Intro to Programming
Programming in FTC
Modes of the game
• Autonomous
– Robot moves by itself
• Tele-op and End Game
– Robot responds to controls
The two languages allowed
• RobotC
• LabVIEW
RobotC
• Similar to C programming
– Text based
• For Help: www.robotc.net/forums
• Pros
– Compiles faster
– Smaller code
• NXT can hold more programs
• Cons
– Harder to multitask
– Doesn’t come with kit
LabVIEW
• Similar to NXT-G
– Graphics based
• For Help: http://forums.ni.com/t5/LabVIEW-for-LEGO-MINDSTORMS-and/bd-p/460
• Pros
– Easier multitasking
– More visual
– Comes with kit
• Cons
– Takes longer to compile
– Larger code
– Takes up more space on computer itself
Connecting to your robot
• USB
– Connect cord
• Bluetooth
– Robot
• NXT Brick
– Communication Link Setup
» Search
• Connect
Firmware
RobotC
Programming Enviornment
RobotC
Pragmas and Includes
RobotC
Initialization
RobotC
Task Main
RobotC
Pragmas and Configuration
• Controllers
– Motors
– Sensor
– Servos
• Wizard
– Robot
• Motor and Sensor setup
– Controllers, Motors, Sensors, Servo
RobotC
Programming Autonomous Mode
RobotC
Drive Trains
• Tank Drive
– Left Joystick  Left drive train
– Right Joystick  Right drive train
• Arcade Drive (think Playstation)
– One Joystick  Throttle
– Other Joystick  Steering
RobotC
Programming the joystick controllers
• 2 Joystick controllers
– One is joy1 other is joy2
• 4 sections of the controller
– Buttons, TopHat, Triggers, and Joysticks
Buttons
• Every button has a number
TopHat
Triggers
Joysticks
RobotC
Movement and Encoders
RobotC
Programming sensors
• Types
– Lego
• Light, Color, Touch, Sound, Ultrasonic
– HiTechnic
• Gyro, Accelerometer, Magnetic, Force, IR, Compass
Connecting to your robot cont…
• Wi-Fi
– Robot
• NXT Brick
– Communication Link Setup
» Search
• Connect