2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

what languages can the FTC robots be programmed in? LabView?
there is no FTC team in our area that we know of so i am tryin to find our option

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

I haven't done extensive research on the subject (and unfortunately the USFIRST website, which I assume would have the answer, is down), but if the setup is the same as regular VEX you have the options of RobotC, EasyC, or LabVIEW. This may be inaccurate, however.

I'm guessing that the following site will have the answer (when the server is back up): http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr....aspx?id=18758

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

thank you. do you have any experience programming the VEX bots with labview?

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

Actually, it looks like I was wrong. A quick Google says there is no easy way to use LabVIEW with VEX. It looks like your options are RobotC or EasyC, at least one of which I assume will be with the software.

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

Is RobotC or EasyC based off of C/C++ or something? Does anyone have an example of a program source code in that language?

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

From an FTC website: http://sites.google.com/site/ftciowacoaches/software

'The LEGO NXT bricks can run on one of three software programs: NXT-G, LabView or RobotC. However, to compete in an FTC competition, teams must use LabView or RobotC.'

I understand RobotC is text-based; NXT-G is a simple visual LabVIEW-type language but not allowed in FTC. Good Q for Wednesday: does the FTC programming rule apply, or can we program in NXT-G?


The Oregon FTC/FLL website ORTOP also has info. http://www.ortop.org/ftc/

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

Is there any real advantage to having code on the minibot?

Because everyone knows that code just ads excessive weight.

Would a bot that would just start when it knows the pole is there work better than something that the drivers would have to control?

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

software, or code, has no weight. for any robot to move, it needs code. otherwise, to get it running would be direct control between motor wires and battery, which is illegal

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

The minibots have to completely autonomous. Also, the video shows the base of the poles as a obstacle to be overcome. Unless your minibot can somehow climb the base, it'll have to directly planted from the robot onto the pole and begin climbing.

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

Are you sure? Why couldn't one simply leave it running forward, until it hits a switch, then drive in reverse? (Assuming they don't have to stay at the top)

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

that would take code. we do not have self programmed parts available to this competition. no code, no movement.

plus, that means your minibot would be running the entire autonomous and teleop match, leaving no battery life left

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

Can you cite the specific rule that forbids this please?

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

I could not find a specific rule on this, so it MAY be legal, but if your minibot runs the entire match, you have no power when you need it to climb the last 10 seconds

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

the game manuel seems to be alittle on the vague side towards these minibots. how do we control them!

The FTC mini-kit from FIRST Choice, does that include 'everything' to make a minibot? If we use an NXT with this 'mini-kit', is it a functioning minibot?

Re: 2011 Logomotion Mini Bots
 

not necessarily, you could have a three way switch that connects the battery directly to the motor forward, backwards, and off, and the main robot could turn it on, deploy it, it would hit the top, flipping the switch, sending it in reverse. No wasted battery, no code