So what's in YOUR Custom Circuit this year?

[kmcclary]

Now that the build is over and everyone is competing, let's please start talking about the Custom Circuits everyone came up with (or wished they had)!

IMHO, this is by far still a Mech Eng contest, but with the advent of the Custom Circuit rule that's starting to change. As an Electrical, Computer & Controls Engineer (amongst other things), I'd LOVE to see more flexibility in Custom Circuits design for this contest. IMHO, there's a lot of room on the robot where other sensors, signal conditioners, or cheap yet smart "bricks" could do a thing or two for you to make both the RC's job easier, and the entire system simpler or more understandable to students.

IMO, the best way to do that is start pooling our lessons, and ideas for new Custom Circuits.

For example, WildStangs have a GREAT multichannel motor current monitor sensor set and micro that sends data back through the RC Digital Inputs. That helped them keep tabs on motor currents and overloads. (For tech info, see this thread: )
http://64.119.166.94/forums/showthre...?threadid=3302

My questions to you:
1) How'd you like this year's rules for Custom Circuits?
2) What did you make this time?
3) Did it work? If not, what went wrong?
4) What lessons have you learned for next time?
5) What would you have done if the rules would have allowed it?
6) What dream CC would you like to see someone invent?
7) If you were to write next year's rules, how would you rewrite (or expand) them to both give flexibility, yet keep it fair for the little guys?

So come on guys, lay your stories on us! What's in YOUR wallet... er, uh, Custom Circuit??

- Keith