Not sure if this has been answered somewhere else, but I've seen the question a few times now: How do you enable autonomous mode? Answers have included settin the team number to 0000, simply set your outputs to neutral, or just don't touch your controls.
As you get your robot running and really want to test out how it will perform in competition, being able to simulate the competition conditions will often reveal hidden problems that you did not anticipate. On the Innovation FIRST web site there is a single page document that shows you how to use the competition port to do three thinigs:
1.) Enable autonomous mode
2.) Enable alternate channel access
3.) Enable/diasble robot controller output (i.e. start/stop a match)
I've provided the URL below. I would encourage teams to make this adapter, and use the enable/disable switch as a safety when you are testing your robot or even just demonstrating it around guests. It is a good idea to always have a "safety officer" with this switch, ready to shut off the robot at any time with the push of a button. The motors and pneumatics you may be using can cause serious injury - keep safety in mond ALL the time.
This adapter is easy to make and you do not need to be fearful of "messing" with the compeittion port. Just BE CAREFUL because incorrect wiring CAN destroy your controller. Have your wiring and all the connector pins checked and double checked before you install it. Use shrink wrap around the solder connections to insulate the connections and prevent accedental short circuits.
Making and using this adapter will not only allow you to simulate actual competition situations, but will also help you operate and test your robot more safely.
Competition Port Instructions
Jeff