C coding

[whitetiger0990]

If you have done any sort of programming before, learning C will be a breeze. Programming logic translate directly from language to language (usually). The only thing you need to do is get used to the syntax of the language. Control structure logic will be mostly the same. (while, for, if, etc).

By looking at the links said previously, you can get a handle of what's going on. And if you read the error messages, you'll be able to fix what's going on. (Don't forget ;s)

Like likevanoort said, you should strive to have a fluid system between the driver and the bot. But also remember that you cannot solve all mechanical problems through programming (so, it's probably a good idea to stay in the design and build development loop, motors can only take so much rigorous testing). Everything they request might not be able to be implemented (and if they aren't a programmer, they probably won't know why). Be sure to talk with the people making the requests, and make sure they are specific in their requests. I've gotten quite mad when I was only told "This doesn't feel natural" when it was a physical problem which I had been struggling with for long before they showed up, had their epiphany, and told me to fix it. In retrospect, I should have kept them in the development loop, but still. As a programmer, you shouldn't disregard all requests, but if you know right then and there they won't work, explain. If you figure out later they won't work... explain.

Try to get a basic control background going in your bot code (taking in and processing inputs, figuring out what to do with them, and then outputting). You might not be able to do specific things without a good portion of the bot first, but you should be able to get it to drive. Preseason, figure out how to use sensors, they make life much simpler (and it will show in your auton). =)

Oh, also, if your team doesn't already know, make sure they know programming takes time, and can't be shoved into a couple days of the season. The bot is nothing but a nice looking paperweight without programming.

[diesel]

Sorry if this is in the wrong thread.
I am also looking to learn C before the seanson starts.
My question is: Is there a compiler I can download to learn C with?
Any help will be great.

[blaxbb]

I use dev c++ http://www.bloodshed.net/devcpp.html

It's an IDE which comes with both C and C++ compilers, and is fairly easy to set up.

[popo308]

I would recommend Easy C or if you are going to have a basic robot such as tank drive with a basic manipulator Mplab is pretty easy to learn the basics. It only took me about a week to learn most all the basics needed to program in regular C.

[diesel]

I know a little easy C from programing my vex robot, not a lot.
I also am learning PASCAL in my computer science class.
Thank you for all your help.

[Kingofl337]

You can download easyC Pro at http://www.intelitekdownloads.com
and you can have a mentor e-mail us to request your team CD-Key.
If you are a 08 Rookie we can create a team key to get you started.

If you have a Vex robot can you prototype code in Vex mode to learn
how things work.

[RyanN]

Welcome to programming! I just learned how to program a few months ago, and I'm pretty good now. If you're anything like me, then you learn by a hands on example. To get started, download the robot code off of ifirobotics.com; while at IFI, download the IFI_Loader. Next you'll need MPLAB with the C18 compiler. The main program you'll program with is User_Routines.c Just look at the code and try to figure out how it works. pwm?? are the PWM outputs on the controller. 127 is center/off. Relays are H bridges, so fwd triggers one relay, and rev triggers the other relay. If you have both on or both off, whatever you are controlling will remain off. You must have a 1 and 0 or a 0 and 1 to turn something on. In robotics, you will usually leave rev at 0 and then turn fwd on and off because of the polarity of the devices. Controls are pretty simple too, it's all in user_routines.c Good luck with programming and feel free to contact me.

[Ken Leedle]

Originally Posted by RyanN

pwm?? are the PWM outputs on the controller. 127 is center/off. Relays are H bridges, so fwd triggers one relay, and rev triggers the other relay.

Just a minor correction: The Victors translate the RC style PWM signal (~1ms-2ms pulse) into a straight duty cycle (0-100%) and direction signal for controlling the actual FETs in their H-Bridge. The Spikes are configured similarly to an H-Bridge, but use relays instead of FETs. Relays are electromechanical switches. Notice the audible click when they are actuated.

The MPLab IDE is fairly easy to set up and use from my experience. The code FIRST gives you takes a lot of the learning curve of programming micro-controllers out of the picture and allows you to code basic functionality without knowing the particulars of the device. It may seem intimidating at first because of the sheer volume of code, but once you figure out which sections you need to be concerned with you should find programming the robot controller straightforward.

-Ken