TIPS USING ROBOLAB (RCX programming robot software)

Frequently asked Questions programming using ROBOLAB and RIS.
The following is a list of frequently asked programming questions with possible
solutions.

How can I print out my program?
To print in RIS follow these steps:
1. On the keyboard, notice a key labeled “Print Screen..
2. With your program showing on the screen, hit that key.
3. Open MS Word (or your preferred text editing program).
4. Click “paste.” This should paste your program as a screen shot (picture of the
screen).
5. Be sure to save the MS Word document.
6. Repeat until your entire program is in the document.
Please note: Robolab™ allows you to print your programs in an easier fashion. In
Robolab™, Select File -> Print.
The sensors on my robot are not working.
Make sure the sensor is expecting feedback from the correct port. The RIS software will
take the next available port in the program, not necessarily the correct one. Make sure
the sensor is attached properly and to the correct port on the RCX. Did you connect the
sensor back to a different port than when you last used this program?
Sensor value doesn’t show in the RCX view window.
Make sure to download a program into the RCX that contains a sensor watcher and run it.
The sensor watcher must be set to the type of sensor and to the port into which the sensor
is plugged. (Basically, you are telling the robot what type of sensor input to expect from
which port.)
Verify that the correct program slot is selected. Run the program. Make sure that in
“view mode” the arrow is pointing to the correct sensor port. The RCX will then read the
correct information for that sensor watcher on that port.
I can’t access program slot number one.
In RIS: Go into the options screen. Click on the “advanced” tab and select to
unlock program slot #1.
In Robolab™: Go into the Administrator’s section. Click on the “RCX settings” tab
on the bottom of the screen. Click to unlock RCX program slots 1&2.
The RCX lost all my programs after I changed the batteries.
Download the firmware again. This will reinstall the five default programs. If you
changed the RCX by unlocking any program slots, you will need to repeat that process
after you reinstall the firmware. After this is complete, download your programs into the
RCX.
My robot keeps spinning in circles after I programmed it to go straight.
Check that the program uses a second set direction command to adjust the motors so they
are going forward. If that does not work, using the default program in slot number one in
the RCX, test that the robot moves in a forward direction as planned. If this is not the
case, adjust the wires connected to the motor, spinning the connection to the reverse
direction on one end of the wire, until it drives forward.
I changed a “My Command” (or “Sub VI” in Robolab™) in one of my
programs. After I downloaded my programs again, none of them works
properly.
A “My Command,” or “Sub VI” in Robolab™, is a miniature program that is accessible
by all of the programs that you write.
Beware: If you change a “My Command” or “Sub VI” in Robolab™ in one
program, you are actually changing it in every program it is used. To
prevent this, make a new “My Block” (or “Sub VI” in Robolab™) with a
slightly different name, copy the existing “My Block” or “Sub VI” and paste
it into the new one.