Introducing the Thrifty Nova

FIRST General Forum
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Introducing the Thrifty Nova:

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of The Thrifty Bot’s first-ever motor controller - the Thrifty Nova! After extensive development and testing, we’re proud to bring you a brushless DC motor controller that combines simplicity, reliability, and advanced features at a competitive price point.

What is the Thrifty Nova?

Wiring Diagram
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The Thrifty Nova is a ground-up designed brushless motor controller built specifically for FRC teams, featuring both USB and CAN functionality. It’s fully legal for the 2025 FRC season and offers the ability to run and test brushless motors without requiring the complete FRC control system.

Key Features

  • Brushless Motor Support: Sensored control for NEOs and NEO 550s
  • Dual Interface: CAN for FRC competition use and USB for configuration via Thrifty Config
  • Advanced Control:
    • Closed-loop velocity and position control
    • Support for internal or external encoders
    • Supply and stator current limits
    • Follower mode capability
  • Robust Protection:
    • Temperature throttling with LED warning system
    • Automatic shutdown protection
    • Reverse polarity protection

Technical Specifications

  • Operating Voltage: 12V nominal (4-20V range, 25V absolute max)
  • Current Ratings:
    • 45A Continuous
    • 80A Burst (2 seconds)
    • 110A Absolute Maximum
  • Premium Wiring:
    • 12AWG power wires with flexible silicone jacket (6-inch length)
    • Soldered loopback 22AWG CAN cable with silicone jacket

Quality Assurance

Every Thrifty Nova undergoes final assembly, testing, and inspection in Lapeer, Michigan at Cypress Integration Solutions. Each unit receives a unique serial number that’s both programmed into memory and marked on the inside of the case.

Ecosystem Products

Thrifty Slider Board

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Perfect for testing and prototyping, the Thrifty Motor Runner Board provides a plug-and-play interface for controlling your brushless motors - no coding required! Features include:

  • Simple two-position switch for direction control
  • Analog potentiometer for precise speed control
  • Through-hole components for maximum durability
  • Included protective case and ribbon cable
  • Watch it in action here

Thrifty Nova Sensor Hat

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Enhance your Nova’s capabilities with our dedicated sensor interface board:

  • Visual feedback system with status LEDs
  • Dedicated sensor power supply
  • 5V to 3.3V level shifting
  • Support for both analog and digital sensors
  • Compatible with Thrifty Hall Effect sensors
  • Top-mounted 10-pin connector for flexible positioning

Available Bundles and Accessories

  1. 4 Thrifty Novas + Motor Runner Bundle
    • Includes four Thrifty Nova controllers
    • Free Thrifty Motor Runner included!
  2. 10-Pin Ribbon Cables
    • Available lengths: 12", 24", and 36"
    • Available in packs of 5
  3. Can Cable
    • Soldered loopback to protect CAN bus if cable is unplugged

Documentation & Software

Comprehensive documentation is available at docs.home.thethriftybot.com
The Thrifty Config USB client allows for:

  • Easy parameter configuration
  • Real-time monitoring
  • Standalone motor testing without FRC control system

Pre-Order Information

All pre-orders will begin shipping the first week of December. All Pre-Orders will receive a Thrifty USB Cable.
Questions? Feel free to ask below! We’re excited to see what the FRC community builds with the Thrifty Nova.

61 Likes
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Wooohoooo! Thank you!

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This is incredible

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This will be a nice cheaper alternative to a SPARK MAX

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One runner board controls one nova, right? Similarly, can you control multiple devices at once through USB?

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Do you have a place for suggestions or contributions to help out? The can frame periods cannot be used as described Factory Default | Thrifty Nova and the values dont line up with another section of the documentation. Configure CAN Frequency | Thrifty Nova

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Correct. Controlling multiple devices at once over USB is the next feature we are adding to the app, I am hopeful to have it ready when they ship.

4 Likes
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@Ryan_Dognaux is the Nova protected from these types of issues with Neos and Neo 550?

1 Like
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Check out this link on the bottom we have a contact us. We are working on a CAN enabled factory reset, and then that page will be updated to reflect this.

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Ok, so probably not worth submitting anything about as it is going to change soon.

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It looks like it uses the same stupid too-wide data port connector that makes it so easy to plug the cable in wrong. Ugh. I wish that thing would die.

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Ok - I have to ask.

I see that it has closed loop position and velocity control. Does it also do true closed loop motion control that closes the loop on position at the end of the profile? Because that would be pretty big since you can use it with Rev Motors, since their implementation is… questionable. And it’s less expensive than the Spark Max.

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I would rather not comment on software that has not gone through full validation yet, but we are working on the testing of this feature as we understand it is important to teams.

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Will this work with the new Minion?

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We won’t advertise driving one until we have one in hand and have driven it, which we have not done.

7 Likes
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Can we get any pictures of the Nova PCBA? I assume the fancy housing hasn’t been production implemented yet.

Also curious if the hats are going to be conformal coated, given the FOD risk.

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I LOVE this. This looks like it will be so awesome to do early prototyping with actual motors and not hand drills.

8 Likes
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Final version will look more like this -

image-153
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Here are a few videos highlighting the motor runner and a preview of the thrifty config app. We’ll be making more of these in the upcoming weeks.

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That’s more like it, loving all of these circle things.

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If TTB could make a little mascot like this that would be fun. https://youtu.be/_WiwOojDTrs?feature=shared

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