LabVIEW, developed by National Instruments, gives users the ability to directly control and program the NXT brick, create front panels that interface with the brick, and create native blocks that others can use in their LabVIEW programs.


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1. FTC Downloads

LabVIEW Updates for FTC Teams
FTC Updates at NI Developer Zone

Autonomous and TeleOperated Templates
FIRST has made the two-program templates mandatory for all teams competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge. Download the templates and training video here:
LabVIEW FTC Autonomous Template (.vi)
LabVIEW FTC TeleOperated Template (.vi)
Video - "Recorded Webinar - How to use the FTC Templates" (.wmv)

FTC Troubleshooter Application
FTC Troubleshooter 1.0

FTC Field Management System
FIRST has made the FTC Field Management System available for testing so that you can ensure that your code works before you get to the field! Note that the FTC version of LabVIEW/NXT-G must be installed to use the FMS.
FTC Field Management System (.zip)
Using the FTC Field Management System Documentation (.pdf)
Video - "How to use the Field Management System for Individual Teams" (pop-up video)

2. Hardware and Software Setup:
Step 1. Installing LabVIEW
Step 2. Computer Hardware Setup
Step 3. Robot Hardware Setup

3. LabVIEW Resources
Step 4. LabVIEW Programming
Step 5. Additional LabVIEW Resources

Step 1. Installing LabVIEW
Learn how to install LabVIEW here. If you already have LabVIEW installed with the FTC updates, move to the next step.
1.1 Installing LabVIEW
1.3 FTC Updates at NI FIRST Community

Step 2. Computer Hardware Setup
The Bluetooth Adapter and the Logitech Game Controller are two pieces of hardware that you will use in the FTC competition. Learn to install them here. If they are already installed move to the next step.
2.1 Installing the Bluetooth Adapter
2.2 Installing the Logitech Game Controller

Step 3. Robot Hardware Setup
If you want to test your parts before you build a robot, build the TETRIX Testbed. If you want to test your software with a working robot, build the Mantis Robot. If you already have a robot built move to the next step.
3.1 Build a TETRIX Testbed
3.2 Build the Mantis Robot
3.3 Attaching the TETRIX Encoders

Step 4. LabVIEW Programming
The training materials below will show you step-by-step how to program the NXT using LabVIEW

LabVIEW education edtion screenshot
Click to view training materials

Step 5. Additional LabVIEW Resources
Getting Started with TETRIX
Robotics Academy FTC Forum
Robotics Academy LEGO Resources

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