[OCCRA]: OCCRA Vex Net Please read 11_06_09

[Rick TYler]

There is apparently still some confusion about VEX product futures. Most new mechanical products aren't announced before they start shipping, but in the electronics and control world, here is what is coming and the announced expected delivery.

1. VEXNet upgrade to the 75 Mhz transmitters and the V.5 controllers: shipping now. Our team just ordered and received 10, but IFI does say they are still in short supply.

2. VEXNet upgrades to the competition field electronics. While this is mostly of interest to event organizers, the VEXNet field upgrade is in very short supply, but some units have been shipped. According to IFI, another batch is going out in December.

3. The new 32-bit Cortex VEX controller: the last announcement was that these were going to be available this calendar year. These controllers work with either the VEXNet USB device or with 75 MHz receivers.

4. The new 32-bit ARM9 controller: shipping in 2010. No specific date.

5. The new VEXNet joystick transmitter: this is a VEXNet transmitter which looks something like an X-Box control, and was announced for first shipment in the first quarter of 2010.

The current V.5 controllers are being continued as an entry-level option, and (although I haven't seen a public announcement) the current transmitters should continue, also. Most VEX users are in the classroom, not on the competition field, and the crystal-controlled solutions are a less-expensive alternative that works fine for most applications.

IFI has not announced any other new transmitters or receivers. IFI has not yet announced whether or not the new ARM controllers will be legal for VRC this year. IFI has announced that VEXNet will be required on all robots competing at World Championships.

EDITED TO ADD: Link to IFI announcement: http://www.vexforum.com/showthread.php?t=16311