New Robot Control System!

[Mark Pierce]

I think it's great that we now know:

1. That 2008 will have a similar control to 2006 & 2007
2. That they are working on the next generation now.

I'd still like to see updated compiler and libraries for next year, but am really happy to see improvements coming. I've seen the evolution from the 1999, 2000-2001, and 2002-2003 Basic stamp based controllers to the 2004-2005 8450 controllers to the 2006-2008 8722 controller. This is the first time we've known this soon that change was coming. I hope we get the tools early enough to install on the school computers and have training sessions before the season starts. I hate trying to guide student programmers, install tools, and learn a new system's intricacies during build season.

My wish list includes (I really don't have time to prioritize these):

1. Easier sensor hardware interfacing (SPI and serial ports, encoder interfaces, etc.)
2. Better debugging tools and robot feedback. I've spent way too much time working around chip errors/compiler errors/communication glitches/Easy C quirks/etc.
3. Better connectors and wiring methods.
4. Libraries and tools to simplify programming

I hope that a some of us get a chance to provide input and help in the new system. I'd be happy to help test and develop libraries/training resources for the new system before the 2009 build season.