Introduction to programming consistent results Beyond the basics Introduction to programming consistent results By Chris Baker, Coach of the Seaford Sea Lions, FLL Team #92

Resources FIRST website - Coaches Handbook, Challenge Guide, Core Values FIRST Youtube channel BuilderDude WAFFLES community robotics

Things to consider when building your robot What missions to go for Complexity of the robot Time Constraints Consistent Starting position Navigation and Alignment needs

How the sensors work Ultrasonic Sensor- good for stopping at a distance and wall following Color Sensor - Good for stopping on a line and line following Touch Sensor - Good for stopping at a wall or object Gyroscopic Sensor - Extremely sensitive when resetting, good for turning and angle following

Programming Considerations Stopping the motors versus using a sensor to stop at a point Straight motor driving versus measured “following” driving using sensors - three different ways with three different sensors Using motor rotations to move versus using the gyroscopic sensor

Programming examples Wait blocks for stopping at a point

This is a basic black/white line follow This is a basic black/white line follow. We are not following the line, we are following the edge of the line. This may not work exactly for you as displayed. Your motors may not be in these ports and they may be reversed or upside down. Also remember the color sensor is very sensitive to ambient light.

Things to remember: Always check your ports, especially if you have unexpected results. Reset your sensors before you use them to measure. The distance you travel is dictated by the size of your wheels. Don’t be afraid to experiment, your team will learn by failing. There are many different ways to solve challenges, don’t get stuck using just one way. If it not working, start over with a different approach. Read the Coach’s manual and check for game updates regularly.

Conclusion There is more than one right answer, in fact there are infinite possibilities, so don’t get stuck Keep lots of notes and pictures Balanced team Read the Coaches manual, the challenge, the rubrics and the core values Consider Volunteering