Setup guide

Ready in ten minutes. Nothing to install.

Do this before your taster or first session, ideally the day before, so the session itself is all game. If anything doesn't work, email info@clubcoders.co.uk or join the Zoom call ten minutes early and we'll sort it live.

💻 Windows 10 or 11 only. Mac and Chromebook aren't supported yet.

1
Download the Club Coders appUse the download link in your welcome email and download ClubCoders-windows.zip. The download is about 150 MB. We send the link only to members and families booked onto a taster.
2
Extract itRight-click the zip and choose Extract All. Put the folder somewhere easy to find, like Documents. Don't run it from inside the zip.
3
Run itOpen the Club Coders folder and double-click Club Coders.exe. The first time, Windows may say it doesn't recognise the app: choose More info, then Run anyway. That warning appears because the club's program isn't signed by a big software company; the checksum on the release page lets you verify the download if you'd like to.
4
Log inChoose Online class, then type the username and starter password we emailed to the parent. The first time, the app asks your child to choose their own password (at least 6 characters). Usernames are a nickname or first name only.
5
Wait for the arenaIf your group hasn't started yet the app says so and waits. The moment Peter launches the group, the game opens on its own, already logged in. Nothing else to click.
6
Join the Zoom callThe link and passcode are in the same email. Choose Join from your browser: no Zoom app or account is needed. Type the club username as your name, not your real name (the waiting room checks it against the group list). Headphones with a mic make a big difference. No camera is needed: sessions are voice only.

Editing your brain (from lesson 3)

Your brain file is next to the app: brains\robotlab\my_brain.py for Robot Lab and brains\fightlab\my_brain.py for Fight Lab. Open it with Notepad, or a free editor like Notepad++ or VS Code, save it, then press U in the game to upload and P for autopilot.

Older laptops

The games run three graphics levels. If the arena stutters, tell Peter and he'll switch your window to the low setting (no shadows, same game). Close other programs during sessions; Zoom and the game together like a bit of breathing room.

Updates

The app tells you when a new version is out and gives you a download button. The class server only lets in matching versions, so if you're told "out of date", grab the latest zip from the same release page and extract it over the old folder.

What's stored on your computer

The app folder, your brain files, and a small log in %APPDATA%\ClubCoders. Your design, missions and progress live on the class server under your username.

Keyboard cheat sheet

Robot Lab: arrows drive · Space fire · F weapon · G garage · C code · M missions · I AI card · U upload brain · P autopilot · V camera · H help.
Fight Lab: arrows move/sidestep · A punch/combo · S kick · D special · W throw · Space jump · Shift block · X crouch.

Stuck?

Email info@clubcoders.co.uk with a photo of the screen, or ring 07984 653910 on weekdays. Join ten minutes early on session day and we'll fix it together.