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Interactive FRC Sims (EtherSim, JVNSim)
by: JesseK
JavaFX 8-based simulation of drive trains. Uses Ether’s equations and also brings JVN’s simple and familiar formatting.
Scroll to the bottom of the description for a link to the file which doesn’t require Java 8. If you want to update to Java 8, go here - then you get to use the small jar file!
Ether has been kind enough to contribute his expertise in free body analysis and system derivation over the years. Last year he gave us his latest iteration of drive train equations, which incorporate rolling losses and battery voltage drop during acceleration.
Since most people are familiar with JVN’s calculator, I implemented it in this simulator as well. I kept the format mostly the same, but added in an EtherGraph with several preset parameters.
The easiest ‘feature’ to miss is the cursor. I will rectify this via formatting at a future date. There is a small scrolling bar at the bottom of each graph which will move a cursor. The readouts below the scrolling bar give the values of each output at the cursor.
The point of these tools is more for discussion than simulation of reality. i plan to release updates with other simulations, such as an Arm, Intake, Elevator or other such mechanism. Given the scarcity of time these days, I figured I’d wait until the game release prior to developing charts or inputs.
One of the major hurdles to making this type of simulation is deployment across platforms. Even web-based platforms have their issues since often time schools or workplaces block access to certain websites. Then there are issues with hosting, multiple browsers, and even then people don’t like it because it isn’t tablet-friendly. Thus, the simulator is an offline-only Java program for the 2015 edition.
Since most schools and companies run Windows for their day-to-day tasks, I’ve created a standalone compile of the simulation for Windows. Note that it has only been tested on Windows 8 x64, so please let me know if there are issues. This executable does not require admin privileges or Java 8, but it will install basic Java runtime items down c:/Users/[user]/AppData/Local. The installer will also create a Desktop shortcut. This standalone installation is hosted here (40MB). I will have a Linux version soon. Mac users are out of luck for a standalone version unless someone with a Mac wants to build the code and create it (I’ll host it).
The code is open source under the GNUv3 license (i.e. if you derive works from it, they must also be open source).
FrcSims2015.jar (1.52 MB)