Top Ten Things NOT to do with the 2009 FRC Control System

[dlavery]

The heading seems a bit alarmist. I usually think of Don't lists as things that will break something. So 5-8 and 10 seem a little overblown. Also:

2. Misleading. You can update in whatever order you like. Should be, "Don't run different software versions (or update levels) on your PC, cRIO, or Driver's Station"

3. Somewhat misleading. You'd probably be fine mounting the cRIO or camera on a small piece of metal, as long as the metal itself is isolated from the rest of your robot's frame.

5. Incorrect. You can use the inputs just fine without pullup or pulldown resistors by actively switching the signal wire from +5V to GND. Or by actively driving the inputs with an external circuit. The only problem is simply connecting signal to ground or 5V and expecting the input to change state when you break that connection.

6. Silly, as the robot won't operate without a dongle. Perhaps, "Don't lose your Enable Dongle" would be more meaningful.

7. Incorrect. The robot wireless, drivers station, and most modern laptop and computer interfaces have auto-sensing technology, and would operate fine with a cross-over cable. So the only cable that absolutely has to be correct is the crossover between port 2 and the camera.

Before being so quick to criticize, one might consider the identity of the original poster, and why he may be providing the information that has been posted. Vince knows what he is talking about, and there is logic to each of his statements.

Wisdom is knowing the difference between "the way to do things" and "the right way to do things." Just because an action may be physically possible does not mean that it is smart to do. Vince is wise. Listen to him.

-dave



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