Easiest way to program autonomous?

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by team-4480

We are planning on using a NavX, ultrasonic sensors, and some very basic vision to try and score a goal in autonomous. Will this be enough to have it consistently score a low or high goal each time?

IMHO: "Basic Vision" - No.

Except for the low bar, crossing a defense introduces a lot of uncertainty on where you end up. You will need more than "basic vision" and NavX to figure out where you are to shoot a high goal.

NavX can get you close (+/- 0.5 meters after 7 seconds). Who knows how much NavX will be thrown off by all the bumping over the Defense. Then use Vision to find the goal and figure out what you have to do to get to a shooting position.

If you want to score the low goal, then you need to drive up to the wall (note: the ultrasonic sensor has a minimum distance of 12 inches), turn, and then drive some more. I have no idea how easy it is to find the low goal with the ultrasonic sensor (low goal may be at an angle, and has a big hole in it).

[team-4480]

Originally Posted by rich2202

IMHO: "Basic Vision" - No.

Except for the low bar, crossing a defense introduces a lot of uncertainty on where you end up. You will need more than "basic vision" and NavX to figure out where you are to shoot a high goal.

Well that means we have a chance because we(as well as 90 percent of the CD community) are going under the low bar. I don't expect to hit the high goal every time, but if we get at least three or four in a regional, I would be satisfied.

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by team-4480

Well that means we have a chance because we(as well as 90 percent of the CD community) are going under the low bar. I don't expect to hit the high goal every time, but if we get at least three or four in a regional, I would be satisfied.

What happens if you have an alliance where all the robots can only do low bar for autonomous?

[Brian Michell]

I agree with GreyingJay about just "blind firing" your motors. Simply follow the template provided in the autonomous independent.vi that is generated by default. There are still about 19 days left until bag 'n tag, plenty of time to write a quality autonomous program. Even after bag 'n tag if you have a second chassis built that runs similarly to your robot in the bag you can program it. Just add weight to that second chassis until it is about equal to your competition robot.

If you need anything feel free to PM me, I would be glad to help.

[team-4480]

Originally Posted by rich2202

What happens if you have an alliance where all the robots can only do low bar for autonomous?

If that is the case, I would see who has the best shooter autonomous and let them go through the low bar. Our robot would then try to just get over a different defense without trying to shoot.

[GreyingJay]

Originally Posted by team-4480

If that is the case, I would see who has the best shooter autonomous and let them go through the low bar. Our robot would then try to just get over a different defense without trying to shoot.

Yup, let the most reliable guy go for the tower shot, and everyone else can try a reach or a cross on another defense.

You could also start one of them as the spy bot, for potentially a second shot at the tower.