Samantha Module Setup and Troubleshooting

Team 4530, Infinite Resistance

Router Setup

General notes/quirks› Letters only in the

SSID› 802.11g & 802.11b

only› Use a different

router for internet and robotics

› Use a simple password and security setting

Downloading the FCS

Downloading the FCS

Downloading the FCS

Installing the FCS

Accessing the Configuration Utility

Accessing the Configuration Utility

Starting the Configuration Utility

Configuring the Samantha Module

The SSID is case-sensitive and contains only letters

Click “Save” to write the configuration to the flash drive

Copying the Configuration to the Module

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrLJVLhiI-w&feature=youtu.be

Starting the FCS

Setting up Controllers

Pressing “OK” will lead you to an empty FCS screen.

Connecting Robot to Computer

When both the NXT and Main Switch are turned on, the Red Power light should be solid, the white Wifi light flashing on and off, and the blue NXT light solid.

Selecting your Robot

You want to press this “Choose” button because that is where your controller is currently registered.

Selecting your Robot

If nothing shows up on this list make sure the computer you are using is connected to the same wireless network as the robot.

Also, be sure both your main power switch, and NXT are turned on.

Connecting for the FIRST time

When connecting for the first time, the module will not recognize the computer attempting to pair. As a security and safety precaution, you are required to press the red button on your Samantha to confirm the pairing request.

This should only happen when:

•Connecting to a computer for the first time

•Connecting to a computer after the robot was connected to a different network (after competitions)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5irvtBmVq5g&feature=youtu.be

Successful ConnectionAfter successfully connecting, the status for your

robot should either be yellow or green

Yellow Condition:

•No Program is running

•NXT or Main battery is low: check the voltage• If the main

battery is low, the Samantha power light will also begin flashing

Green Condition:

•Program is either actively running or waiting for command from the FCS

•NXT and Main battery voltages are nominal

Useful Tools

By clicking “Configuration” in the FCS, you can choose to enable, disable, extend, and shorten time for the autonomous and teleoperated periods.

Diagnostic Tools

By clicking “Details” next to your team’s robot, you can gain access to more information including the firmware version, and IP Address.

Further Diagnostics

By clicking on your robot’s IP address in the “Details” menu, an internet browser window will pop up with even more information regarding amount of packets sent, number of joystick messages, etc.

General Tips and Tricks

Don’t include numbers or other characters in the SSID The SSID is case-sensitive in the Samantha

Configuration Utility Use a flash drive <2GB to configure your Samantha Having an indicator light on your flash drive is useful to

confirm your module is reading the configuration If you switch networks on your computer, the FCS

needs to be restarted Position your robotics router close to the field for a

good connection Use Anderson Powerpole connectors to ensure the

Samantha Module receives uninterrupted power

General Tips and Tricks cont’d

Use zip ties to hold down any excess USB cable so it cannot shake if the robot takes a hit

Don’t mount the Samantha module on metal backing, as radio signals are affected

Because the antenna are parallel with the long edge, mount it with the narrow, flat side parallel to the ground

Make your power switch easily accessible. If the NXT freezes, the motors with continue moving until the main power switch is shut off

The red button and lights on the Samantha must be easily accessible per rule <RG07.c>

Other DocumentsFIRST has documentation on the FTC website including video tutorials and PDF’s to supplement your knowledge of the Samantha module. These documents are all on the “Team Resources” page on the FIRST Tech Challenge website.

Additionally, this PowerPoint can be found on our website athttp://4530robot.org/helpful-how-tos/

Links

FIRST Tech Challenge Website – http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc

Team Resources - http://www3.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/team-resources

Our Website – http://www.4530robot.org

Questions? Ask me! Email alpharyano@gmail.com