Re: Programming Minibot
 

So I see that there are multiple languages you can program the minibot in which is fine and I think we can figure that out. Our team's issue is that we don't have a nearby FLL or FTC team and I don't know where to get the "brick" and other other components that are used to build the minibot. Are those just things we can buy on andymark or something? Please forgive my ignorance and any pointers in the right direction will be appreciated.

Team 1737

Re: Programming Minibot
 

Re: Programming Minibot
 

Are we allowed to use a microcontroller such as a Basic Stamp or an Arduino?

Re: Programming Minibot
 

Wouldn't that interfere with rule <R03>?
ROBOT is defined as
The motors are output devices. Or is this a misinterpretation of the rules? ::rtm::

Re: Programming Minibot
 

No, it has to be the one listed on the rules.

Re: Programming Minibot
 

my minibot design is a flat circuit board

it has a switch that kicks on the motors when its activated, and the motors die once it hits the top.

I'll scan my drawing asap

Re: Programming Minibot
 

Motors die as in magic white smoke?
That would be expensive... :-)

Re: Programming Minibot
 

lol!

Re: Programming Minibot
 

The minibot rules do not require a controller. If you intend to use one, it must be the NXT only. The definition of ROBOT & MINIBOT differ. Do not be confused.

Re: Programming Minibot
 

Here's a question I have.

I was pretty familiar with the NXT Brick in FTC and that it could be programmed in LabView.

However those of us on our team are having this debate. I know FTC has there own FMS and the bricks can be tied into them. However, will the Mini-bots be tied into the FMS for us somehow? The manual seemed to be vague on that, not mentioning on it either way, and I didn't see anything in the Control System manuals.

Re: Programming Minibot
 

Dave,
The mini is a completely autonomous vehicle. There is no external control either from the FMS or from a driver station.

Re: Programming Minibot
 

So... can I connect the battery directly to the motor without using that HiTechinic Driver...

That's right?

Re: Programming Minibot
 

Thanks Al!

This then brings up the point theres going to need to be mechanisms to get the robot to move right on time, I'm sensing a big problem that the engineers and programmers on teams will be trying to tackle.

Re: Programming Minibot
 

My team is looking to use an NXT brick, and possibly program with NXT-G (I am not our FRC programming mentor but I am the school's FLL coach so my only experience is with NXT-G). However, our school's FLL team advanced to city champs (same weekend as the NYC Regional) so we won't use their bricks. For us, an FLL team is much easier to find than an FTC team. One of our alumni may lend us his, but I believe his is imaged for one of the other languages.

But since minibot weight stands to make all the difference, minibots that can go without an NXT brick will, in many cases, be very hard for minibots that do have that extra weight to beat.

Re: Programming Minibot
 

IMO - That remains to be ruled upon. If MINIBOT is a subset of ROBOT, then it appears that it must conform to the ROBOT rules, which say that custom circuits (eg. a switch) can not directly supply power to a motor. OTOH, if the MINIBOT is a "robot" (which is hard to define - but I know one when I see one :) ) then some other intrepretation based solely on the manual section 4.3.14 MINIBOT may apply. :confused: