[Yaaarc] New FRC Control System - Announcement & Training

[Keith Mc. (Route-To YAR)]

Neal Probert <neal at nealzilla.com> wrote:
> I'm kinda disappointed, actually. This is vendor lock-in with proprietary software and expensive hardware modules.
> http://www.ni.com/compactrio/
> 
> I was hoping for something a bit more standard, like an ARM chipset in a simpler single board computer layout with standard interfaces. And stuff that would allow the use of open source software.

Actually, a couple of things play into it here.  Some of this is
covered in the FAQ at:
http://first.wpi.edu/2009_FRC_Controller_FAQ_FINAL.pdf

1) They say they are NOT increasing the cost of the Kit of Parts.
2) There will be a SPECIAL team price for one additional copy of
   the system, per year, which I assume will be a DEEP discount.
3) The system will be reusable, from year to year.
4) It's industry supported hardware and software.

I'm betting that FIRST is heading toward a system where there will 
be some kind of a Rookie Kit, where controllers are handed out for
a couple of years, and Game Based "custom plug-ins" for special 
attributes of the year's game.

Given they are buying in the THOUSANDS, I'm hoping the discount
will be DEEP.  Also, in the long run, this saves FIRST bucks
over buying one entire "barely able to handle the problem"
control system per team per year.

- Keith Mc.
ACTI - Automation Computer Technologies, Inc.
FIRST FRC Team 1502, "Technical Difficulties"