|
[DPRG] Processing unit for mobile robot
Subject: [DPRG] Processing unit for mobile robot
From: Pete Bergstrom
bergstro at usa.net
Date: Fri Apr 25 10:42:00 CDT 2008
Randy M. Dumse wrote:
> John Swindle said: Thursday, April 24, 2008 10:08 AM
>> The notable exception is the LabVIEW FPGA that can be
>> embedded in the backplane of industrial controllers to give
>> microsecond resolution and loop rates that are closer to
>> that. Way beyond hobbyist prices.
>
> And yet I just heard on the Seattle list FIRST has chosen the
> LabVIEW Compact RIO for their microcontroller for 2009. That has
> a 400MHz processor and an FPGA in it. And I have to wonder how
> the kid's teams will afford those things.
It's quite a financing challenge, I think. From my involvement this year with
a FRC team, I understand the sponsor paid $6k to FIRST. The team got a kit of
parts (KOP) and a portion of the $6k towards other expenses.
The IFI controller included in the KOP for at least the last 2 years has a
sale price of about $1k; I assume that FIRST gets a break on that. They have
already indicated that teams should delay buying the RIO controller until the
start of the new season as they're working on a price break (from the $2.5k
currently indicated).
I have little doubt that the teams already participating in FRC will be able
to take on the RIO. I do wonder how many more kids would participate if the
sponsorship costs were more affordable. Adding regional tournaments (as in
Minnesota this year) surely reduces the cost for teams to participate by
cutting down on the travel costs, so that's a positive step.
Pete
More information about the DPRG mailing list
|
