Multiple Auto Modes?

[Unexas]

Originally Posted by EDesbiens

If someone needs help with having multiple autonomous modes on a Labview driver station, PM me We could discuss/skype about it...

I think i got it but if i run into any problems i will give you a call.

[Tparbotmail]

Last year we used a toggle switch which plugged into the DIO ports on the rio. we would flip the switch to run the code for that particular orientation on the field. This year we are going to work with an analog dial. However I'd love to try to incorporate this into the driver station.

[Team34Guy]

Originally Posted by EDesbiens

Why wouldn't your guys do it on the computer with a selector in the driver station? Way simpler and you can change the number of modes at any time...

There are multiple methods of doing this task. Our thinking was that with the changing field elements and changing start positions, it would be just as easy to set the switches when the robot was placed on the field. We've coded multiple routines in the past. It was just one of many options.

[Tparbotmail]

I am always concerned about game day operation with respect to the use of the driver station software. If there was a bug, or the laptop got hung up it may cause a problem with operation. On the other hand the switches always work. It all depends on your comfort level.

[Ari423]

In my three years I've programmed and driven with all three methods: switches on robot, physical switches on the control panel, and a virtual dashboard selector. Personally, I like physical switches on the control panel the best because you can set it really quickly (no need to fiddle around getting the cursor to the right spot) and you can make the change after you put your robot on the field (for last minute strategy changes). I know in 2014 we made last minute changes a number of times (to run or not to run) that we otherwise wouldn't have been able to make. But to each his own.

[hardcopi]

What 2959 did is to create a scripting language. It is a pretty straight forward language that lets our drive team code a new auto on the fly. We have a couple dozen pre-written that we can load up, but it is pretty simple to code on the fly.

We tested it with our new programmers and after half an hour of instruction they were able to code a bot to go through a small maze an pick up a can at the end in about 1/2 an hour.

We extended it this year to allow for if then statements and functions, etc. We are hoping this gives us the edge during autonomous.