Programming Your V5 Controller

Rocket League Competition: (Mobile) (You Tube)
Students will learn how to program their Controllers so that they can have their Robots compete in Rocket League, a competition in which the students have their robots shoot balls into the opposing team's goals. Rules

Note: Normally we use "Drivetrain" and not "Motors" when programming motion. I am asking you to use "Motors" instead of "Drivetrain" in this one instance where we are learning how to program the "Controller." When you complete this assignment and I sign off, then you have the choice of using Motors or Drivetrain as you prepare for the competition.  

 1. Controller Programming  Gradesheet - "Rocket League Challenge."
This Gradesheet will explain what you need the Controller to do.  Grade Sheet.    

2. Controller Programming Guide:
The following Step-By-Step Guide shows you how to Select A Device (eg. Controller) and how to configure the Buttons on the Controller. Click Here.

3. My Controller Programming Hints! 
   The image below shows the Devices you will need to activate in order to successfully meet all the points required on the Rocket League Challenge Gradesheet.
Note: After you finish programming your controller and you find that it does not function correctly, check to make sure that the port that the motor is connected to on the Brain matches the port number you selected for the motor in the Device Window.

How Do I Program My Controller:

• First, Use the code below in order to have your robot move. Notice in the program that you must always "Set" the Motor before having it "Spin".
  • The program below will allow the robot to move forward and backward when the left joystick is presse.  First, program the Left joystick on your Controller so that your Robot's Left Wheel moves Forward and Backward. Then, program the Right joystick on your Controller so that your Robot's Right Wheel moves Forward and Backward. Insert your commands into a Forever Loop so that your robot's motion can function at all times.

Helpful Hint: In order to save time... "Copy&Paste" the code from one program you write to another...just click on the segment of the code you would like to copy, then select "Control" "C" - open the new program and "Control" "V". It will appear!

Set Motor Velocity for a "Motor" gives two options: 

• “%” (accepts a range from -100% to 100% ) or, 
• “rpm” (accepts a range -600rpm to 600rpm; "rotations per minute" value based on the Gear Cartridge installed in the V5 Smart Motors used in the Drivetrain.) 
• Also:
  • Setting a V5 Smart Motor's velocity to a negative value ("-") will cause the Motor to spin in reverse. 
  • Setting a V5 Smart Motor's velocity to "0" will cause the Motor to stop.  

Now try this code. It is known as a "Tank" motion program. It will allow the robot to move forward and backward with the left joystick and it will be able to turn with the right joystick.

Use this code to get the robot arm to go up and down and claw to open and close. You need  to write an If/Then statement for each of these actions. Place them in the Forever Loop that you created above.

Downloading This New Program Into My Controller:

• As you have been doing all along, create a wireless link from the Brain to the Controller. Click here.
• Next, connect USB cable from the computer to the brain: Save / Establish a (Green) connection between the controller and the Brain / Download / Select the Play button on the Brain / Begin using your controller.
  •  Now Test Your Program!

How Do I Stop My Robot Arm From Descending and Claw from Releasing?

• Apply it to L1, L2 will stop the arm from descending.
• Apply it to R1, R2 will stop the claw from releasing pressure on the item it is holding when the R1/R2 button is released, allowing the item to fall.