USB Joystick adapter is here!

[Mike Copioli]

Another key point is that no matter how much power is put into the O/I joystick ports, if the O/I is disabled the robot is disabled.

[Mike Copioli]

Originally Posted by Astronouth7303

It varies based on the layout of the stick, although with the number of channels available in HID, I'd think it's not a problem.

Can you configure how it maps the 30+ (?) analog/digital channels in HID to the 4&4 on the OI?

Is the power jack compatible with common battery packs?

Do we have any idea if FIRST will allow an externally-powered device?

The Chicklet is a USB host. Without diving deep into USB protocol, I will say that it will support ALL device functionallity. However one must understand that the device is broken down into two major sections.

1. The USB hosting section

2. The analog/digital interface section

The O/I port consists of 4 digital and 4 analog channels. Apply math and anyone can conclude that it is not possible to interface more than 4 digital I/O if all four analog channels are being used. This is a limitaion of the O/I not the Chicklet itself. However if one were to use a USB joystick, or any other device with only 2 analog channels, the interface can support up to 10 digital I/O's.

[ChuckDickerson]

Originally Posted by Mike Copioli

A device that converts the operator interface 15pin joystick ports, into a USB host, now exists. The device is called USB_chicklet. Check it out at www.crosstheroadelectronics.com. Also please provide feedback about our new website.

All I can say is THANK YOU!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

[Madison]

Perhaps this is a ridiculous question, but will there be a protective case or something over this device to save it from abuse? It seems fragile.

[Mike Copioli]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

Perhaps this is a ridiculous question, but will there be a protective case or something over this device to save it from abuse? It seems fragile.

There will not be a protective case provided. There is a very good reason for this. When the Chicklet was designed, the PCB was dimensioned so it could be connected side by side with another Chicklet. The spacing between the joyports is very tight, It's less than .25". This made it difficult to find an enclosure that the Chicklet would fit into and still be able to connect to the O/I side by side. Also, and probably the most important reason, It would have increased the price by about $15-$20. Enclosures are expensive, machining of the enclosures is expensive. Custom made enclosure, witch the Chicklet would require, are even more expensive. But have no fear the devices are pretty robust. I know, I have tortured the protos quit a bit and have had now known issues. Like the camera, you can always make your own enclosure for the device. If you are to do this you will need to make an enclosure that allows the user to see the state LED.

Mike Copioli
CTRE

[Joe Ross]

It looks like you can now order the USB Chiklet directly from IFI: http://www.ifirobotics.com/usb-chicklet.shtml

[DanDon]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

It looks like you can now order the USB Chiklet directly from IFI: http://www.ifirobotics.com/usb-chicklet.shtml

A hint to the legality of the Chicklet? Hmm...

[chris31]

I guess the struck a deal with IFI. Now to see if one comes in the KOP.

[EnderWiggin]

IMO the ideal way to control the robot is through a pistol grip system, like the ones the R/C Car racers use.
I found this one with a USB output for PC R/C games (ya, go figure):
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...rodID=VRCCP002

Would this work?

[Mike Copioli]

Originally Posted by EnderWiggin

IMO the ideal way to control the robot is through a pistol grip system, like the ones the R/C Car racers use.
I found this one with a USB output for PC R/C games (ya, go figure):
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...rodID=VRCCP002

Would this work?

If this is an HID device, we probably can support it. The only way can know this is for you to send us the device. Or connect it to windows. Windows will be able to tell you if it is HID. We can update the firmware on the Chicklet to include this device. There is a $25 fee for this service. Either way you will still need to send us the device.

Mike Copioli
CTRE

[Astronouth7303]

Is there a way to connect a generic HID device and then make a custom mapping?

[chris31]

Originally Posted by Astronouth7303

Is there a way to connect a generic HID device and then make a custom mapping?

From the post above I think you have to send it to them so that they can put a new firmware on it.

[ozrien]

Originally Posted by Astronouth7303

Is there a way to connect a generic HID device and then make a custom mapping?

We originally wanted USB-Chicklet to do just that but due to time constraints of development, software validation, production, and shipment, USB-Chicklet supports a fixed list of devices. However we expect next season's USB-Chicklet to support ANY HID device, and provide a GUI to allow custom mapping of analog axes and buttons.

Note however that custom mapping of a SUPPORTED USB device is possible through user calibration mode. And that for a fee ($25) we can reflash your chicklet to support a new HID device.

Omar Zrien
Chief Software Engineer
Cross The Road Electronics
www.crosstheroadelectronics.com

[underwood]

oh yeah, about time! wii-mote anyone?








(and just imagine driving with a DDR mat!!!)

[team540pr2007]

i think our kit included the USB controller port. maybe i'm mistaken but i'm pretty sure we have this