Do we need to use the classmate?
 

Earlier this season, our classmate unfortunately hit some issues. We could fix it, but we figured that it would be easier and cheaper to just use a laptop. I was just curious. Can you use a non-classmate laptop to run driver station during competition? And if yes, what do you need to download? Just the software from the labview CD?

Re: Do we need to use the classmate?
 

Yes, you can find instructions on installing the driver station software on the Kit of Parts website.

Re: Do we need to use the classmate?
 

And make sure your user name is "Driver" so the FMS recognizes the computer right.

Re: Do we need to use the classmate?
 

Make sure you use a upper case D or the field will not recognize it.

Re: Do we need to use the classmate?
 

We also learned that Windows 7 Starter is not supported by the National Instruments Utilities. There is a thread here on CD about it as well. It suggests a possible workaround to use Starter, but I haven't had a chance to try. At the Granite State Regional today, I spoke with a NI rep about this. Unfortunately he was unaware of the problem and said he would get back to me.

I suspect we will end up re-imaging using the image that came in this years KOP to update the older classmates.

Re: Do we need to use the classmate?
 

I converted my laptop into a partial driver station; just make an account called "Driver" and install FRC Driver Station.exe (probably a good idea to install the dashboard also :p)

And labview, of course. You don't need to make the Driver Station the shell of the Driver account (as the classmate is, without the start menu).

*I have never tried this with the FMS, but everything works exactly as intended at home.

Re: Do we need to use the classmate?
 

Nope, do what you want! Uur team is using an Asus netbook this year. The classmate of ours has astonishingly low battery life, long boot-up waits, etc. Glad that alternatives are now available.

Re: Do we need to use the classmate?
 

you could your laptop as one, if the software stuff is on there, thats how i tested code, i think a laptop would be better as a classmate cuz the ds has very low hard disk memory.

Re: Do we need to use the classmate?
 

We even got an iPhone to work as the driver station.