VEXnet

[Sunny]

So...I think everyone can agree that working with the VEX crystals was a pain. Teams sometimes didn't return the crystals, and I'm not sure exactly how many pairs we have now.

VEX has come out with a new connecting system called VEXnet. Its uses a dongle style communication setup for to the controllers to communicate with the robot, not to mention that field management is REALLY easy. It's literally as easy as flipping a switch, but Mr. Folea has the official set up.

But I'm not going to lie, VEXnet is expensive. One VEXnet upgrade is $150 so we'll need 6 more to accommodate the teams. (we already bought two for VRC) But the truth of the matter is that soon, if not already, crystals will be obsolete. VEX is switching their entire competition structure to require VEXnet, and I'm not sure if some teams will come equipped with the crystal technology. It's a big leap, but I believe that we'll have to make the jump sooner or later.

It's something we'll have to consider when writing up the documentation.

[Tanner]

If it is just for us and SRC, I don't see much of a pro besides "easy of use" in any SRC competitions. If we're having trouble keeping track of crystals, then we should mark the heck out of them (lots of tape or something). Otherwise, for all our VEX systems that only get used once during the year, I don't see much of a point to spend $150 per unit.

'Course it may be good to be "up to date" with current technology, but sometimes the amount of use isn't worth it.

My thoughts...

-Tanner