Checkpoint 0

In this checkpoint, while we wait for our miniROV kits to arrive, we are going to learn a little bit of VPython. Our eventual goal will be to use VPython to graphically display data collected from our Arduinos.  

In some ways, this is going to be a difficult check point to get through so make sure that you ask for help when you are not fully understanding what is happening.

First, a brief description of VPython:  VPython is a programming language based upon the well-known and widely used Python programming language.  The chief advantage of VPython is its quick learning curve and the relative ease in making graphs and 3D objects on the screen.

VPython is an open-source language. We are going to use an older version of VPython as almost all computers will be happy with the older version. To find the download site go to: https://vpython.org/index6.html

Instructions for downloading and installing VPython 6.

1) Go to the appropriate download section of https://vpython.org/index6.html and carefully follow the directions for downloading the 32-bit version of VPython 6. You must use the 32-bit version of VPython even if you have a 64-bit computer as some of the software we are going to use in the next few weeks can only work in 32-bits.

2) Note that you are first to download the 32-bit Python-2.7.9 and only after installing Python you are next supposed to download VPython-Win-32-Py2.7-6.11.

Next, we are going to play with VPython. I class, I will lead you through several activities.