Programming Minibot

[Team 2016]

Is there any language we have to use to program the minibot?

[Dustin Shadbolt]

I do believe reading that you could use LabView or maybe easyC? Something like that. I'm kind of concerned with this also because I have never programmed outside of FRC and general programming.

[2829ron]

Originally Posted by Team 2016

Is there any language we have to use to program the minibot?

It appears that if you use the NXT controller than you will be using a simplified version of Labview. Really simplified.

David
Team #2829

[PSHRobotics]

In regards to using LabView to program, this thread in the LabView section has some pretty decent discussion.

My post in that thread discusses how you could accomplish programming in LabView for FRC and FTC on the same computer:

Originally Posted by PSHRobotics

How would you manage to have the minibot continue up the pole once it is disconnected from the main robot?

Also, LabView is pretty popular for FTC. The FTC section on CD has several teams that use it, including mine.
Now what I'm worried about is access to the libraries for FTC and FRC at the same time. My team has tried to install (last season, not this season) FRC's LabView directly over the version for FTC. The install always failed over three labtops. We had to completely remove everything related to FTC's LabView before installing FRC's LabView. Hopefully this will not be too big of a problem because an "FTC Toolkit" is released to use with LabView which should contain all the libraries for FTC. You can get the Toolkit off of USFirst.org's FTC Programming section in the "LabView Resources" link." Tomorrow, I will try installing the ToolKit over this FRC's LabView and then try to compile our most recent FTC code. I will post any problems or successes here.

Note: kamocat has recently posted a response that for this year he has had no trouble installing FRC LabVIEW on laptops with the FTC LabVIEW.

[JamesBrown]

Originally Posted by 2829ron

It appears that if you use the NXT controller than you will be using a simplified version of Labview. Really simplified.

David
Team #2829

You should be able to use any language you can use for FTC (Labview and RobotC) I believe.

[Bill_B]

I think that is why we were advised to make the acquaintance of FLL or FTC teams. They are familiar with programming the NXT for their respective seasons. Most of the FLL teams are done for the year, but I think FTC are still active. FLL teams are also harder to find.

There has been speculation about restrictions on programming language for the NXT. I will eventually scour the rules to find it. It's only needed after a climber minibot is built that needs an NXT.

[vinnie]

My team was thinking that we were going to use just a simple PIC. Does anyone know if that is against the rules because it isn't used by FTC teams?

[Bill_B]

Originally Posted by vinnie

My team was thinking that we were going to use just a simple PIC. Does anyone know if that is against the rules because it isn't used by FTC teams?

PIC not included in allowable MINBOT parts. AFAIK

[A Tech]

I LOVE THE NXT!!! i have one myself. so how exactly do we program it?

[bcootner]

Can't we just use the FLL NXT-G Mindstorm program that comes with the device? It's a really simple version of Labview

[Tiny Tim]

There has been no word that I know of that says you have to use a certain program though I think if you use LabView it will be easier.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

There are a variety of languages that can be used for the NXT. It is highly recommended you find an FTC team for help. There is a "Find teams in my area" on the First website to help in your search.

[cooldude8181]

Why would you program the Mini-bot?

Everyone knows that code just adds excessive weight.

[swwrobotics]

Can someone post a picture of how to wire your minibot so that no programming is needed? Our team is planning on using switches to turn our minibot on, but we keep blowing fuses in the battery. We're having trouble with this, so the help would be greatly appreciated!

[Techhexium]

Originally Posted by swwrobotics

Can someone post a picture of how to wire your minibot so that no programming is needed? Our team is planning on using switches to turn our minibot on, but we keep blowing fuses in the battery. We're having trouble with this, so the help would be greatly appreciated!

(Emphasis Mine)

To prevent fuses from blowing up you should either use 10A fuses or fix your wiring, meaning making sure there is no metal wiring that isn't underneath the wire sheath being exposed. My FTC has blown the fuses in our wiring but since we replaced them and fixed our wiring it hasn't happened again.