pic: SPARK

[ahartnet]

Originally Posted by JPBlacksmiths

What are the advantages of this as opposed to a talon or victor?

Originally Posted by jkelleyrtp

Mainly just that they are $45 as opposed to $60 or $90. And they have more flashy lights.

I'll add that they're cheaper, have a PWM cable retention (though I need to see it work in person to have faith in it) AND they still have an easy to use limit switch input. Limit switches are a very easy way for teams to improve their robot functionality/robustness in my opinion. It looks like the SPARK has a slight advantage over the talon in its ease of use for the limit switch sensor input since it appears you could plug a PWM cable. Many teams have PWM cables laying around and could rig it up to a limit switch. The talons require a little bit more forethought to use the limit switch, either in the adapter specifically made for it or in having a 2x5.05" header which aren't used much in FRC elsewhere.

Based what I saw from the CTRE testing, I plan on using victors for drivetrain, talon SRX's for any manipulators that require encoder feedback or are pushing motor capabilities, and SPARKs for anything else (things such as intake wheels). Looking forward to 3620s test results to see if I want to stick with that plan or not

[AustinH]

Furthermore, they're available on Amazon Prime...

[s1900ahon]

2468 retrofitted our 2014 robot with Sparks; a quick and simple swap for the Talon SR. These were powering the CIMs of the drive (dual CIM VEX ball shifters). No notable problems with the students driving it "hard" and no noticeable change in driver response.

Scott

I did notice a behavioral quirk of our students.. when we have a new robot and we don't want them to over stress things too much they typically do... and when you have new-to-us motor controllers that you *do* want them to abuse, they don't. Weird.

[lynca]

Originally Posted by AustinH

Furthermore, they're available on Amazon Prime...

Nice ! no shipping costs
I hope more of the Robotics parts become available on Amazon

[marshall]

Originally Posted by lynca

Nice ! no shipping costs
I hope more of the Robotics parts become available on Amazon

From Small Parts to Amazon... we've come full circle.

[runneals]

Originally Posted by marshall

From Small Parts to Amazon... we've come full circle.

Now when robot parts will be in Lowe's/Home Depot/Menards Stores nation-wide Would make it easier to fix stuff during outreach events if it breaks (hey, those handy HVAC duct clips worked magic for a temporary fix for a weld that came undone in the middle of a day-long outreach event