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NI cRIO-FRC II (new 4-slot controller)
Versus
NI cRIO-FRC (old 8-slot controller)
Doug Norman
National Instruments
January 6, 2012
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Form Factor Differences
NI cRIO-FRC II
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7 inches long
1.42 pounds
Up to 4 modules
1 Ethernet port
Software switches
Power – 2 terminal
NI cRIO-FRC
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11.4 inches long
2.05 pounds
Up to 6 modules
2 Ethernet ports
Physical DIP switches
Power – 4 terminal
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Hardware Comparison
DRAM
Storage
Processor
Input Power
Power (max)
Module slots
NI cRIO-FRC II
128 MB
256 MB
400 MHz
9 to 30 VDC
15 W
4
NI cRIO-FRC
64 MB
128 MB
400 MHz
19 to 30 VDC
20 W
8 (6 for FRC)
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Physical Wiring
• NI cRIO-FRC II can run on 12 VDC
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But 24V source must be used on the robot
• Power connector differs between controllers
• Camera connection
Default connection is to the robot radio
 May wire it to Ethernet port 2 on the 8-slot controller
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LabVIEW Software Changes
• Modules chosen by number rather that slot
NI cRIO-FRC II Digital Module 2 would be slot 4
 NI cRIO FRC Digital Module 2 would be slot 6
 Easier to port code between controllers
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• WPI_UtilitiesFRC ReadSwitch.vi
Only works for the NI cRIO-FRC
 It reads USER1 – a physical switch on the 8-slot controller
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Controller Information
• Either controller can be used for the 2012 season
• The old NI cRIO-FRC 8-slot is no longer for sale
• The new NI cRIO-FRC II is less expensive
Controller = $285
 Controller with modules = $525
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Which Controller to Use?
• Rookie team choice is easy – new 4-slot in the kit
• How most teams will view the difference
Old controller has potential for more I/O
 New controller has more DRAM for robot program
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Questions?
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