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Unread 07-03-2008, 06:31
Golto's Avatar
Golto Golto is offline
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AKA: Pat Plude
FRC #4572 (BArlow RobAutics)
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Join Date: Oct 2006
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Location: Bethel, CT
Posts: 91
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A mounting problem

The idea of FIRST is to get people interested and educated in Science and Technology, especially robots. But, there is a major problem here.

Getting into hobby robotics is just too expensive. To get a PIC16F, a ZIF IC2 programmer, a breadboard ZIF socket, MPLab with C16 and documentation will run you about $200, without all the other stuff like motors, servos, LCDs, keypads, EEPROM, Crystal clock, Potameters, sensors, etc.

Here's a rundown on the minimum prove of microcontroller starter kits (no components other than the IC and programmer, maybe with a development board.)

PARALLAX STAMPS
Parallax BOE starter kit: $99.95
Parallax SX Toolkit PRO: $249.95
Parallax Prop Stick: END OF LIFE: $79.95
Parallax Javellin Stamp Starter Kit: $249.95
PROBLEMS
Most of these are End-of-Life, but they remain too high. These seem to be user friendly to use, but they sure aren't easy on your wallet. These chips manufacture for about $3. We pay $50+

C-STAMP
A-WIT CS210001: BACKORDERED: $71.44
PROBLEMS
It's a PIC18C placed on a PCB with a through hole. You still need a crystal! I called Tech support and they will not restock because they are working on the 2nd generation of stamp.

PIC
Microchip PIC Training Kit: $158
Microchip PIC Development Kit: $600
LAB-X1A PIC Development Board: $195.95
PROBLEMS
The PICs are about $3 from Microchip. Why are the programmers so expensive?!

ARM
Philips LPC210x (ARM) Starter Kit: $305
PROBLEMS
Not too many ARM platforms out there, they are wicked expensive!

IFI
FRC Robot Controller: $449.95
Mini Robot Controller: DISCONTINUED: $249
Isaac 16 System: DISCONTINUED: $895
PROBLEMS
Our main sup[plier is setting the bar high, and quite frankly driving people away from hobby electronics. The entry cost here is astronomical!

VEXLabs
Vex Robotics Design System: $299.99
Vexplorer: 199.99
PROBLEMS
What are meant to be hobby robotics still manage to be out of the reasonable price range. the Vex Design system will be outdated in a few months, and the Vexplorer is severely limited and not programmable!

OVERALL
It just costs too much to get into the industry. Aside from ARM, the actual chips are cheap. The components are cheap. The PCB is cheap. Solder is cheap. If FIRST and IFI want to be proactive about getting more people into this, they need to supply a cheap, entry-level system that people can AFFORD!
 


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