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Keep in mind this is my first year programming for FRC, but not my first year programming graphically. (I use Wiremod for Garry's Mod, not sure if you guys have played it.) I'm progressing very well currently. LabVIEW makes things simple.

I'm looking for a number of crash course, step-by-step tutorials on how to make things work. If you can find tutorials and other such items on other websites, I'd appreciate the links. This might be quite the lengthy thread.

Pneumatics

1. What sort of VI palette should I use to control the spikes? General Motors, Relays, or Solenoids? Which one is the most simple and will allow quick implementation?


2. I hear the older Festo devices (larger ones) have a high failure rate. Is it recommended to use a newer valve produced by a different company?


3. I do not know much about Relays in general. Their purpose, functions, and advantages are all unknown to me. Is there a detailed tutorial that explains how they work?


4. I want to program an automatic pressure release that takes place 2 seconds before the end of a match. Ben Zimmer, who provided the LV Mastery videos, touched base on a subject like this. Has anyone made a subVI that I may implement? If not, doe anyone have any idea of the placement and design to make this happen in this year's code?


Encoders

1. We are planning to use the encoders that were provided for this year's gearboxes. Is there a wiring diagram that would thoroughly explain how to wire one into the 2010 Control System as well as an Encoder tutorial that would provide some insight into how I would implement this into this year's code?


2. The encoder rate is in (something)-per-ticks. I had no luck finding a subVI here that would convert it from '(something)-per-ticks' to 'feet-per-second'. How would I convert to 'feet-per-second'?


General Knowlege

1. I did my best to find a function in LabVIEW similar to a Boolean Latch switch (Toggle Switch), but for a True/False. I want to press Button 1 to change the statement to True and press it again to make it False. Is the Case Selector in a case structure already toggle or do I need to create more code?




I'll be asking more questions as they arise, any valuable input is appreciated very much!