Robocoaches & Signalling Devices

[FRC1540]

<R65> indicates that robocoach controls are limited to 4 inputs. <R69> elaborates on that. So that we're all on the same page, can you give us an official ruling on two strategies many might like to employ?

1) A button toggles between states. Example: Push once to go forward, press again to stop, press again to go forward...

2) A button that advances to the next step in a sequence. For example, press the button once to start hybrid mode and go forward. Press it again to stop. Press it again and the robot goes left, press it again the arm goes up, etc.

[FRC200641]

The rules specify that we can have up to 4 instructions transmitted from the robocoach to the robot, and that these four cannot change. How specific do these instructions have to be?

For example, could a button cycle through three speed settings, or must there be one button for each speed setting?

Also, can the buttons be used to send more than a simple instruction, like starting a sub-routine or telling the robot about the field state?

[GDC]

Please refer to Team Update #3. With the guidance of the referenced "does it do the same thing every time?" litmus test, using a Signaling Device button to toggle Robot actions would not fit within the intent of Hybrid Mode. Nor would using the Signaling Device to step through a multi-step routine.

The messages sent by the Signaling Device can initiate more complex actions or routines that are completely pre-programmed on the Robot. The Signaling Device can also be used to transmit field state information instead of a specific command or action.