Building an arena controller

[CJO]

Hey,

We are having a media day in Sacrmento. I know how to build the standard port overrides, and have built a central control system based on the same in the past. This year, however, we are trying to build a more advanced control system which can automatically interface the team colors, timing, etc.

Several people claim to have created such a thing, but I am curious how this was done.

Please respond with ideas.

[cdawzrd]

I had the same idea.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=35833

Someone responded who had seen the control system there, and honestly, it doesnt look very promising. I suspect that all functions other than the standard disable/auto are enclosed in serial comms between the OI and the Arena Controller.

[Nate Smith]

You've got it basically right...my understanding is that the channel select is activated by a password authentication sequence between the OI and AC when it is connected. Once that authentication is completed, a link is established between the two devices, transmitting enable/auton/channel/color/radio data.

If you don't want to get a full field from FIRST, there is an alternative that OCCRA has used for the past few years. Contact IFI directly, and see if you can rent a set of arena controllers directly from them. In conjunction with this, I have designed a basic field controller based on a Basic Stamp which OCCRA used in their 2004 season, and have a greatly improved version in the early design stages. Note that my system does not replace the ACs, but rather interfaces with them, mimicing the rest of the FIRST electronics system. If anyone is interested in the new design, let me know via e-mail.

Also, a clarification on the post mentioning the ethernet link to the Alliance consoles this year...my understanding is that there is a PLC installed in each console which handles control of that alliance station. The ethernet link is actually between that PLC and the main switch/router.

[edit]Also, if anyone is interested, I will be at the West MI event on Saturday only. I can bring information with me then...[/edit]

Originally Posted by cdawzrd

I had the same idea.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=35833

Someone responded who had seen the control system there, and honestly, it doesnt look very promising. I suspect that all functions other than the standard disable/auto are enclosed in serial comms between the OI and the Arena Controller.