We received several tweets and emails asking us about last week's announcement on the FRC Blog, so we're bringing you the scoop here!

And if you really want the scoop (along with a big non-disclosure agreement), we do have several job and internship openings posted! Take a look at our jobs page for more information.
Yes, brushless motors are coming!

It was announced last week on the official FRC Blog: Brushless motors are coming to the FIRST Robotics Competition next year!  These kinds of motors are seen in industry and hobby R/C models, and FIRST is starting out with a low-powered motor to test the waters.

Normally we don't pre-announce products here, but people have been asking us about when they'll be available.  Andy's on record as saying late November, so stay tuned!
Thrifty Throttle 2
Quit guessing, try a Thrifty Throttle!

The Thrifty Throttle is a toolbox staple when your robot is acting up.  Connect this to a PWM-based motor controller (sorry, CAN fans) like the Victor SP, press the button, and you'll be able to send known-good PWM signals to test mechanisms and motor controllers.  If it works, you can focus on issues upstream.  If it doesn't work, then you know to start focusing on the motor controller, the PWM cable itself, the motor, or the mechanism the motor is powering.

For $30 (and a 9V battery), you get a powerful troubleshooting tool that will pay for itself the first time it gets your team's build meeting back on track.
big-bills-money.jpg
What's on Deal of the Day next week?

We've got parts for robots big and small, all on sale for one day a piece!  Here's what we've got planned for next week, so mark your calendar now.



Saturday 11/11:  2011 Analog Breakout (am-0867)
We're here to help!

If you have questions about our products, we're here five days a week with hundreds of years of combined FIRST  experience--don't hesitate to give us a call or an email .  Keep checking our  new products page  for fresh releases, and be sure to check each day for our Deal of the Day .  You never know when you're going to find a steal!