Using Standard Labview with cRIO

[writchie]

Does anyone know whether or not the FRC cRIO configuration can be imaged and programmed using a standard Labview environment without the FRC specific components?

In other words, can an organization already using off-the-shelf cRIO's and their own licensed labview environment use that environment to develop FPGA and labview code for the FRC cRIO unit without having to rely on the FRC version of Labview?

[EricVanWyk]

Although it may be technically possible, it is not legal for competition. Developing custom FPGA code is explicitly prohibited.

However, it is entirely possible and legal to install the FRC specific components over an existing LabVIEW installation. Therefore, a professional LabVIEW user can mentor student's on their computer without impacting their ability to do their other work.

[writchie]

Originally Posted by EricVanWyk

Although it may be technically possible, it is not legal for competition. Developing custom FPGA code is explicitly prohibited.

Yes, I understand that it would not be legal for competition, although it has been mentioned that future competitions might permit custom FPGA code.

Installing software over a "managed" machine already containing licensed labview software may not always be administratively possible. Does the license agreement permit the hardware FRC cRIO platform to be used with standard labview, for example to demonstrative custom FPGA coding for possible uses in future years or would this kind of use be prohibited by the license.

The question comes up because it is easier to justify purchasing additional cRIO's if they can be used for team purposes throughout the entire year, including off-season development/demonstration/skill building.