Common Issues
(→ROBOTC Setup) |
(→Building the RECBot) |
||
| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
==VEX Cortex Resources== | ==VEX Cortex Resources== | ||
===Building the RECBot=== | ===Building the RECBot=== | ||
| − | http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/products/teaching_robotc_cortex/setup/build/recbot_with_cortex.pdf | + | For instructions on building the RECBot (used in the Video Curriculum Trainer) using a VEX Cortex, [http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/products/teaching_robotc_cortex/setup/build/recbot_with_cortex.pdf see this PDF guide]. |
===Building the SQUAREBot=== | ===Building the SQUAREBot=== | ||
Revision as of 13:05, 20 February 2013
|
ROBOTC Setup
Differences in ROBOTC Licenses
There are three types of ROBOTC licenses; Annual (365 day) Licenses, Perpetual License, and Building Licenses. For the differences between the three, see the Licensing Options wiki page.
ROBOTC Download Page
The ROBOTC program can be downloaded from its download page, www.robotc.net/download
Downloading, Installing, and Activating ROBOTC (365-day or Perpetual License)
There is a ROBOTC wiki guide on downloading, installing, and activating ROBOTC with a 365 day or perpetual license that can be found here.
Installing and Activating a Building License File
There is a ROBOTC wiki guide that explains how to install and activate a ROBOTC building license that can be found here.
VEX Cortex Resources
Building the RECBot
For instructions on building the RECBot (used in the Video Curriculum Trainer) using a VEX Cortex, see this PDF guide.
Building the SQUAREBot
http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/products/teaching_robotc_cortex/setup/build/squarebot4.pdf
Setting up a Cortex (Hardwired using a USB cable)
Setting up a Cortex (Wireless using the VEXNet Joystick Controller)
Beginning Programming (Video Curriculum Trainer)
http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/products/teaching_robotc_cortex/index.html
VEX Cortex Issues
Cortex won't connect to ROBOTC
If these steps are followed and they are still having problems installing the USB-to-Serial driver, have them contact ROBOTC Technical Support directly via support@robotc.net
| From the ROBOTC support ticket database: |
|---|
|
First, make sure you have administrator access before downloading the Cortex the Cortex firmware for the first time on each computer. Unplug the Cortex from the computer. With a batter plugged into the Cortex, plug the USB cable from the computer back into the Cortex, wait a few seconds for Windows to recognize the Cortex (you will see a popup window in the saying 'Installing Device Driver Software'), then turn on the Cortex. Next, make sure that the correct drivers are installed for the Cortex. ROBOTC will download the drivers as it is being installed, but if the drivers are not installed correctly you can download from our website and install them manually. Depending on which cable is being used, you will either need the 'CORTEX & VEXnet Joystick Drivers'(USB A-to-A) or the 'Prolific USB-to-Serial Driver' (USB-to-Serial Cable). The Cortex will install a driver for each USB port that it is plugged into, so if you change ports please ensure that you install drivers for the new port. Both of the drivers need to be installed as administrator, and can be found on our download page under optional downloads: http://www.robotc.net/download/cortex/ The Cortex is not compatible with SMART Board software and will not work with SMART Board software installed. To resolve this issue, you must disable the SMART Virtual TabletPC driver in Windows Device Manager. Instructions on how to do so can be found here: http://www.robotc.net/support/cortex/smartboard_cortex_fix.pdf Finally, make sure that the correct COM port is selected in ROBOTC. Navigate to the 'Select Communication Port' option from the 'View' menu in ROBOTC. From the Communications Port drop down list, you should see "Automatic Selection" and one of two additional options: If your VEX Cortex is in "bootload mode" or running an older (2.x) version of the Master CPU Firmware, it will appear as a "USB Wired Cable" option in the list. If your VEX Cortex is running a newer (3.x) version of the Master CPU Firmware, it will appear as a "Vex Robotics Comm Port" in the list. Make sure that "Automatic Selection" or one of the two legitimate options is selected. If you ever plan on programming your robot wirelessly over VEXnet, choosing "Automatic Selection" is recommended. Press OK to