pic: 2009 Control System, Mounted

[Tapoore]

Originally Posted by Alex Cormier

So with all the talk about IFI going away, the new system comes in on a IFI kit chassis? My thought lately has been, will the kit chassis go away along with IFI?

I hope not...

*goes and starts to make numerous chassis in inventor/solidworks*

This bot was built using spare parts from FIRST's shop... It was only meant to be a sneak peak at the 2009 control system and in no way was meant to show what may or may not be in the KOP next year

So there may still be hope for the kit frame next year...

[its da PAT!!!]

I'm not going to lie to you guys but the power block wire connectors are so strong that the people from Diversified Systems put batter wire on it and pulled a full size 120 lbs robot around without the wire pulling out. The wire was only a foot long, it was amazing.

[Tom Line]

It's not the initial strength. It's the resistance to vibration. Since there's no WAY that thing could be any worse than the din rail (we zip tied the wires to ours so they wouldn't vibrate loose), then it has to be an improvement!

[EricVanWyk]

Originally Posted by Russ Beavis

The long white module between the cRIO and PDB is an old rev of the Digital Sidecar (ie breakout module that allows cRIO to directly drive Victors, Spikes, digital I/O, etc).

That long module has already been replaced by the half-size module that's sitting next to the PDB.

Russ

Actually, the DSC3 is less than 1/5th the size of DSC1.

Originally Posted by Greg Marra

How were the prototype white cases for the electronics components fabricated? They sort of look rapid-prototyped, but I am not sure, and didn't see them in person.

SLS

Originally Posted by its da PAT!!!

I'm not going to lie to you guys but the power block wire connectors are so strong that the people from Diversified Systems put batter wire on it and pulled a full size 120 lbs robot around without the wire pulling out. The wire was only a foot long, it was amazing.

With a 6AWG wire inserted, I've dragged the robot several feet sideways (against the wheels) repeatedly.

However, smaller gauge wire does not have as much of a retention force. With a 12AWG wire, I only managed to move the robot a few inches. In fact, I could easily pull it out by simply wrapping it around my hand several times, giving it a few inches of slack and then yanking the giggles out of it. Unfortunately, I smacked my arm into the robot during said yanking. Ouch.

Don't count on those WAGOs on the PD as a structural element, but boy do I love them!

[tseres]

although it is a lot bigger than the IFI control system, who says that FIRST isn't going to allow larger robots, or even heavier ones? i really think robot design wont be the same any more.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by tseres

...who says that FIRST isn't going to allow larger robots, or even heavier ones?

The robots are already about as large as they can be and still fit through a standard doorway. They are already about as heavy as they can be and still be carried safely by two high school students. I don't expect the size and weight limits to be increased. I wouldn't be surprised if the rules next year called for smaller robots.

[Tapoore]

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson

The robots are already about as large as they can be and still fit through a standard doorway. They are already about as heavy as they can be and still be carried safely by two high school students. I don't expect the size and weight limits to be increased. I wouldn't be surprised if the rules next year called for smaller robots.

The OSHA weight limit for a two person lift is 150 lbs. That is the real reason why FIRST can't increase the weight limit.

[Guy Davidson]

Originally Posted by Tapoore

The OSHA weight limit for a two person lift is 150 lbs. That is the real reason why FIRST can't increase the weight limit.

A robot with a battery and bumpers mounted could be up to 120 + 12 + 15 = 147 lbs. At least, that's if I remember correctly, and the battery weights about 15 lbs. So I don't see much room to add weight, if we wish to remain within OSHA regulations.

[sayso_411]

I thought the distribution block/fuse block length was customizable, i dont wanna waste all that space that could be used for something else...