How do I install QDriverStation on Ubuntu?

Download the AppImage from GitHub releases, make it executable with 'chmod +x', and run it directly. The README provides specific terminal commands for this process, ensuring easy deployment without complex package management.

QDriverStation or official FRC Driver Station: which should I use?

Use QDriverStation if you need cross-platform support on macOS or Linux, but stick with the official software for Windows or if you require guaranteed compatibility with the latest FRC hardware and protocols, as QDriverStation's newer robot support is still evolving.

Does QDriverStation work with 2020 FRC robots?

Not yet fully; support for 2020 robots is in development, so it's best suited for robots from 2009 to 2017. Check the project's updates or GitHub issues for progress on newer model compatibility.

How to connect an Xbox controller to QDriverStation on Mac?

Mac users will be prompted to download an additional driver for Xbox 360 controllers to work properly, as noted in the install notes. This extra step is required for joystick functionality on macOS.

Can I integrate QDriverStation with ROS?

Yes, the underlying LibDS library can be customized to support ROS, and there's an open issue for this integration mentioned in the README, making it feasible for advanced users to extend functionality.

QDriverStation

MITQMLv21.04

Cross-platform open-source alternative to the FRC Driver Station for operating FRC robots on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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What is QDriverStation?

QDriverStation is a cross-platform, open-source alternative to the official FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Driver Station software. It enables teams to operate FRC robots from 2009-2017 on Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux systems, with 2020 support in development. This provides a flexible, community-driven tool for robotics teams that need an accessible solution beyond the official Windows-only software.

Target Audience

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams and robotics educators who need to control FRC robots on non-Windows operating systems like macOS or Linux. It also targets developers interested in customizing robot communication protocols through its underlying LibDS library.

Value Proposition

Developers choose QDriverStation because it offers a free, open-source, and cross-platform alternative to the proprietary FRC Driver Station, allowing teams to use their preferred operating systems. Its modular design with the separate LibDS library enables customization and integration with other systems like ROS, providing flexibility beyond standard FRC tools.

Overview

Cross-platform clone of the FRC Driver Station

Use Cases

Best For

Operating FRC robots from 2009-2017 on macOS or Linux systems where the official Windows-only Driver Station isn't available.

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Teams needing a free, open-source alternative to the proprietary FRC Driver Station software for cost or philosophical reasons.

Developers who want to customize robot communication protocols or integrate FRC robots with other systems like ROS using the underlying LibDS library.

Educational settings where students use diverse operating systems and need accessible robotics control software for FRC competitions.

Teams requiring joystick support with Xbox 360 controllers on multiple platforms, including macOS with additional driver installation.

Linux users who prefer easy deployment via AppImages without complex installation procedures.

Not Ideal For

Teams competing with FRC robots from 2020 or later that require immediate, full protocol support
Organizations that mandate official, FIRST-endorsed software for competition compliance and reliability
Users on macOS who expect plug-and-play joystick support without installing additional drivers
Projects needing extensive, vendor-backed documentation and technical support for critical operations

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cross-Platform Accessibility

Runs on Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux, providing a viable alternative to the official Windows-only FRC Driver Station, as explicitly stated in the README.

Multi-Year Robot Support

Supports FRC robots from 2009 to 2017, with 2020 support in development, offering broad compatibility for older hardware without platform restrictions.

Open-Source Customization

Uses the separate LibDS C library, allowing developers to customize communication protocols or integrate with systems like ROS, as mentioned in the README for flexibility.

Easy Linux Deployment

Provides AppImage packages for Linux, enabling simple execution without complex installation steps, detailed in the install notes with terminal commands.

Cons

Incomplete New Robot Support

Support for 2020 and newer FRC robots is still in development, limiting its use for teams with the latest hardware and requiring patience for updates.

Platform-Specific Joystick Issues

On macOS, additional drivers are required for Xbox 360 controllers, and on Linux, some devices may be incorrectly detected as joysticks, necessitating manual intervention as warned in the README.

Community-Driven Limitations

As an open-source project, it lacks the formal support and frequent updates of the official FIRST software, which could lead to compatibility gaps or slower bug fixes in critical scenarios.

Open Source Alternative To

QDriverStation is an open-source alternative to the following products:

F

FRC Driver Station

FRC Driver Station is the official software used by teams in the FIRST Robotics Competition to control and monitor their robots during matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

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FIRST Robotics Competition

FRCDashboard

:video_game: Extensible, JavaScript-based driving dashboard framework for the FIRST Robotics Competition.

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