[FTC]: FTC Competition kits are here...

[jbbjjbt]

Any word as to whether there are improvements in the LabView/Encoder/Motor Controller/Battery Voltage arena?

[PhilBot]

Hi Jon.

Yes, there have been many improvements.

In fact there has been a general re-do of the whole NXT and FTC interface.

The NXT side of things has been setup to make the transition from debug to deployment very easy.... eg: test code when tethered (with high speed onscreen diagnostics), then download for final operation. The NXT Terminal is NOT required for downloading any more.

The HiTechnic interfaces are now part of the NXT module (menu) and have this same debugging capability. They have also been re-written for single or multiple motor/servo control.

The Encoder based controls have also been openned up to provide the ability to do blocking or non-blocking calls ie: wait for move to complete, or return immediately but return later to check if the move is complete.

I haven't had enough time to do extensive encoder testing to see if the occasional glitch problem is gone, but time will tell.

Also, the templates now include a vi to monitor/display the battery voltages and provide audio cues as to enable/disable state changes as well as loss of telemetry.

Looking forward to some fun code.

Check out the various documents I've posted on www.ni.com/first to get a taste.

[jbbjjbt]

Hi Phil,
I see you answered my next question on the ni site: how to use the ps2 controller rathar than a computer. I look forward to reading that.
Jon