A device that converts the operator interface 15pin joystick ports, into a USB host, now exists. The device is called USB_chicklet. Check it out at www.crosstheroadelectronics.com. Also please provide feedback about our new website.
Does it comply with the rules regarding no external power sources? I know a team last year developed a PlayStation 2 converter that powered its PIC off the LED feeds on the OI, but does this? There are no up-close photos or detailed descriptions…
There is an up-close photo. It’s just scaled down on the page. Viewing it at full size clearly shows a power input jack at the corner.
I won’t guess about whether or not the OI alone can provide enough power to run a typical USB joystick along with the adapter.
I think I just might go out on a limb and openly praise a Copioli 
Dude, this rocks … and I’m sure if it is being produced by Mike and Omar that they are doing what it takes to make sure it’s FIRST legal.
I would be willing to put money on the fact that this would be legal. If my assumption is correct this website/company is an offshoot of a thunder chickens project from last year (The autonomous SD card reader). It will be interesting to see how these things are implemented this year. Welcome to the AndyMark for electronics.
So now our programmer won’t have to have someone hold his ankles as he leans over the wall surrounding the arena floor to download the new program?*
AWESOME!
Probably a formality, but does Cross the Road meet all the requirements as a supplier (federal tax ID, enough supply, etc.)? As good as these products seem, it’d be a shame for them not to get used because of a paperwork issue.
*Yes, this has more or less been the case in the past–at Palmetto on Thursday, our programmer had a new autonomous for us to try. We were already queued up for the match, so he caught our attention, threw over the program cable, and downloaded the new program while we shuffled closer to the field. Fortunately, the wall isn’t too high, only three feet or so. I’m kidding about holding onto ankles–perhaps I should’ve gotten more sleep last night. >_<
AWESOME!
Yes. Cross The Road Electronics is a registered LLC. Although USB is not, this Application is new. It is the first of it’s kind. This makes parts difficult to obtain in large quantities. At this time we are able to produce 400 of these devices. In 6 months we will be able to produce much larger quantities. These devices will be available to FIRST teams for the 2007 season.
The board looks good. Couple of questions I’m sure others are also wondering about: how does it mount; e.g., what’s on the reverse side ? and what is the power consumption ?
The site looks good. When do you anticipate replacing some of the lorem ipsum with real information?
The board looks good. Couple of questions I’m sure others are also wondering about: how does it mount; e.g., what’s on the reverse side ? and what is the power consumption ?
Yah, I know, I’m working on it now. I’m getting the forum linked right now.
It mounts directly to the DB15 port connection. It uses about 200mA. But the standard for a USB Host is 500mA. So it must be able to provide 500mA to meet the Hosting standard. Although this is not necessary to operate most HID devices, it is the standard.
Note that some USB joy sticks use optical encoders not pots. That coupled with the USB chips may make the power supply issue a problem. May be it’s time for first to relax the rules on this issue. Also note that with out the operating system driver some joy sticks are terrible.
This will not be an issue.
This is SOOOO awesome. I have a ton of applications for this.
Can anyone tell me what it might cost, when and where exactly I can get one?
-Q
CONGRATULATIONS…this is something that FIRST definitely needed, i wish you all the best of luck with your business venture.
theres no price there yet, but they should be available on this website in november
Congratulations, Mike! Just what we needed.
Al
Thanks Al.
Very nice Mike. What it says in my title applies to more than one person in your family. 
This product was created by Omar Zrien and myself. I cannot accept sole credit for it’s creation. And don’t get to excited. You have not seen the price yet.
Would this price be in the few hundred range, or thousand-plus range?
I thought you were going to give them away to your friends. Wink, Wink, Nod, Nod.
I read it as one of two ways:
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It’s gonna be pricey, given the rather short runs that come with a FIRST-oriented product these days.
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FIRST knows about these items, is planning on introducing them to the KoP for 2007, and CtRE will sell more (and spares) to teams, similar to the way that almost everyone places an order with IFI shortly after Kickoff for more Victors. (Could this also mean the return of the CH Flightstick to the kit?)