Another idea for future competitions

[archiver]

Posted by Chris Hibner at 04/12/2001 3:04 PM EST


Coach on team #308, Walled Lake Monster, from Walled Lake Schools and TRW Automotive Electronics.


In Reply to: Another idea for future competitions
Posted by Kris Verdeyen on 04/12/2001 11:42 AM EST:



: One thing that I've noticed about FIRST is its emphasis on mechanical engineering and design to the extent of virtually eliminating any creative electrical and software designs. IMHO, FIRST needs to rectify this. Perhaps by allowing more purchase of electrical parts (by opening up the Digi-Key catalog similarly to the SPI arrangement), or by letting the robots compete autonomously for 15 seconds or so before the controllers turn on.

This is a great idea. I made a similar suggestion to FIRST a couple of years ago. The biggest problem limiting this is the microprocessor that is being used. We would need to switch to something a little more powerful like a Motorola HC11 or something like that. Since Motorola is a big sponsor, they might be willing to help out to make the transition. The biggest problem with making a transition is that Innovation FIRST would most likely have to do a big overhaul of the control system. I doubt we'll see anything like this for a few years.

-Chris