Finding a control system

[Pat Hannan]

Hi, I was in FIRST last year for the 2009 competition unfortunately I graduated and had to move off to college but I quickly found another robotics team. The problem I have is our control system is the same kind you would find in a RC car/plane and has no autonomous capability, figures that the year I joined my current team they added an autonomous section to the competition.

So my question is; how would I put together a control system comparable to the current FIRST control system, or is there any team who would be willing to sell or donate the older(IFI) control system?

Thanks,
Pat

[thefro526]

I'd look into using a vex controller. It's probably more than powerful enough for what you'll use it for, and it's cheap too....

[Pat Hannan]

how would I set that up to work as a controller with the wireless router and receiver setup?

[Pat Hannan]

I'm looking at the vex controller it seems its an all encompassing system. so with only that I would have all I need to control the robot and program an autonomous mode, still being able to switch back and forth from autonomous and teleoperated?

[thefro526]

Originally Posted by Pat Hannan

I'm looking at the vex controller it seems its an all encompassing system. so with only that I would have all I need to control the robot and program an autonomous mode, still being able to switch back and forth from autonomous and teleoperated?

The vex Controller is an all encompassing system as long as you buy the transmitter, receiver, micro controller and programming kit. I believe you can get all of these items in a bundle or something of the sort.

As far as switching, IIRC, you can switch from Autonomous to Teleop by placing a jumper or installing a switch.

[RyanN]

Sounds like the ATMAE competition. I just began working with a team because they needed an electrical/programming person with the new autonomous they added this year.

I'm probably going to take an old FRC control system from IFI and use it... I just have to convince them that this system is reliable.

They used van door motors last year for drive motors... I was a bit turned off by that. Even more that they want to reuse them this year when I already introduced them to CIM Motors and sealed planetary gear drives for them.

[DavidGitz]

Team 2219 donated their IFI System to the SIU-Carbondale ATMAE team last year, and they got along with 2nd place, the best Control System Award. It's a great system!