# Systems Getting Started

{% hint style="warning" %}
Before reading this getting started guide on the systems of an FTC robot please read our basic explanation of [what the First Tech Challenge is](https://thesaintsftc.gitbook.io/thesaintsftc-docs/what-is-first-tech-challenge).
{% endhint %}

## **Driver Station**

### Android Device Based Driver Station

The Driver Station is an android smartphone running the FTC Driver Station app that sits with the team's drivers and has up to 2 gamepads connected, it acts as a remote control to issue commands to the Robot Controller such as running a specific OpMode.

![](https://1769714528-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MUO22awSZ9DY17nh-IP%2F-MUOQJ8JLXHE4ioV4lu7%2F-MUOXdB38YQp9-kHeNKS%2Fp8_13_2.png?alt=media\&token=fe40237e-c0e6-4605-b188-005c96b90020)

[Installing the FTC Driver Station App](https://thesaintsftc.gitbook.io/thesaintsftc-docs/systems/systems-getting-started/installing-the-ftc-driver-station-app)

> Don't worry about what OpMode's are yet, We'll learn about them in the coding guide

> There's a handy image above that shows the stuff we just talked about

> Remember to download the FTC Driver Station App on your driver station if you haven't already

### Driver Hub Based Driver Station(Easier)

![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-t3eo8vwp22/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/598/2050/REV-31-1596-Driver-Hub-Iso-View-FTC_Legal__65234.1620417462.png?c=2)

The driver hub is a new Driver Station option for FTC released in 2021, it has multiple ports for controllers instead of having to use a dongle and runs on android just like the provious option for Driver Station a Motorolla Android Smartphone

## Robot Controller

The Robot Controller is mounted onto the robot and is responsible for Storing and Running the code it also communicates with the motors, sensors and servos plugged into it, there are 2 hardware options for a Robot Controller

### Android device + Expansion Hub Based System

In this system you have an android device that stores the code and runs it and uses the expantion hub to communicate with its motors, sensors and servos.

![Android smartphone + Expansion Hub Robot Controller System](https://1769714528-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MUO22awSZ9DY17nh-IP%2F-MUOQJ8JLXHE4ioV4lu7%2F-MUOWJp0Xa1drqB0O6hc%2Fp9_14.png?alt=media\&token=769cb104-d19a-4bc6-a4a4-efed46d712a8)

### Control Hub Based System(Easier)

In the Control Hub system, it merges the android device into the expansion hub so it now stores and runs code and communicates with motors, sensors, and servos all in one device meaning no need for an android smartphone as Robot Controller anymore.

![The Control Hub is just an android device merged with the expansion hub](https://1769714528-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MUO22awSZ9DY17nh-IP%2F-MUOQJ8JLXHE4ioV4lu7%2F-MUOXHmL9YjOjBqOFFeU%2Fp10_17.png?alt=media\&token=27eef2dc-4d7b-4dac-a358-07be8db0999f)

![As you can see a Control Hub system does not require an android device like the expansion Hub system](https://1769714528-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MUO22awSZ9DY17nh-IP%2F-MUOQJ8JLXHE4ioV4lu7%2F-MUOXk7c_ygPeqyDXLcG%2Fp10_18.png?alt=media\&token=2f2d9ef8-c2d6-4511-a8fb-5a77a77457c1)
