RoboRio

[Dale]

It has four relay outputs for Spikes but I imagine you could use those to drive 8 Solenoid valves unless the rules prohibit it. There is a new Pneumatic Control Module from Cross The Road Electronics that communicates over CAN and provides support for many more valves and compressor control.

https://decibel.ni.com/content/docs/DOC-30419

http://uwinfirst.com/Files/roboRIO%2...on%20Flyer.pdf

[Jon Stratis]

As Dale said, you'll probably be controlling your solenoids through the Pneumatics Control Module (PCM). It has specific ports to plug in the compressor and pressure switch, ports for solenoids, and a jumper to let you switch from 12 to 24 volts. It sits on the CAN bus, which lets you add several PCM's if you have enough solenoids to need to (in otherwords, you're no longer limited to the 16 you can currently have with 2 pneumatic modules in the cRio).

New features include native support for CAN on the RoboRio (no more serial to CAN converters), USB host and USB device support, native ports for most outputs (no need for a digital sidecar or breakout boards), and an expansion port to give you as many ports as you'll probably want.

[markmcgary]

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

native ports for most outputs (no need for a digital sidecar or breakout boards), and an expansion port to give you as many ports as you'll probably want.

I've read many threads on CD discussing the robustness, or lack thereof, of the Digital Sidecar. In our first two years, we had never had a problem with a DSC. In 2014, we lost at least three DSCs.

So, I wonder how robust will be the DSC that is now integrated into the RoboRIO? If the integrated DSC dies, do you also lose the entire RoboRIO?

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by markmcgary

I've read many threads on CD discussing the robustness, or lack thereof, of the Digital Sidecar. In our first two years, we had never had a problem with a DSC. In 2014, we lost at least three DSCs.

So, I wonder how robust will be the DSC that is now integrated into the RoboRIO? If the integrated DSC dies, do you also lose the entire RoboRIO?

Don't think of it as an integrated DSC... it's just the controller. If the controller dies, then yes, you lose the controller! It's all together on one circuit board.

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

Don't think of it as an integrated DSC... it's just the controller. If the controller dies, then yes, you lose the controller! It's all together on one circuit board.

I didn't get a chance to come by at CMP but every prototype I've seen has had male pins on the controller. Perhaps someone can explain who thought this was a good idea? Male pins belong on cheap/easily replaceable components not on the core controller. They bend, they break, they accumulate chips. Is the plan to stick with male headers on the RoboRio?

[AllenGregoryIV]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

I didn't get a chance to come by at CMP but every prototype I've seen has had male pins on the controller. Perhaps someone can explain who thought this was a good idea? Male pins belong on cheap/easily replaceable components not on the core controller. They bend, they break, they accumulate chips. Is the plan to stick with male headers on the RoboRio?

I was told the RoboRIO we saw at champs was most likely the final hardware, so yes they are sticking with the male pins on the main controller.

[Mark Sheridan]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

I didn't get a chance to come by at CMP but every prototype I've seen has had male pins on the controller. Perhaps someone can explain who thought this was a good idea? Male pins belong on cheap/easily replaceable components not on the core controller. They bend, they break, they accumulate chips. Is the plan to stick with male headers on the RoboRio?

I talked to an NI engineer at the booth. He was one of the designers and he said he would have recommended industrial connectors for the system but he said compromises were made to work with existing hardware. NI pushed for higher quality connectors and systems. That is why CAN is returning but CAN lacks a universal connector in industry and the system was "simplified" to using bare wire.

I think there was a fear that teams with less resources would struggle using industrial standards and the system was made to be similar to what is currently used. I could tell that NI wanted to introduce FIRST to more professional stuff but there was a reluctance to move to far away from the current model.

Its a shame cause I was hoping FIRST would move away from the bare wire connectors like the WAGO but it looks like they are going to stay . I really wish the PD board came different options, I want one with powerpole 45s board mounted.

[adciv]

Originally Posted by Tem1514 Mentor

Please, please, please tell us more. What "new" features are there. I have heard that there will only be 4 solenoid outputs. What is the true story? And on the subject, will we still be able to use 12 or 24 volt solenoids Directly from controller?

I have so many more questions but lets start here.

There are 8 solenoid outputs per solenoid module. Each module can be separately set for 12v or 24v. The modules connect by CAN to the RoboRio. I am not exactly sure what the current limit is for CAN modules (need to update the software), but it will be more than two. The number we heard was high enough, we're debating what it would take to make a robot that walks.

[cgmv123]

I wasn't trying to encourage anyone to sign up to be a beta test team just to get the new hardware. I was trying to point out the fact that it's not impossible to get the new hardware before October/December, for the right reasons.

[iliampatterson]

Does anyone remember the beta test signup link that was on the NI flyer given out at champs?

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by iliampatterson

Does anyone remember the beta test signup link that was on the NI flyer given out at champs?

Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JLTYSGS

[Chris Endres]

They did talk to our head Electrical mentor, we are signed up for a full Beta testing this summer/fall. I haven't heard anymore specific details about RoboRIO, but all I know is that we get more mechanical room next year.

[orangemoore]

Originally Posted by Chris Endres

They did talk to our head Electrical mentor, we are signed up for a full Beta testing this summer/fall. I haven't heard anymore specific details about RoboRIO, but all I know is that we get more mechanical room next year.

It depends on the space your looking for. It has a larger footprint but a much lover profile giving more "vertical spacing" depending on the orientation.

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by orangemoore

It depends on the space your looking for. It has a larger footprint but a much lover profile giving more "vertical spacing" depending on the orientation.

Overall it has a smaller footprint since it replaces the cRIO and DSC.

[Tom Line]

One of the first questions asked by the alpha teams was about electrical protection. First and NI are quite aware of what would happen if a controller was fried, and we were assured that it is far more resistant to electrical failure than the old DSC.