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Unread 22-09-2005, 18:21
RIgnazio RIgnazio is offline
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Exclamation Re: Programming - Getting Started

Quote:
also, everyone speaks about a "dongle" and i saw the picture and everything. but what exactly IS it?
A dongle can be made with a RS-232 (serial) end, specifically the metal part. If you look at it, there are pins you can solder wires too. What you should do is solder a wire to each pin that would complete the circuit in the Pin Layout for the RC. Now, instead of just attaching a wire and having done it (the easy way) attach a push button switch that is normally in the off or open position. When you press it, (15 seconds), it will simulate the signal that the FIRST computer sends to the robots to start autnomous. When you let go, autonomous will be over and the robot will be live.

Now, why do you say use a switch you may wonder? And why use a normally off/open switch? If your robot goes on an evil plot to kill you and you start to run away, you will let go of the switch, and the robot won't do autonomous anymore.

OK, newcomers, there are a few tips that I myself have:

1. Programming takes time. If it doesn't work correctly/compile on the first attempt, and you can't figure out what is wrong, Save the file, close out MPLAB, and go do something for an hour then come back. It will probably hit you then.

2. Pay attention to the default code. It is your friend. It will tell you just about absolutely everything you need to know to program the robot.

3. Autonomous mode is not hard, you just need to think about it. Remember, there is a 40ms clock in the RC, so 1 second = 26.2ms. This would be a good time for a calculator.

4. NEVER DELETE OLD CODE.

5. Always put new code, even if you're only changing a comment, in a new folder. SAVE AN ENTIRE SEPARATE COPY!

6. NEVER DELETE OLD CODE.

Those should be your ground rules. Enjoy

Last edited by RIgnazio : 23-09-2005 at 10:15. Reason: 40ms is wrong, it should be 26.2ms
 


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