Sensor Feedback

So we’re coming down to 2 weeks left in this year’s build season, and I think it’s time to see how robots look programming wise this year.

How many sensors is your team using this year, and (if you care to share) what types?

It’s looking like a couple of pots and the camera.

This is a very rough estimate, but we’re thinking maybe something around 6 potentiometers, 6 switches (or a 6 position dip switch block), 2 quadrature encoders, 1 CMUcam2, 1 gyro, and I’d like to add 2 thermistors if we do end up using the FP motors. The pots are for game play mechanism control, switches for autonomous selection, encoders for autonomous navigation and maybe PID, the camera’s purpose is rather obvious, goal locating, the gyro is for autonomous, and the thermistors would be to keep that lovely smell of burnt insulation out of our pit. I would really like to add some current sensing and an ultrasonic range finder, but those are just icing and while they would improve some operations, they are not really needed. An accelerometer would be nice for automatic tip correction, but thats not the easiest thing with only 2 axis, it may show up on our robot, but it is not too likely. So thats 18-21 sensors total. (I’m pretty sure thats a record for us)

Sounds like us. We’ve got 2 pots, then the kit gyro and accelerometer. For digitals we’re using 4 limit switches, a banner sensor, a 2 phase encoder, a reed switch, and a 3 and 4 position selector switch. Add camera to all.

What are the teams with 9+ analog inputs doing with them?

^ 9+ analog inputs could be used for rotation in conjunction with an autonomous switch of some sort.