Do we need V5 parts in the 2018-2019 competition?

VEX Robotics Competition Discussion VRC
#1

A teammate was wondering due to the commotion about the new V5 series of CPUs and new controllers, and with all the technical issues we have seen on the forums, do we really need it going into January 2019 competition? The teammate was thinking that many of our competitors and even allies throughout the game day will have these new equipment but is it really worth using and changing our code for? If you could put in some pro advice it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Team FEmales from LR, AR

#2

Competitions in January are still Turning Point, which I will be near certain the VEX Cortex system would still be legal.

#3

There are a couple of other threads that answer your question, but in summary:

  • You can use Cortex stuff for this competition, but…
  • V5s are WAY more powerful than any Cortex motor. I think someone had to do an 8 or 10-motor Cortex drive to even compete with a 2 or 4 motor V5.
  • They’re also much faster, potentially easier to program (if you know C++ or Java), and can easily change the internal gearing.
  • They also have integrated sensors
  • VCS, in my opinion, is simpler and easier to use than RobotC (though other teams prefer PROS too), though it’s not fully functional yet.
  • But it will take forever to ship out to you, if you order now. Remember the “Ships in 8 Weeks” meme? Well, it’s true.
  • V5 Brains don’t handle ESD (static electricity) very well; they’re known to fry motor ports with even a tiny bit of charge.
  • The new wireless communication thing is also easier to use, and probably more reliable
  • But the batteries have had issues when they die, or get charged for too long
  • You also can only use 8 motors without pneumatics, instead of 12 with Cortex stuff.

If I’m missing anything, please correct me.

#4

As what I’ve been seeing, there’s been a trend of people rubbing the bottoms of their drivetrain on the tops of the metal perimeter before they place the robot on the field. I’m not sure if it works but I guess for them it does :). For me, I stopped having any disconnects after placing small strips of VEX Foam on every piece of metal that spans to the VEX Brain and VEXNet, in theory to absorb the electrical shock before it makes its way.

#5

That’s interesting. I’ve almost wondered if the ESD problem was due to elevation and humidity…we haven’t had any issues with motors or brain after we got them, and we’re in Washington. You could almost squeeze water out of the air here with how wet it is.

Anyways what kind of foam are you using for that?

#6

Teams in dry/cold parts of the country always have some some ESD issues. Here in Washington, they have always been rare. Here’s to living in the Great Northwet.

#7

Here in Hawaii as well, no local teams have had ESD

#8

this must mean that if you pour water on your brain the ESD issue will be solved.

#9

@Waffles
…
wAtEr gAyM cuNfuRmD

#10