[Greg McKaskle]

As Joe said. NT and SD are already in the template code. So that it isn't magic, let me answer a few of your questions.

Network Tables is a name for the networked variables. The variables have a path that organizes them hierarchically and you can think of the elements at the same level of hierarchy as a table of variables.

Smart Dashboard is really the same thing, but we put all of the variables into the /SmartDashboard/ table. This simply isolates them from some book keeping areas and avoids a bit of clutter.

The LabVIEW Dashboard has a loop that calls the NT Binding function. It is loop 3. It takes in a list of controls and indicators that are then bound to the identically named NT variables. The loop keeps it running even if the robot disconnects and reappears.

The LabVIEW robot template has Robot Main start the NT Server. It is just below the loop towards the bottom of the window.

With those two pieces running, you should simply need to use SD VIs to read and write data. Make sure the name and datatype matches.

On the dashboard, there is a second feature where you don't even need to use a read or write. By placing your control in the Operation or Auto tab and naming it will make a variable of that name and keep it synched to the robot where you can read or write it. This is more useful for simple checkboxes and numerics, but is not sufficient for more complex types like the cluster you are using.

Greg McKaskle