Innovation First Inc Contact not yet renewed for 2007 ?

[Dale(294engr]]

Heard Rumor from a reputable source at regional:

Innovation First Inc Contact not yet renewed for 2007 ???
(previous 5 year contract expirees 2006)

What would we do without the unparalleled electronics provided by them ?
OI RC Victors Spikes ...................

Anyone have any insider info ? Viable options ?

[Nuttyman54]

Just because it expires and hasn't been renewed doesn't mean it won't be. I'd be VERY surprised if they discontinued, considering the popularity of the traction wheels this year, as well as being the trusted vendor of electronics, motors and kit parts.

[Greg Needel]

ummmm.....not going to happen.

kitbot-IFI
Kit tranny - IFI
RC - IFI
OI - IFI
Spikes - IFI
Victors - IFI
Breaker panel - IFI
getting the minibike motor - IFI
cim motors - IFI
etc...

unless something significantly changes FIRST will not drop IFI

[Andrew Blair]

Well, my questio is, where would FIRST go? The entire field control/protocol is built around the IFI systems, and the IFI systems are built around it. To switch to anything else would be an immense undertaking, and FIRST would be hurting as far as catching up went for a year or so. (The auto. counters this year are a good example. Give 'em a year, but the new system is still a little buggy. All new systems need to first be developed, then fixed. To redo the field system would be a pain.)

[Tazlikesrobots]

I don't see them throwing away the investment they have in robotic controllers. Besides, they are the leading supplier of radio controllers for robotic competition. Granted that robotic controllers is not a huge market, but the other aspects of IFI's business helps fund their robot competition habit...

[Rick TYler]

Originally Posted by Tazlikesrobots

I don't see them throwing away the investment they have in robotic controllers. Besides, they are the leading supplier of radio controllers for robotic competition. Granted that robotic controllers is not a huge market, but the other aspects of IFI's business helps fund their robot competition habit...

I hope IFI is making a profit from FIRST.

It's the opposite of RadioShack. To RadioShack, all of FIRST is small potatoes. Let's pretend that FIRST buys the parts kits from IFI, and that IFI gets $2,000 per kit. (I am TOTALLY making up these numbers. I have no idea how much FIRST pays for anything.) If they sell 1,100 kits, that would be gross revenues of $2.2 million. For RadioShack, that is probably a small fraction of their revenue from AA batteries. For IFI Robotics, it (probably) makes FIRST their largest customer. As long as IFI has priced stuff to make a profit, they will be highly motivated to keep the FIRST contract. If RadioShack is dropping VEX, it is because it is a slow-selling product that ties up a fair amount of inventory cash and represents a miniscule part of their revenue.

So, let's keep IFI, and let Vexlabs take over VEX (if RadioShack is getting out of the business). I REALLY appreciate RadioShack's sponsorship, and lets hope that FIRST gets to keep it regardless of what happens with VEX.

[Greg Needel]

Originally Posted by Rick TYler

For IFI Robotics, it (probably) makes FIRST their largest customer.

for IFI robotics yes but for IFI no. IFI is also racksolutions.com one of the largest suppliers of rack computer mounts in the world.

[Billfred]

Originally Posted by Greg Needel

for IFI robotics yes but for IFI no. IFI is also racksolutions.com one of the largest suppliers of rack computer mounts in the world.

Good point. Regardless, I'd be shocked to see IFI not get the contract again. I have yet to see anyone come out with a better complete system for our purposes. Durable, well-documented, quick service on orders, and easy enough for even a business major to figure out. What more could a guy want?

[Rohith Surampudi]

I'm thinking FIRST makes up a majority of their profit, i doubt they will let it go.

[Rickertsen2]

Originally Posted by rvssnake

I'm thinking FIRST makes up a majority of their profit, i doubt they will let it go.

actually it makes up less than a 1/5th. Racksolutions is their main business.

There is no cause for panic here, IFI has been a great asset to FIRST and there is no reason for change. If i am wrong you can all call me stupid. I will say one thing though. A little birdie told me there will be some changes coming in the IFI hardware, but IFI is not sure what yet.

[Peter Matteson]

Just because a contract isn't on the books doesn't mean they're not just hammering out the t's & c's (terms & conditions) with the lawyers. If they have lawyers like ours it can take months after the agreement in principle is made.

Speculation at this point isn't the best anyway. Anyone who's really in the know won't be at liberty to say anything and all this thread can do is cause problems.

Moderators please close this thread.

[devicenull]

Originally Posted by Rickertsen2

actually it makes up less than a 1/5th. Racksolutions is their main business.

There is no cause for panic here, IFI has been a great asset to FIRST and there is no reason for change. If i am wrong you can all call me stupid. I will say one thing though. A little birdie told me there will be some changes coming in the IFI hardware, but IFI is not sure what yet.

My guess would be getting away from serial.. but even that I've grown to like.. It's nice and solid, no problems except speed.

[Dillon Compton]

*prays for a USB capable OI, and rules allowing externally powered devices*

[Rombus]

I would LOVE to see a USB Capable OI or RC to program. Maybe a more powerful PIC Chip next year?