Early Bird Control System

[Brandon Holley]

Originally Posted by NickE

You don't have to miss them. (assuming you have them or can find a place to buy them) We have been using our old flightsticks with success on our beta bot, and it gives us a faster boot up time than when using usb joysticks.

We have them, but from what I understand there is currently no place to purchase them, which would technically make them an illegal item, according to last years rules concerning COTS items.

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by Brandon Holley

We have them, but from what I understand there is currently no place to purchase them, which would technically make them an illegal item, according to last years rules concerning COTS items.

Why were they legal the last 4 seasons then? I agree with your reasoning, but there was a separate rule that allowed them I beleive.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

Why were they legal the last 4 seasons then? I agree with your reasoning, but there was a separate rule that allowed them I beleive.

<R36> comes the closest. Why: It can be argued that it is a COTS mechanism (e.g., the handle could be removed and replaced without damage (I think--correct me if I'm wrong)). While it is not commercially available anymore, <R36> covered that. Let's go through the conditions:
--Unmodified and in original condition.
--Not custom made for FRC and provided in the KOP. (While they were KOP items, they weren't custom for FRC.)
--Satisfy all rules (that aren't <R36>) for the year.

If it passes all of them, it's legal for the 2008 season.

It remains to be seen whether or not this will change in 2009.

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

Why were they legal the last 4 seasons then? I agree with your reasoning, but there was a separate rule that allowed them I beleive.

I seem to recall a Q/A forum post that allowed them.

[Jeff Pahl]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

I seem to recall a Q/A forum post that allowed them.

Actually, in the past they have been legal because they are not part of the robot. There have been no rules constraining the driver controls. They have not been required to be listed on the bill of materials or subject to the costing requirements. That's why you can use a $2000 laptop as your dashboard display. Or in the case of 1379, a $5000+ industrial touch screen computer (one of our main sponsor's primary products). There have been no requirements in the inspection checklist to examine anything on the driver controls other than to make sure the correct team number and firmware versions come up on the OI.

Of course, as always, rules are subject to change

[Brandon Holley]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

Why were they legal the last 4 seasons then? I agree with your reasoning, but there was a separate rule that allowed them I beleive.

It appears I misunderstood, I apologize.