Control System Beta Testing and Usage Reporting
October 16, 2024
As teams begin to stock up and prepare for the REEFSCAPESM presented by Haas season, we wanted to share some more information about new technology available for the season. These devices are in addition to all devices listed in R501 and R504 in the 2024 Game Manual. We are working on a set of formal criteria for removing older devices based on a combination of Usage Data and the number of years since the device has been purchasable, but do not plan to remove any devices for 2025.
Vivid Hosting VH-109 Robot Radio
The Vivid Hosting VH-109 radio that we blogged about last year, and used successfully for all teams at the 2024 FIRST® Championship, will be used for all 2025 events with the exception of those in China and Chinese Taipei, which will continue to use OM5P radios. Teams, again with the exception of select areas, will receive a VH-109 in the Season Specific box of their Kit of Parts. For 2025, permitted wiring will remain similar to the manual updates made in Team Update 21 to allow a transition period. We encourage teams to reduce the number of devices and connections by wiring directly from a power distribution device (PDP/PDH) to the radio and plan to require this in 2026. Additional units are available from WestCoast Products.
AndyMark - Koors40
The Koors40 from AndyMark is a standalone brushed motor controller which accepts both standard and extended range PWM input. Built-in overcurrent and temperature protection help keep the controller running even in harsh applications. You can learn more about the device on this AndyMark product page.
CTR Electronics - Minion Motor
The Minion motor is a new brushless motor from CTR Electronics that brings the power of the Phoenix ecosystem to a standalone motor. With mechanical features such as versatile mounting options and a SplineXS shaft, the Minion gives teams flexibility in their designs. Advanced thermal management, 12-gauge wire leads, and advanced commutation techniques (requires additional hardware and licensing) provide performance for demanding robot applications. More information can be found on this CTR Electronics product page.
CTR Electronics - Talon FXS
The CTR Electronics Talon FXS is a versatile motor controller compatible with the CTR Electronics software ecosystem. This standalone device seamlessly supports both brushless and brushed motors, offering teams both flexibility and performance. The controller supports hall sensored brushless motors such as Minion and other standalone FIRST-legal brushless motors. More information can be found on this CTR Electronics product page.
CTR Electronics - PDP 2.0
The CTR Electronics Power Distribution Panel 2.0 is a newly approved main power distribution device. Features such as 24 ATO size channels and multiple angles of entry for input connectors provide teams with flexibility when designing their robots. Leaving current monitoring to motor controllers keeps the device cost, size, and weight down. More information can be found on this CTR Electronics product page.
ReFire Solutions - RF-4003
The RF-4003 from ReFire Solutions is an adapter board for the Kraken X60, converting the screw terminals to Anderson Power Pole and Molex-SL connections. In addition to the power input and the pair of CAN connections, the board provides an additional connector with CAN + protected power, allowing teams to connect a low power CAN sensor to their motor easily. More information will be available on the ReFire Solutions website soon.
REV Robotics - Servo Hub
The Servo Hub from REV Robotics is a CAN-enabled device for powering and controlling servos. Capable of powering and controlling up to 6 servos with up to 15A of total current, the Servo Hub allows teams to power high power servos in remote locations of their robot with reduced wiring. Future firmware updates will unlock additional features like current measurements for each output channel, CAN communication, control individual channel power to enable powered-off servo states, and even adjustable output voltage to provide adaptability to a wide range of servo classes. You can learn more about the device on this REV Robotics product page.
The Thrifty Bot - Thrifty Nova
The Thrifty Nova is a standalone brushless motor controller from The Thrifty Bot with USB and CAN functionality designed to provide teams with a wide range of features and safety functions at an affordable price point. This controller will drive REV Neos and Neo 550s out of the box. The Thrifty Nova is also compatible with the Thrifty Motor Runner, a software-free solution for running brushless motors designed to simplify prototype wiring. You can learn more about the device on this The Thrifty Bot product page.
WestCoast Products Kraken X44
The Kraken X44 from WestCoast Products takes the features, performance, and reliability of the Kraken X60 and shrinks it down for your compact, lower power actuator needs. This motor is designed to be a drop-in replacement for the Kraken X60 as it uses the exact same shaft, overall length and motor pilot boss. For the 2025 season this motor will be approved for use with an integrated CTR Electronics TalonFX controller. You can learn more about the device on this WestCoast Products page.