FTC Programming Template

[Greg Shaw]

Can someone explain what the FTC programming template is. i have come across a few references stating that the FTC programming template must be used but I am unsure what the template is or how it works.

[Andrew Lobos]

Assuming you're using RobotC, you can create a new program with the template by going to File->New->Autonomous/User control Template. The difference between this and a blank program is that the template has the waitForStart function call already in the program. This function is what makes your robot wait for the field to start before autonomous/teleop.

If you use LabView, it is the same concept, and you should be able to find more info here: https://decibel.ni.com/content/docs/DOC-18080

[Andrew Schuetze]

Basically,
It has the needed code to allow the Field Control System, FCS, to start and stop your autonomous code and then start and stop your tele-op code. Your robot is dead in the water without using these.

This thread has some useful information especially post #5 by Alphadog0309.

[PhilBot]

You don't say of you want to use Robot C or Labview.

If you are considering LabVIEW... check out these tutorials.

They specifically cover starting an FTC project using the Program template.

http://www.tetrixrobotics.com/FTC/

See Webinars 3 and 4.

BTW, there is also a dedicated FTC sub-forum that may get you FTC specific answers quicker...

Phil.

[Andrew Schuetze]

Thanks Phil for adding the LabView equivilants and mentioning the FTC sub forum. I'd add to your rep but I need to spread it around according to C.D.

[Greg Shaw]

We are using RobotC. Today we got the wireless to work for the first time YEAH!! Here is our problem: we have to push run on the NXT Brick AFTER the teleop starts to get it to work--obviously this will not be allowed at the competition. We need to figure out how to get the robot to automatically start during the teleop period. Our understanding is that the code needed to make this happen is:

initializeRobot();
waitForStart();

this is followed by our teleop code. It is my understanding that these 2 lines of code represent the RobotC FTC template--is this understanding correct. Wireless does work but only after we push run on the Brick during Teleop. Otherwise the robot does not move. We are not trying to conquer Autonomous at this time. We are trying to master teleop first.

Thanks in advance for any help you can sendour way.

[Andrew Schuetze]

If you are using the FCS for testing, it needs to have an autonomous program loaded and running before the start of the match. (you might not need an autonomous as long as the program chooser has set the tele-op file on the NXT brick.) After autonomous, the FCS will read a short text file which has the name of your teleop program which is will then start. This text file is set by the program chooser.

I would use the full template as provided by CMU and the Robotics Academy as there are other things in the template such as servo initialization, sensor stabilization... As you can read below from the FTC programming pages, RobotC has the templates already loaded onto your computer during the installation process.

Programming Templates

Programming Templates

FIRST Tech Challenge allows teams to choose the programming platform they will use to control their robots during competition. However, it is required that teams have the appropriate template for their chosen platform downloaded and installed for competition. Teams without loaded templates will not pass the software inspection portion of the competition.
<snip>

ROBOTC:

Once the software has been installed, the templates can be found on your computer in the following folder:

......Robotics AcademyROBOTC for Mindstorms/Sample ProgramsNXT/Templates

[yara92]

Originally Posted by PhilBot

You don't say of you want to use Robot C or Labview.

If you are considering LabVIEW... check out these tutorials.

They specifically cover starting an FTC project using the Program template.

http://www.tetrixrobotics.com/FTC/

See Webinars 3 and 4.

BTW, there is also a dedicated FTC sub-forum that may get you FTC specific answers quicker...

Phil.

.

Thanks for the information
But still I have question about LV when I open the sample programme My PC start to open and close. I tried to contact the people at NI , there is no sure answer.
Using Ranger Bot Movement Programming Guide (LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS.
http://tetrixrobotics.com/GettingSta..._ProgGuide.pdf
Can I use To connect a brick for LEGO MINDSTORMS with the Tetrix with the LabVIEW 8.6 software.
a. DC Motor Controller for TETRIX, wired to the first sensor port on the NXT
b. Two TETRIX DC Motors, connected to the motor controller
c. One TETRIX servo controller, connected to the Daisy Chain Port.
OR is the LabVIEW 8.6 downlowd the sutable for these lossons
I tried to use the Lab VIEW Toolkit for LEGO install .

[PhilBot]

To yara92

The very FIRST version of the FTC support for Tetrix was shipped for LabVIEW 2009 (which came out AFTER LabVIEW 8.6).

I don't think that 8.6 will Support the FTC Toolkits.

The Current FTC code (including LabVIEW for LEGO Mindstorms) uses LabVIEW 2010.

For FTC development this year, you should have LabVIEW 2010 (ie: Labview for Lego Mindstorms) installed, and then download the Specific FTC update from the LabVIEW website.

www.ni.com/ftc

This will enable you to write the code for the robot you describe.



To Greg Shaw...

The simple answer is you need to run the Program Chooser on your NXT and select the program you wish to be run during Teleop. Once you do this, the Field Software can uautomatically run it for you at the start of Teleop.

If you don't do this, the FCS will say "No Program Running" when it begins Teleop.


Phil.