Build a New Operator Inteface each year or not?

[Chris_Elston]

I can't find any rules about the operator interface, but are we allowed to re-used the operator interface "frame" from years past? I know we will change out the OI itself from 2006 to the new 2007. Are there teams that re-use their old operator controller frame from years past just changing out the operator interface itself?

[BillP]

Check the following from the rules:

In the definitions:
OPERATOR CONSOLE – the Innovation First-provided Operator Interface unit and any associated equipment, control interfaces, display systems, structure, decorations, etc. used by the DRIVERS to operate the ROBOT.

And then:
<R81> Teams cannot use Operator Interfaces from previous years’ competitions

I would interpret this to say that you ARE permitted to use the frame, or any other components from last years CONSOLE except the operator interface itself. Of course, this has to be justified with COTS and cost rules.

[KTorak]

You cannot use the Operator Interface, but you can reuse the 'frame'. We built one out of 8020 and Lexan a few years ago and this will be our 3rd year of using the frame again. All we do is swap the O.I. and joysticks if we need to.

[Bharat Nain]

I think you will be OK if you use a frame from previous years. We have never been inspected about that...

[Graham Donaldson]

Unless something wierd happens that I'm not expecting, I think this is what my team will do as well. We built a really nice little case last year (with a handle and all) from some Igus (I think-???) parts with the OI mounted on top. All that you could see on top was the joystick handles, the OI, and a box of switches we used to fire our shooter, turn our conveyor on/off, etc... I think we'll just (obviously) switch out the OI, and take out the box of switches and put in the new ones we need for this year, but that'll be it... I really want to put in a missile switch (with the flip cover and everything) for something in this year, but what, I don't know yet...

[cbale2000]

We've used our frame for about 4 or 5 years now! It's so simple yet effective we just haven't worried about it. We'll probably be making a new one this year though as the current on takes up the entire station area (which was a real pain to drive last year in the center station with our controllers tucked behind the center goal ball return chute)

[Assassin Shadow]

We've been using the same frame for the past couple of years, just changing out the OI and some of the switches, we always seem to use the same joysticks though.(probably because they're comfy or something)

[Billfred]

I'm wondering, especially given the GDC's emphatic stance on the six-week window this year, if reuse of even decorative parts of the operator panel is even allowed. The question came up at UCF last year, and it was allowed in at least one case I know of, but Last Year Is Not This Year.

Let's liven things up on Q&A.

Originally Posted by FRC1618

Is it permissible for a team to use the structural or decorative elements of past years' operator consoles, provided that the OI is replaced with this year's unit and any custom controls are fabricated after Kickoff?

[whytheheckme]

I just joined a new team, but on my old team, their OI were a set of wings that was worn on the drivers back going up to the field from the pit (pretty cool...) This was reused year to year, except of course for the hole in the front that would continuously get bigger as I continued to create larger and larger Project Boxes full of buttons for the drivers ...

This is totally cool. The idea (I think... maybe up for discussion) that FIRST has is that the OI unit is replaced due to updates, and that modifications are made to controllers to better serve your robot, but if you have a theme or a solid design, you should not be required to change it. I think its kind of like a mascott; you don't change that every year, do you?

Just some thoughts,
Jacob

[whytheheckme]

Here is a picture of the old OI.

Sorry for the low resolution. It had to fit in 100KB for this post.

Jacob

[Chris_Elston]

Originally Posted by whytheheckme

Here is a picture of the old OI.

Sorry for the low resolution. It had to fit in 100KB for this post.

Jacob

That is really SWEET looking...good job guys!

[amos229]

Those are awesome. Hmmm. The ideas are flowing through my mind now for a new oi board

[Donut]

I don't know if the rules require it or not exactly, but we build a new one from scratch each year anyway. It's typically I think 1/16" alumunimum L brackets that are riveted together, with a sheet of wood for the bottom level and a combination of lexan and aluminum for the top.

[StevenB]

Let's liven things up on Q&A.

Quote:
Originally Posted by FRC1618
Is it permissible for a team to use the structural or decorative elements of past years' operator consoles, provided that the OI is replaced with this year's unit and any custom controls are fabricated after Kickoff?

I'm not seeing the Q&A question for this. Am I blind, or is it not there for some reason? Could you post a link?
Thanks!
Steven

[ChuckDickerson]

I am thinking that rule <R11> means we now have to make a whole new operator console and cannot use any of it from a previous year:

<R11> For the purposes of determining compliance with the weight and volume limitations specified
in Rule <R07>, these items are NOT considered part of the ROBOT and are NOT included
in the weight and volume assessment of the ROBOT:

- The 12V battery and its associated half of the Anderson cable quick connect/disconnect pair
(including no more than 12 inches of cable per leg, the associated cable lugs, connecting
bolts, and insulating electrical tape) on board the ROBOT.

- Any STANDARD BUMPER assemblies included on the ROBOT that are in compliance with
Rule <R37>, up to a maximum of 15 pounds.

- The FLAG is not considered part of the ROBOT. However, the flag holder specified in Rule
<R15> IS considered part of the ROBOT, and is included in the weight and volume
determination

- The OPERATOR CONSOLE.

However, for all other purposes the items listed above are considered part of the ROBOT and must
comply with all other applicable rules and requirements. In particular, these items are subject to
the shipping deadlines specified in Section 4.5.1.1 and must ship in the crate with the rest of the
ROBOT.

Since we must fabricate the whole robot between kickoff and ship day and the operator console is now considered part of the robot, doesn't this mean we have to build it between kickoff and ship day as well?

Am I the only one that read the new rule this way?