My team is planning on using the gyrosystem mentioned in the launch last saturday. I know there is code to handle this but is there anything in the actual hardware we need to do? Is there any tutorials on how to use this code? All I see on http://www.innovationfirst.com/FIRSTRobotics/documentation.htm is 2004 code.
Thanks
nuke
Ok, to begin with, the code used for the kickoff is here:
Also, you will nedd to get a gyro, unfortunatly, the one they used at the kickoff costs $299, which is more than the $200 limit . . . so search for the discussion of alternate gyros.
you mean to say that their little system they were so excited about not only doesnt come with the kit, it is in fact illegal? ? 
!!!
You can get something equally functional for a lot less. Check out RC helicopter gyros, they are about $60, or, get used parts from an aviation supplier.
Do you think it would be worth it to buy it and implement it? Im worried it would be to exspensive/complex to do. What about using the camera instead to correct itself when going after the color coded objects? We would just have it scan then if its hit it could refind the object and go towards it.
nuke
What is the point of the gyros this year anyway? Why couldnt they have made a big deal of this on a year when autonomous mode needed to get to a single fixed location?
Exactly what im thinking. There seems to be many ways to make a great robot without using this. The only reason you should need this is if you hardcoded were your robot went in autonomous mode, which seems like a bad idea anyway.
um… I’m going to have to disagree. There are many uses for a gyrochip besides hardcoded autonomous. Complex drive systems need simplicity of controls for drivers, so drive-by-wire systems can be used to make on-field manuevering easier and more precise. These can definitely use a gyrochip, although it is not the only way to implement it.
Read some of the posts from previous years. For example our experiences last year…
We used a very simple code for it and it worked well. Kevin Watson’s code seems to have some more features though.
It is also useful in autonomous. You can use the camera to get to the colored tetra while tracking your position through accelerometers and a gyro. Keep track of your heading (theta) and your position (x,y). Then write code to go to a specific waypoint (like a goal) using some simple trig once a certain event happens (like picking up a tetra). Gyros do only get you to fixed spots, but the Goals don’t move. You can’t solve your entire problem with gyros, but they do help with half.
-Tony K
has several gyro options for <$50.