $20 unless you need more than 10A per relay.

[waialua359]

Im pretty sad about not having the use of 775 and 550's anymore.
This is also why I need to STOP stockpiling motors (just like the old FP motors).

These were very cheap and took up such a small volume. Worst news I heard all year........

[BBray_T1296]

I am assuming both new motor controllers don't do CAN? Neither website says anything to either effect.

EDIT: I see on the CD thread for the SPARK that it doesn't support CAN.

[IndySam]

Am I sad to see the 775 go? Yes it was a great little motor.

On the other hand I think the massive expansion of motors the last few years has not been a good thing. I would love to see a big reduction of available power via motors for the design challenge.

[Munchskull]

So with the Banebot motors out of FRC (R.I.P.) what would be the new go to motors in terms of power?

Edit: Quick research yields that the Andymark 9015 Motor might be the next strongest that is not a CIM-class motor. Is this correct?

[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?