fischertechnik COMPUTING ROBO MOBILE SET 8 Mode D'emploi page 36

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O B O O B I L E E T C T I V I T Y O O K L E T
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Approach to
■ We will go step by step in our exploration of the fascinating world of mobile robots. We will start
with a simple test setup to check the basic functions of Interface and sensors. Then we will build simple
Experimentation
models, which will be assigned specific functions and later attempt more and more complicated
systems.
Should you feel at some point that creating your own programs is too complicated or takes too much time
you can load the supplied sample programs into the Interface and use them to operate the robots.
At the end of this resource guide is a chapter on troubleshooting so you don't despair should errors occur.
It is very important to take proper care during the construction and initial operation of our robots. When
connecting electrical components we'll stick closely to the specifications, double and triple checking to
make sure everything is ok. When it comes to the mechanical construction, also for your own creations,
we will pay close attention to the smoothness of operation and low play in the gears and fastenings. It
is up to you and your creativity to write your own programs defining new "behavior". You are only limited
by the amount of memory and computing power of your hardware. The following examples can give you
some ideas.
First Steps
■ Now that we have covered the theoretical considerations we want to start conducting our own
experiments. Some of you might want to start right away, maybe even with the big walking robot. This
is, of course, possible and if you follow the construction manual closely you will succeed in building the
model on the first try.
But what do you do if it isn't working? In this case the cause of the fault must be tracked down
systematically. But before dealing with this let's check the interaction between computer and Interface.
Chapter 1 and 2 of the ROBO Pro software manual describes how to install the control software on your
PC and how to connect the Interface. With the help of Interface tests we will test the different sensors
and actuators.
Pushbutton Sensor
We can for example connect a pushbutton sensor to the digital input terminal I1 and observe how the
state of the input changes if the pushbutton is pressed.
Pushbutton Sensor
Power Motor
We will test the output terminals by connecting a motor to a motor output terminal, e.g. M1. Using the
left mouse button we can start the rotation of the motor and with the slider we can change the speed.
Phototransistor
If we also want to test the analog input terminal AX a phototransistor can be used as analog sensor.
Power Motor
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