encoders

[Mike Betts]

Originally Posted by stephenthe1

I think I found our copy. and I would have to say that I disagree about it being illegal. if I purchased (or in this case got it free) a cd, and simply broke it somehow, I wouldn't be cheating the business by getting a copy from someone else, because I already paid for thir product. anyway, is the newest compiler on the disk that came with the kit this year? just to be sure. thanks

Stephen,

To echo what Mark just posted, the CD you got in the kit is V2.2

V2.4 has not been released yet. You can not buy it or download it. Microchip has graciously offered to let FIRST team members use a beta version. I would imagine that, if their trust in us is broken and they find these beta versions being used for anything other than FIRST robots, they would think twice about future donations.

What this means is that future teams would have to spend $495.00 per seat of software to participate in FIRST.

Bottom line, please do not treat this topic lightly. Our actions always have consequences.

Please have your main team contact phone FIRST to get a CD.

Regards,

Mike

[about_abot]

[I would imagine that, if their trust in us is broken and they find these beta versions being used for anything other than FIRST robots, they would think twice about future donations.]

Folks, everything is okay. Wow, this thread got way off topic.

Having worked very closely with Stephen over the last month, I have gotten to know him very well. His inquiry over the C compiler is quite innocent and justly asked. If someone believes it to be a malicous act to inquire about a tool that is supplied by a vendor in an agreement with FIRST, then please direct your admonition to the team's teacher/leader. The students are here to learn the science of robotics. They do not need to feel someone's fire for something they do not have experience handling.

This forum is to provide technical knowledge and stimulate interest for the students. I believe we still are under the gracious professionalism invoked by the FIRST rules of the game articulated at the kickoff.

I will give Stephen a copy of the C 18 2.4 compiler. His compiler got destroyed by an erratic computer believing it was an all consuming shark, not as a friendly programming tool. I have kept a copy of the download on another unit believing that something like this would happen.

[Bottom line, please do not treat this topic lightly. Our actions always have consequences.]

Mike I do appreciate your input, but please do not judge Stephen too harshly. He is a hardworking student with a tenacious talent. When he left our lab last night, I did not get a chance to supply him with a fresh copy of the compiler. He will, though, receive it within the next couple of days.

If anyone feels the need to continue discussing the ramifications of violating a vendor or FIRST rule, please start a new thread. I really like the discussion about encoders on this one. :-)

Respectfully,

Gary Dettmers
1008 Engineering/Programming Mentor