This year’s FTC kit includes the new Samantha Wi-Fi communications module. It attaches to the NXT using the NXT’s USB port (thus eliminating Bluetooth).
Since I hate long loops of cable on the robot, I searched out some short USB cables.
This vendor has 6" and 12" AB USB cables.
I ordered some and they turned up really quickly and look great.
Phil.
We have not yet registered for this year but are looking forward to the new “Samantha” module.
Will the robots still be controlled through individual laptops, or will the competitions have one computer that controls all 4 robots simultaneously?
Not Sure.
The Samantha Field Control Software (FCS) has the provision to run a match with 4 robots so I’d “assume” that’s what they would like to do.
I gotta tell you, it was pretty nerve wracking toting that laptop around at Championship. I’d love to go back to a central controller that stays put. (as long as it’s reliable)
Phil.
I think reliability is the key.
I belive the majority of teams had issues with the 1 computer controlling all 4 bots through bluetooth, which mandated the switch to 1 laptop per robot. I also agree with Phil that hauling around your laptop all day presented it’s own set of problems.
There is a long list of matches lost due to connectivity issues and hopefully the Samanthe WiFi module will give teams a reliable solution.
Its always more fun when the students and robots determine the outcome of matches rather than the infrastructure of the game itself.
Dave
If you want a vendor a little more reliable than ebay, try MonoPrice (www.monoprice.com). 18" USB cables are $0.85 each (less with quantities).
This will be interesting (samantha), I wonder if programming can be done over it.
If not, then it will be the reverse of previous years.
Previous: Program over USB (during comps, so it doesn’t disconnect from the FCS) and drive over bluetooth
Now: Program over bluetooth, then drive over USB (through samantha)
It would be nice if first gave us a short USB cable in the kit to connect to it.
If not, then I foresee many teams with 3ft + of USB cord coiled up inside the frame.
Will the robots still be controlled through individual laptops, or will the competitions have one computer that controls all 4 robots simultaneously?
According to our local partner, the new competition system will be all via one computer at the field. Based on what he told me, it sounds nice… one setup at the first time to the field, then you are done.
One thing the guys have commented on is how much more responsive the robot is over wi-fi versus bluetooth (less lag).
I think Phil was trying to find short USB cables. 6" would be a nice option to have depending on where the electronics fit.
We are at a point where we can communicate with the Samantha unit but can get LabVIEW to see the NXT via the Samantha unit. Have you been able to program to the NXT via the Samantha unit - or do you have to still use the USB cable?
-Ted Dressel / Programming Mentor
You can control the robot using samantha but if you want to program the robot you have to unplug samantha from the nxt and plug the nxt into your computer. It stinks, I know.
RobotC has the ability to program over bluetooth.
Samantha works on wifi not bluetooth
For this years game bluetooth had to be disabled on the NXT in order to participate.
::rtm:: ::rtm:: ::rtm::
While true that it’s wifi and not bluetooth, Samantha can work with the bluetooth on in addition to the module plugged in for development. That means that you can program over bluetooth and use Samantha simultaneously from a different computer.
Bluetooth must be off at the tournament, but it can be on while you are developing. If you use RobotC, bluetooth is still definitely the easiest means to test and debug your programs.