Parameters file for quick code updates

[ajlapp]

This year we're planning to add the ability to update our most frequently adjusted parameters via a file loaded onto the cRIO.

We're thinking that this will make code changes much faster since we spend a lot of time adjusting setpoints, limits and gains. We'll also be using this same technique to do a scripted auton.

Questions:

Are there teams out there that are using this extensively?

About how many variables are you managing this way?

Did you write any error checking to see if a value is being sent to the wrong place or is out of bounds?

Did you place this file read in "Disabled?"

Can this method actually create a global variable and assign it the appropriate value? I'm currently unpacking a file, reading the "name" and comparing this to the existing global variable name....then writing error info if things don't match.

Can any of this be done in real-time via the dashboard?

Thanks for your help.