FRC Blog - Get Ready to Make FIRST Choices

[PayneTrain]

Originally Posted by AllenGregoryIV

Looked through list not much different then last year.

Key take aways
- PDP, VRM, and PCM won't be in the veteran kits this year. That's means teams either get them in FC, buy them, or pull them off last year's robot. Only a 1000 of each in FC and 3000+ teams worldwide now.

While our list reflects this assumption, do you think there is a chance that FIRST will officially announce the status of control systems parts in the veteran KOP?

[AllenGregoryIV]

Originally Posted by PayneTrain

While our list reflects this assumption, do you think there is a chance that FIRST will officially announce the status of control systems parts in the veteran KOP?

On each item page it says if the item is going to be in the kit of parts or not. For these three control system parts they specifically say they will only be in the rookie kit. Unless this is a mistake on FIRST's part, I don't think this is an assumption.

Edit: Looks like the Spark motor controller was just removed. It's page wasn't loading earlier at one point but you could add it to your priority list.

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by AllenGregoryIV

Looked through list not much different then last year.

Key take aways
- PDP, VRM, and PCM won't be in the veteran kits this year. That's means teams either get them in FC, buy them, or pull them off last year's robot. Only a 1000 of each in FC and 3000+ teams worldwide now.
- Talon SRX, Victor SP, and Spark are all the same FC credit yet price per piece varies a lot in the open market.
- This adapter I believe will power the new openmesh radios. It looks like the barrel is the correct size.
- New automotive motor with feedback

Where did you see that? Yes, they are available through FC, but I don't think that means they won't also be included in the KoP. These could be provided as extras for practice boys or backups for teams.

Edit: nevermind

[AdamHeard]

Anyone else unable to add the Fluke meter to priority list?

EDIT: That works now, but Pressure switch won't let me add...

[sanddrag]

Anybody have a spreadsheet of all the items, quantities, and costs yet?

Disappointed to not see the nVidia graphics cards return. Overall pretty decent offerings once again though. It's nice to see some pneumatic cylinders.

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by Joe Derrick

I remember hearing somewhere that the VRM module listed is somehow different from last years. Re-Designed to accommodate the new Radio supply voltage. Is there any more information available on this?
Will the VRM's from last year still be able to supply the required voltage for the new radio?

any links to the appropriate information would be appreciated.

If you read up mr.McLeod said something about it. It seems to me like both will work but the new one will be better. Similar to how there's 2 ways to connect the vrm to the radio one is just more robust.

[PayneTrain]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

Am I blind, or is there no RoboRIO option?

Originally Posted by R.C.

Sadly no was hoping for one too

That's because everyone is getting another one in the kit, right?

Right?

Guys?

[Donut]

Originally Posted by PayneTrain

That's because everyone is getting another one in the kit, right?

Right?

Guys?

Past history says those are not betting odds...

On the note of controllers, when discussing motor controller options with my team I stumbled upon this note that I somehow missed earlier from Kate Pilotte's post on Frank's blog about new legal controllers:

Every team will get a voucher to order three Victor SPs or two Talon SRXes from VEX Robotics. Additionally, Rookie teams will receive 2 Victor SPs in their Kickoff Kit. There will also be limited quantities of Victor 888s, Victor SPs, Talon SRXes, and Sparks in FIRST Choice.

Since all of the motor controllers on FIRST Choice list a "No" for being in the kickoff kit I was initially a little worried about having to make a separate order for them if I couldn't get any from FIRST Choice, but the blog post details ensure that all teams should have access to at least 2 or 3 motor controllers in the kit. I think it is safe to assume from the post that Sparks will be a FIRST Choice only item as well.

Also worth noting, Victor 888's are discontinued and no longer for purchase on Vex Robotics, so the stock in FIRST Choice is likely it. Keep that in mind for spares or design changes during the season since you won't be able to replace or add on with a like part.

[PayneTrain]

Originally Posted by Donut

Past history says those are not betting odds...

I know

[sanddrag]

For reference, attached is a list of last year's (2015 competition season) offerings. Thanks to whoever originally compiled this last year.

[DaveL]

In some cases the part does not have a minimum quantity. From last year does that mean we can order as many as we want, only 1 or is it a typo?

Dave

[Christopher149]

Originally Posted by DaveL

In some cases the part does not have a minimum quantity. From last year does that mean we can order as many as we want, only 1 or is it a typo?

Dave

Should be as many as you want, can afford, and are still in stock.

[DaveL]

Originally Posted by Christopher149

Should be as many as you want, can afford, and are still in stock.

Thanks!

I noticed 2 motor-transmission combinations with a 775 motor.

I'm wondering if they were included by mistake.
(see the details on PG71 gear-motor)

Dave

[Munchskull]

Originally Posted by DaveL

Thanks!

I noticed 2 motor-transmission combinations with a 775 motor.

I'm wondering if they were included by mistake.
(see the details on PG71 gear-motor)

Dave

If you are referring to the fact that it has a RS-775 motor on it, then no it was not a mistake. It was only the banebot motors that were disallowed for the 2016 season. Andymark sells their own RS-775 which is perfectly legal.

[mastachyra]

It says for round two more credits will be issued. I wonder how many and will there be a new stock of parts to choose from? If we get another 600 credits that's gonna blow my mind. The second round will be interesting because we'll have an idea of what our robots will need.

While I like trying to predict what items will sell out first, It'd be really cool if we could do a live draft. I know its a ridiculous thought considering there's 3000 teams, but I think it would be so much fun.