File execute at powerup.

[NXTenergy]

Forgive me if this has been addressed, I haven't found an answer yet.

I was wondering if there is a way to execute a file immediately on startup. In other words: I hit the orange button on the NXT and the program I have written begins to run immediately. I was thinking I could maybe change some code in the firmware but I assume that is in Labwindows/C programming and I am not too familiar with that.

Thanks for the help.

[JamesB. · Accepted solution]

Hello.  Using the default firmware, I don't believe there is any way to get a particular file to execute on startup.  (You can change the startup sound -- just pick whichever sound file you wish to hear when your NXT is turned on, and download it with the name "!Startup".  At least, I think that's the right spelling of the name.)  You are right that it would take a firmware modification to add the feature you want.  However, I don't think LabWindows/CVI will meet your needs -- I don't believe it will allow you to compile code for the ARM processor that is in the NXT.

If you are not too familiar with C programming and writing firmware, trying to compile the firmware on your own and make the necessary modifications will be a daunting task.  But if you're the adventurous type, you may wish to visit this thread on the NXTasy forums to collaborate with others who are attempting to compile the NXT firmware using open-source tools:

http://forums.nxtasy.org/index.php?showtopic=2318