New Stuff To Do! Check out the links below...

When will we receive the new control system? Is there any benefit to purchasing an NI CompactRIO controller now?

FIRST is continuing to work out the logistics of the exact availability date for the new control system, but it will be no later than Kickoff of the 2009 season. We are working extremely hard to make the new system available as early as possible.

We know some teams want to begin using the new control system. However, we advise against purchasing a current NI CompactRIO system from National Instruments. The prices listed on www.ni.com do not reflect the discounted price FIRST teams will pay for purchasing additional controllers, and more importantly, the software experience for the 2009 FRC controller in the 2009 Kit of Parts will differ significantly from an off-the-shelf NI CompactRIO system. Additionally, you will not be able to work with the other components of the control system. Instead of purchasing a NI CompactRIO controller now, we recommend that teams begin learning programming skills in C/C++ or LabVIEW.

What can we do now to learn more?

You can begin reviewing the training material already available online at:
Tutorial: Getting Started with the New Control System
Slideshare: Training sessions from the 2008 Championship
Tutorial: Program the New Controller with NI LabVIEW
Tutorial: C / C++ Programming for the 2009 FRC Control System