FIRST Tech Challenge Documents
All FIRST Tech Challenge 2014-2015 teams will have free access to LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS 2012 as an programming option for competition. This document will guide you through installing, activating, and getting started with your software.
In order to compete using LabVIEW, you will need install two different pieces of software.
LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS 2012 (LVLM) and LabVIEW Toolkit for MINDSTORMS Competition (LTMC)
LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS 2012 is a version of LabVIEW built around the LEGO NXT and TETRIX hardware. The version has new getting started tools, visual configuration tools, and new features that will make working with LEGO NXT simple and fast. LVLM is based on LabVIEW 2012 Service Pack 1 (SP1).
1. Install LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS 2012 (LVLM)
Windows Users or Mac OS X with virtualization software (Boot Camp, Parallels)
All FTC Teams can activate LabVIEW with this serial number: S14X86775
Note: LVLM is not supported in OSX 10.9: See the FAQ at the bottom of this page for more info
LVLM 2012 Features
• Video Tutorials
• Getting Started Window
• Teach Me Tutorials
• Robot Project Center
• Schematic Editor
• Updated NXT Compiler (100x faster than LVLM 2010)
• Joystick Editor
• NXT Module 2012 (NXT functions and tools)
• TETRIX Motor Support
• NXT Watchdog has been integrated into the Wait function.
All FTC teams will also need to download the LabVIEW Toolkit for MINDSTORMS Competition. This has all of the additional components you will need to compete in FTC. Be sure you install this after LVLM 2012. The LTMC does not need to be activated.
2. Download and Install The LabVIEW Toolkit for MINDSTORMS Competition 2014 - 2015 (LTMC)
Download and Install the LTMC AFTER you Install LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS 2012
Contents
• NXT Fantom driver
• Samantha Module Support
• LVLM 2012 patches & updates
• MATRIX Motor Support
• EV3 Support (not used for FTC)
Training Resources
LabVIEW for LEGO® MINDSTORMS® - Built In Training (Open LVLM to access)
Videos Tutorials: Get oriented with all of the tools and components in LVLM.
Teach Me: Step by step tutorials for building and coding a robot.
http://www.tetrixrobotics.com/FTC
LabVIEW Programming Fundamentals - Robotics I
Interactive video training for LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS. Sign up at CS2N.org to take the certification and get your LPF Robotics I Badge.
TETRIX Robotics Getting Started Guide
Support Resources
NI Student Competitions Community
Forums: Post your questions and collaborate with other teams and NI engineers.
Support: Find answers to the most common technical issues.
FAQ
How is LVLM 2012 different from LVLM 2010?
LVLM 2012 incorporates two years of LabVIEW advancements to create a more stable and faster working environment. The NXT components are almost identical to the previous version from the user's perspective. We did a lot of work behind the scenes to make this version faster and more reliable. The #1 feedback we got from teams was that LabVIEW took too long to compile for NXT, so this year's compiler is 100x faster for typical FTC applications -- bringing the average compile time from ~100 s down to <1 s. Compile times will vary with code complexity and computer hardware, but you should be waiting less than 5 s now for code that used to take minutes.
Does LabVIEW Support EV3?
EV3 support will be installed with the LTMC, so you can progam and control EV3, including support for TETRIX and MATRIX, but FIRST has decided EV3 will not be allowed in the 2014-2015 FTC competition.
Can I use an older version of LabVIEW for competition?
No, this year's competition software relies on new features built into LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS 2012 and the LTMC. LVLM 2012 is free for all FTC teams; you can install the Windows or Mac version from your DVD included in the registration packet, or you can download the Windows version in the link above.
Do I need to uninstall previous versions of LabVIEW?
LVLM 2012 can coexist with LVLM 2010 on the same computer. If you want to free up some space, you can uninstall LVLM 2010 and then install LVLM 2012.
Where are the FTC templates?
The Teleop and Autonomous templates are installed with the LTMC. After the LTMC has been installed, create a new Robot Project and choose the LTMC robot template. This project includes an empty Autonomous template in the Robot Project Center. From any project you can create a teleop template by clicking Generate Code on the top of the Remote Control Editor. Guide to FTC Templates for LVLM.
Can I use LabVIEW on OSX 10.9?
LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS 2012 is not supported on OSX 10.9. You can either downgrade to 10.8 or use virtualization software like Parallels or Bootcamp you can run LabVIEW in the Windows environment on Mac hardware.
Where can I find help for installation issues?
If you run into any installation issues, please create a new discussion on the FTC forum.
Are there any known issues with the Samantha module support?
Yes please review the Samantha Module known issues document.
Can I use LVLM in the classroom?
The LVLM licence provided for FTC teams is not authorized for classroom use. If you would like to upgrade your FTC licence to a classroom pack, LEGO Education is offering a special discount for FTC teams.
