2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

Folks,

On Chief Delphi, let's use this thread to discuss the 2009 FRC season's version of the 5th Gear FRC match simulator.

Notice that there is a FIRST FORUM here (FIRST Forums 5th Gear Simulations page) for Q&A when you have an installation, maintenance or similar question.

Here is where you go to see the announcement, download instructions, and download the software
http://thinktank.wpi.edu/article/141
Thanks WPI !!!

Please direct all other Chief Delphi 5th Gear conversations here first, and only spin off new/different threads if necessary.

Blake

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

Is there any way to play it alone or over the internet, not just on a LAN?

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

FYI - I just had to put pointers into 9 :ahh: separate threads to get them all pointed at this one :)

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

If this is the watering hole, a link to the simulation would be valuable.

http://thinktank.wpi.edu/article/141

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

Hi - We are glad you are interested!

We developed this year's version with only LANs in mind. Like you, we would like to expand its reach out into WANs (ie any random set of half-fast nodes attached to the internet, or other WANs) but this year we have not done any testing in that sort of configuration, nor have we made a concerted attempt to have the code operate well in that sort of environment.

So, your mileage may vary. If the clients trying to participate in a match can all reach the server with very low delays, it might work OK. If not, then all bets are off.

I suggest trying it in a LAN, before trying it across a WAN, so that if you do try it across the net or another WAN, you can assess for yourself if it glitches.

About playing solo - The computer-controlled-robot software (to give you an opponent) is going to come out later, so for right now, solo play (one client connected to the server) wouldn't be too exciting, but, on the other hand, practice makes perfect.

Blake
PS: I'm guessing that running simulations across the internet or other WANs will be near the top of our most-frequently-requested-improvements-list by the time this season is over.

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

Thanks Don - My mother-in-law called before I could get the link posted. - I just edited the original post to include it.

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

Blake,
First of all, a thank you to you and the Lockheed guys for putting this together. I bet it took a lot of work, and I think it could be very useful to A LOT of teams.


I installed it, and got it running. I do not have anyone else to really play with at the moment, so I figured I would give it a go solo. It didn't appear that was any option for me to control a robot. The match did begin, however the moon rocks were just tossed around the field, and I coudl only control a flying camera. Is there a way to just play a match solo?

Thanks again for your effort.

Brando


EDIT: It appears that you need to have 2 instances running of the simulation...1 to host the game, and 1 to control the robot in the game

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

You got it. It was designed for running a complete match in a LAN environment. AI Robots are coming down the pipe though...

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

Yes, you'll need 1 server instance running. Then, just start another isntance as a client and connect to 127.0.0.1 (which is the default iirc). I did it in sandbox mode last night. It's a good simulation of the drive, I think. Is there a way to make the walls clear, or drive the bot in first person? Even better would be to drive the bot from the driver station's point of view.

If someone set up a dedicated server ... now that would be fantastic! I know we can set one up internally in the school, but porting that out to the internet may be a challenge...

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

I second the request for clear walls.

Sandbox mode...I'm assuming this is referring to driving in somewhat of a sandbox? I did notice the drive to be very different between the 2 modes.


Very awesome tool to have though!

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

Brando - You are correct.

The simulation uses a client(s)-server set-up. The one Server instance of the software that you start up for a match does have a display that can be used to watch what is going on from an adjustable viewpoint. Each user (whether a real human or the computer controlled clients that are due out soon) connects to that server and shows that client's view of the field. The view starts out behind the driver station wall and can be shifted to other perspectives.

The Client instances are how you control a simulated robot. The Server combines the Clients' actions into an integrated result and then sends that result out to the Clients. The Clients then send further actions into the Server, .... This happens rapidly over and over throughout the match.

Blake

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

the install went fine... i did as i was told and installed the .net 3.5 framework sp1 first and then installed the program. but i went to run the program i ran into this error... "Cannot continue. the application is improperly formatted. contact the application vendor for assistance." any ideas?

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

Not yet, though it is on our todo list.

Try the 'C' key for camera modes. 3 modes: Chase (default), Overhead, and Competition view.

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

Anyone have any luck installing in Windows 7? I get a BSOD :ahh:

Re: 2009 5th Gear FRC Match Simulator
 

Installed it and played around in the sandbox a little. One thing I noticed is that when driving into a pile of balls the robot tends to get stuck but I'm sure on what. For example if I drive along a wall into a pile of balls the robot will get stuck even if there is plenty of space for the balls to get pushed. Is this a bug or just something weird happening.

Anyways this thing is awesome and looks to be a great tool. Thanks for all the hard by the engineers at Lockheed.