is there any rule defining how the dashboard has to be programmed, or are you allowed to use a UDP connection where the robot sends a string that contains all of the info that is needed on the dashboard, and then you just write a normal vi (and make it an exe) which breaks down the string and acquires the data. would this work, or does the FMS prevent this from happening?
There isn’t a rule, but you need to use an approved TCP or UDP port. There are conventions for how data is passed, but you are free to go your own path.
Greg McKaskle
approved as in not already taken?
Approved as in not blocked by the field system and dedicated for other uses.
For port restrictions on the playing field see Team UPDATE - 2012-01-20
http://frc-manual.usfirst.org/TeamUpdates/0#term 103
This could change year-to-year so just be prepared to switch ports if necessary.