save your choice. Important: If the "USB Wired Cable" or "Vex Robotics Comm Port" options do not appear in the drop down menu when a VEX Cortex is connected, this may indicate that Windows has not recognized the device or access to it is blocked. Ensure that the VEX Cortex Device Driver was successfully installed with Administrative Privileges, disconnect and reconnect your Cortex from the computer, and press "Refresh List" to force ROBOTC to repopulate the list. Also, try different USB ports (the ones on the front of computers are sometimes unable to provide enough current to the Cortex for it to be recognized) and different cables, if possible. Note that the front USB ports on computers have been known to build up static which can cause intermittent disruptions to data transfers. If you have followed all these steps and the problem still persists, please provide me with the driver name that is attached to the Cortex (found by navigating to the Device Manager in Windows Control panel; Start -> Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Device Manager), the name of the port in ROBOTC's View -> Select Communication Port window, and any other information that appears (error messages, etc). |
Motors will not stop running after program is run
Usually when we see this it is one of two things; either the robot is not programmed correctly, or the motors are physically plugged in the wrong way. First, have them check that the motors are plugged into the correct ports, that they are plugged in correctly (the Cortex and motor plugs are keyed), and that the battery is freshly charged. If that doesn't solve the issue, have them post the code on the ROBOTC forums (robotc.net/forums); from there, we will be able to determine if it is a coding issue (probable) or something that needs to be looked into further.
Programs will run when the Cortex is physically plugged into VEXNet Joystick, but not when disconnected.
When we see this issue, it's normally because the VEXNet Controller and the Cortex needs to be synched together. Have them go through the VEXNet setup portion of the 'Getting Started with a Cortex' guide (http://www.robotc.net/wiki/Tutorials/Getting_Started/Getting_Started_with_the_VEX_CORTEX#Configuring_the_VEX_Cortex_for_a_WIRELESS_connection_using_the_VEXnet_Joysticks) to ensure the Cortex and VEXNet controller are synched properly. If this still doesn't work, have them check and swap out the VEXNet keys, as it is a possibility that the VEXNet keys have gone bad.
All other issues
If it is a coding issue, point them to the ROBOTC forums, otherwise have them contact ROBOTC Technical Support via support@robotc.net We will be able to direct them to the correct avenue from that point.
LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT/TETRIX Resources
Building the REMBot
For instructions on how to build the REMBot using the LEGO Mindstorms NXT, see this PDF guide.
Building the Mantis Bot (TETRIX)
For instructions on how to build the Mantis Bot using a LEGO Mindstorms NXT with a TETRIX kit, see this PDF guide.
Setting up an NXT
For instructions on setting up a new NXT, or setting up an NXT with a different firmware version installed, follow this wiki tutorial.
Setting up a Samantha Module (TETRIX, FTC competition)
The Samantha Module is a device that plugs into the NXT's USB port using a standard USB A-to-B cable (the same type used to program the NXT) that, once configured, enables the NXT to communicate via WiFi. It is not the same as the NXT's built-in Bluetooth; for instance, the Samantha Module is required for FTC competitions while Bluetooth is not allowed.
For instructions on how to set up a Samantha Module (the wireless module used with TETRIX robots in the FTC competition), follow this wiki tutorial.
Beginning Programming (Video Curriculum Trainer)
To begin programming the NXT or TETRIX robots, start with the Video Curriculum Trainer.
General ROBOTC Issues
The Function Library is empty
The Function Library is the panel on the left-hand side of ROBOTC that shows all of the functions and commands currently being used by the program. It includes all of the major ROBOTC commands/functions, as well as any functions in #include files that are in use and any functions/commands that were created in the program
The Function Library only populates itself when the current program is compiled. To resolve this, either 'Compile' (F7 on the keyboard) or 'Compile and Download' (F5 on the keyboard) the program; this can also be done from the 'Robot' menu inside of ROBOTC.
