IT Infrastructure
From the Team 1432 Robotics Wiki
In order to build, and particularly program the robot, we use a variety of IT resources. Some computers are PPS IT equipment, some equipment is owned by Team 1432, and some of it is the personal property of team members.
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Network/Internet
Computers in the robotics shop can use the PPS Internet (PPSnet) provided through Franklin. Ethernet wall drops exist in several rooms, and are the easiest way to get internet access (when they work). Note that the PPSnet is filtered, so not all sites will load. A Linksys Wireless-N router was provided in the Kit of Parts, and is turned on (with the rest of the driver station) and connected to the PPSnet when people are using it in the shop. (The router should be turned off when nobody is using it, since PPS IT doesn't like unoficial Wi-Fi access points. Because the cRIO requires Wi-Fi to control, we are allowed to use the router, but should not leave it on when not needed.)
The router is currently configured to broadcast two SSIDs: one for Wireless-N (team1432) and one for Wireless-G (team1432-g). Authentication for the networks can be obtained from a team member upon request.
Computer Equipment
Several computers are set up in the classroom for use by team members and mentors. These computers are not set up for access to PPS Novell servers and services, but they are PPS computers with the PPS XP image. Specs can be found below. In addition to these computers, there are two team laptops, both obtained from FreeGeek, neither of which are in active use. EMOC is also being developed, but is not yet production-ready. Students are encouraged to bring their own computers if they need to.
Assets
(will develop later)
Software
There is specific software used for the development of the robot, team promotional materials, etc. PPS computers used by the team usually have the following software installed at a minimum:
- Windows XP Professional SP3
- Microsoft Office 2003 Professional
- NI LabVIEW
The team recommends and uses the following software for certain tasks:
- LabVIEW for code development
- Adobe Illustrator for buttons, t-shirts, logos and other graphic design tasks
- Adobe Photoshop for graphics editing
- InType (Windows) or TextMate (Mac) for web development
- Microsoft Publisher for quick 'n dirty printed material design
- AutoDesk Inventor for 3D CAD (not yet implemented)
An FRC Licensed version of LabView is available; please contact one of the IT-experienced team members if you need a copy for your computer. A small number of Autodesk licenses are available for the team as well; please talk to Mr. Swofford if you think you need one.
The following software is condemned by the team:
- Internet Explorer 6