Hueter:
Thank you for the most recent post updates. You are working hard to make the LVLM/MCT installation process this season more clear.
Unfortunately, the Windows download ('evaluation copy') link you provided is only for 7 days, not for the 30 days you mentioned.
I have applied for the 'emailed' s/n while we wait for our registraiton packet to arrive from FIRST with the LVLM 2012 DVD (and s/n).
Since the s/n can take up to 10 days (via email) and I am looking at 2-4 weeks for the DVD (by mail), is there a way to post a link (or offer a code) to extend the evaluation period to the 30 days?
Thank You.
NOTE: I have discovered that the 'Generate Code' button will not create usable code when you have only the 'evaluation' copy (it is watermarked). All motors/servos will be shown as Lego Motors in the generated vi, and it won't let you replace them. Once you activiate LVLM with a s/n, the 'generated' vi will still list 'Lego Motors' when it should be your tetrix motors or servos; however, you will now be able to manually fix it. Delete the currently specified 'Lego Motor' block, right click and 'create constant'..you should see all your tetrix motors and servos listed. 
The good news is....that teams that are simply using 'Remote Control Editor' in the 'prototype' mode will still be able to successfully use the 'evaluation copy'. It is not until they are ready to 'deploy' code to their NXT, and run in the Remote Contorl Editor's 'teleop' mode that they'll run into problems.
UPDATE:
The only thing that 'activated' when I put in the code was the 'Full Development System'; all the other items in the License Manager list remained as 'in evaluation mode', including the 'Application Builder' module. Is this causing the problem?
I ran the 'activation wizard' and chose 'enter a 20 character code....' (which I got from an email sent to me).
Here is a screen shot:
kudos for watching the videos It seems that with the addition of EV3 support some of the palettes have changed. And in some cases (as with the Lego motors) some of the programming blocks (vi's) have been combined.
A great way to locate these elusive blocks (vi's) is to utilize the 'Quick Drop' shortcut... press Ctl-Spacebar ... then type in some keyword or name of what you are searching for. I found this real handy when looking for all functions related to the IR (infrared) sensor.
Also, if you map a controller in the RC Editor and press the 'Generate Code'...you will see just what LabVIEW is doing to control the motors and servos as you explore the newly created vi. This is a great way to learn. Remember to turn on Context Help as you explore the code (ctl-h).
My favorite LabVIEW things...."right click when in doubt".....keep context help ctl-H on...utilize Quick Drop ctl-space to find vi's fast...clean up ctl-u by selection...fix broken wires ctl-b
Happy coding.
To expand on Hueters explanation, just in case this is your very first LabVIEW experience:
- You will search for 'move' or 'motors' in the 'Quick Drop' <ctl-space>. Searching 'motor' alone gives quite an extensive list to look through.
- You will want to select the 'move motors' vi, as Hueter speicified. With ctl-H (context help) on you will see all the 'nodes' available on that vi block.
- You will 'rt-mouse-clk' on the node at the TOP of the block, and 'create - constant'. This will display a drop down menu of all the motors you have previously defined in the Schematiic Editor. Select the one you want to move
- Click on 'Detailed Help' in the Context Help window to find out lots more...
Sorry for the painfully detailed explanation - but, this is really the primary hurdle new teams have in undestanding how to use LabVIEW. Sometimes we forget to share the 'obvious' with new users.
Again, 'Generate Code' is a great way for seeing exactly how LabVIEW is handling all the NXT/Tetrix systems you want to control on your robot.
The series of steps above can be used for everything you seek out to code.
Hope this helps - - - Happy coding.
eric.williams.neu wrote:
If it was a snake it would have bitten me on the nose. For those looking - in the Help Menu there's an "About LabVIEW Toolkit for MINDSTORMS Competitions" option.
...that is, if the Toolkit installed properly. If you don't see the Toolkit as an option in the 'About' list, then your Toolkit isn't installed. 
This is a good place to go to check that your base LabVIEW is up-to-date also.
RDB@BP wrote:
Hello, I am a coach for a rookie team and I downloaded the toolkit and went through the "startup" file, but the items on teh toolkit do not appear to be in LabVIEW. Specifically, when I watch a LabVIEW training video, it mentions an FTC option under "Challenge Me". I do not see that option. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong? Thanks.
Welcome to FTC
Some of the nomenclature has changed and FTC is now refered to as MCT (Mindstorm Competition Toolkit).
In the Remote Control Editor screen the new 'Tele OP' button used to be called 'FTC Game'.
Some of the tutorials/videos have not been updated. It's good to know the history and that these are rereaelly the same thing...especially as you read the forums (older posts).
Check that the toolkit installed and that your LabVIEW is up-to-date, as described in my previous post. If you are still having troubles, feel free to private message me if you'd like more help.
