Introducing the Thrifty Nova

Sam Dare

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of The Thrifty Bot’s first-ever motor controller - the Thrifty Nova! After extensive development and testing, we’re proud to bring you a brushless DC motor controller that combines simplicity, reliability, and advanced features at a competitive price point.

What is the Thrifty Nova?

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The Thrifty Nova is a ground-up designed brushless motor controller built specifically for FRC teams, featuring both USB and CAN functionality. It’s fully legal for the 2025 FRC season and offers the ability to run and test brushless motors without requiring the complete FRC control system.

Key Features

  • Brushless Motor Support: Sensored control for NEOs and NEO 550s
  • Dual Interface: CAN for FRC competition use and USB for configuration via Thrifty Config
  • Advanced Control:
    • Closed-loop velocity and position control
    • Support for internal or external encoders
    • Supply and stator current limits
    • Follower mode capability
  • Robust Protection:
    • Temperature throttling with LED warning system
    • Automatic shutdown protection
    • Reverse polarity protection

Technical Specifications

  • Operating Voltage: 12V nominal (4-20V range, 25V absolute max)
  • Current Ratings:
    • 45A Continuous
    • 80A Burst (2 seconds)
    • 110A Absolute Maximum
  • Premium Wiring:
    • 12AWG power wires with flexible silicone jacket (6-inch length)
    • Soldered loopback 22AWG CAN cable with silicone jacket

Quality Assurance

Every Thrifty Nova undergoes final assembly, testing, and inspection in Lapeer, Michigan at Cypress Integration Solutions. Each unit receives a unique serial number that’s both programmed into memory and marked on the inside of the case.

Ecosystem Products

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Perfect for testing and prototyping, the Thrifty Motor Runner Board provides a plug-and-play interface for controlling your brushless motors - no coding required!
Price: USD 19.99

Features include:

  • Simple two-position switch for direction control
  • Analog potentiometer for precise speed control
  • Through-hole components for maximum durability
  • Included protective case and ribbon cable

Watch it in action here

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The Thrifty Nova Sensor Hat is designed to work with the Thrifty Nova to provide visual feedback and dedicated power for external sensors. The Sensor Hat sits on top of the Nova and screws down into the tapped 6-32 holes while maintaining access to the status LEDs from the Nova itself.
Price: USD 14.99

Enhance your Nova’s capabilities with our dedicated sensor interface board:

  • Visual feedback system with status LEDs
  • Dedicated sensor power supply
  • 5V to 3.3V level shifting
  • Support for both analog and digital sensors
  • Compatible with Thrifty Hall Effect sensors
  • Top-mounted 10-pin connector for flexible positioning

Available Bundles and Accessories

  1. 4 Thrifty Novas + Motor Runner Bundle
  • Includes four Thrifty Nova controllers
  • Free Thrifty Motor Runner included!
  1. 10-Pin Ribbon Cables
  • Available lengths: 12", 24", and 36"
  • Available in packs of 5
  1. Can Cable
  • Soldered loopback to protect CAN bus if cable is unplugged.

Documentation & Software

Comprehensive documentation is available at docs.home.thethriftybot.com The Thrifty Config USB client allows for:

  • Easy parameter configuration
  • Real-time monitoring
  • Standalone motor testing without FRC control system

Pre-Order Information

All pre-orders will begin shipping the first week of December. All Pre-Orders will receive a Thrifty USB Cable.

Questions? Feel free to ask below! We’re excited to see what the FRC community builds with the Thrifty Nova.

Chief Delphi - Introducing the Thrifty Nova