Bills Blog Nov 22nd
Teams will not be restricted to using the Classmate as their Driver Station as long as certain criteria are met and all relevant rules are followed. More details to follow in the 2012 Game Manual when it is released.
I read R80 and see nothing special. What did I miss?
**Teams are permitted to use a portable computing device of their choice (laptop computer, PDAs, etc.) to host the Driver Station software while participating in competition Matches.
**
Please note that 19V DC, 2 amp power will be provided at the Player Station for Classmates provided in the KOPs via Classmate power adapters. The manufacturer has confimed that the power supply provided at the Player Station is compatible with both E09 and E11 Classmate versions. No 120 V AC port will be available.The FMS will verify that the Driver Station software is correct before it will permit a Robot to operate on the Court.
Emphasis mine. <R80> blue box.
[R80]
The Driver Station software provided on the Kit of Parts website is the only tool permitted to specify and communicate the operating mode (i.e. Autonomous/Teleop) and operating state (enable/disable) to the Robot. The Driver Station software must be revision 01.07.12.00 or newer.
Teams are permitted to use a portable computing device of their choice (laptop computer, PDAs, etc.) to host the Driver Station software while participating in competition Matches.
Please note that 19V DC, 2 amp power will be provided at the Player Station for Classmates provided in the KOPs via Classmate power adapters. The manufacturer has confimed that the power supply provided at the Player Station is compatible with both E09 and E11 Classmate versions. No 120 V AC port will be available.
The FMS will verify that the Driver Station software is correct before it will permit a Robot to operate on the Court.
You can use any computer, but it appears you can NOT use other Driver Station software.