1. Teacher/Mentor Institute Introduction to Firmware and Software Dr. Judith D. Schlesinger July 30-31, 2015

2. The Hardware System Page 2 laptop laptop Robot Control Robot Control cortex cortex joystick joystick key key

3. Transfer from Computer to Robot Control  Firmware  Download from VEX  Software  Download BEST default code in easyC  Develop program in easyC  Compile the program Page 3

4. Downloading  Firmware and default code from BEST/VEX  From web site to computer (laptop)  Downloaded code/firmware and developed code  From computer to robot control  Use USB A-A cable Page 4

5. . Download the program Uses only the USB A-A cable July, 2012 5 Copyright © 2012 BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved.

6. What is Firmware?  Code that is developed for you  Never try to change it  That’s why it’s called firmware  If it gets messed up, simply download it again Page 6

7. Firmware (cont.)  Trade-off between hardware and software  Cost vs time  Firmware is a compromise  Implements basic tasks that are not in the hardware  Makes it easier to program the tasks you need  “Given” to you by the hardware developer Page 7

8. Software  Developed by your team to control the robot  Iterative process:  Design the tasks for the robot  Develop the code  Compile the code  Download to robot control  Test Page 8

9. Software (cont.)  Can start with the BEST default code  Good way to see how to begin  NOT strong code…less robust that in the past  Don’t skip on the design step  Need to identify what you want to do  How you want to do it  Before you start developing the code Page 9

10. Software (cont.)  Be creative  Have FUN!!! Page 10