Samantha 3 Things to Know

1. Samantha3 Things to Know Dave Hackett FTC Mentor Valley Forge, PA

2. Agenda • Introduction • 3 Things to Know • Mounting • Power • Getting Connected • Just One More Thing… • Summary

3. Introduction • Samantha Module • A Wi-Fi device that allows a team to control its robot remotely • Attaches to NXT using USB cable • Receives commands from game controllers connected to the Field Control System • Samantha Field Control System (FCS) • Software and hardware setup that allows FTC robots to engage in competition • Consists of: • Laptop w/Samantha FCS Software • Wi-Fi router • USB cables, hubs, and game controllers • External monitor for timer display • Resources • Read: FCS User's Guide for teams • Watch: FTC Video Tutorial - Setting Up the Field Control System

4. 1) Mounting The best place to mount the Samantha module is: • Deep inside the robot, surrounded by as much metal as possible to protect it from damage. • High up and securely mounted without metal blocking its antenna. • Laying on top of the motor controller. • On the front as a plow so you can push and score rings that have dropped on the floor. 

5. Mounting Best Practices • Mount Samantha module as high as possible • Do not bury Samantha module behind a mass of metal • Use as short a USB cable as possible, usually 12” • Ensure good strain relief for USB cable • The ½” gear hub the right size is a good choice to use as a spacer • Samantha Mounting Best Practices Report • Mounting Samantha module laterally results in the best overall signal strength

6. 2) Power The better way to power the Samantha module is: 

7. Power Best Practices • Wire directly to switch and battery • Samantha Mounting Best Practices • Robot Power Management Using Anderson Powerpole® Connectors • http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FTC/FTC_Documents/Anderson-Powerpole-Guide.pdf • Thanks to Purple Gears / FTC Team 2901 Check for an expanded female connector

8. 3) Getting Connected • How do I connect to the network?

9. Configure Samantha Wi-Fi • Required • USB flash drive • 4 GB maximum (FAT file system) • Network information • SSID - same as on FCS router • Network Key - same as on FCS router • Network Authentication: WPA2-PSK • Encryption: AES • Samantha Competition Network Config • “FTC_FIELD” Wireless Network Settings • Settings stored in FTCNTKY folder on flash drive • Use flash drive to transfer settings to Samantha module • LED sequence Red, White, Blue, White, Red • Resources • Watch: FTC Video Tutorial - How to update Samantha's Firmware

10. Just One More Thing… Prepare NXT Samostat

11. Prepare NXT • Name your NXT • Use your FTC Team number • Append hyphen and letter on additional NXTs (e.g. 0010-A, 0010-B) • Install programs required at Tournaments • Program Chooser • Samostat • Define the default Tele-op program • Run Program Chooser • Define within programming environment Help the FCS Operator and the FTA help you! Use meaningful names for autonomous and Tele-op programs

12. Samostat • Wi-Fi status and network verification • Required to be installed on NXT at Tournaments • Samantha FCS folder • RobotC: samostat.c • LabVIEW: samostat.vi • Samostat displays • Firmware version • IP address of Samantha • Connection counters • Detected Wi-Fi networks • asterisk: connected to network • blank: not connected to network

13. Summary • Mounting: USB cable secured, mounted high without interference • Power: Samantha as close to the battery and switch as possible • Getting Connecting: Use Samantha Competition Network Config program and flash drive ** Use Samantha module and FCS in practices before Tournaments ** • More Information: • http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/samantha