First time purchase, questions about programming and extension kit

#1

Hi

Before I purchase four mBot kits for a library robotics program, there are a few things I’d like to clarify:

  1. Do the motors work, or have they been recalled?

  2. If I would like to purchase an extension kit for the students to use, which would be the best choice?

  3. I think I found the answer to this one but I’d like to be sure. I want the kids to write programs and download to the robot, similar to the way the LEGO EV3 system works. It seems this is definitely possible with the mBot. just want to make sure.

Thanks a bunch!
Priscilla

#2

Hi Priscilla,

  1. Do the motors work, or have they been recalled?

I’ve had no trouble out of the motors on any of the mBots I have (I have several).

  1. If I would like to purchase an extension kit for the students to use, which would be the best choice?

That really depends on what you plan to have them do.

  1. I think I found the answer to this one but I’d like to be sure. I want the kids to write programs and download to the robot, similar to the way the LEGO EV3 system works. It seems this is definitely possible with the mBot. just want to make sure.

The mBlock IDE is essentially the Scratch offline editor with some custom software extensions, a code generator, and an integrated Arduino IDE. The programming is graphical and the programs can be run from the computer or uploaded to the mBot for autonomous programming. The mBot can also be programmed in the Arduino environment.

I wrote a short ebook on Scratch programming for the mBot (link) that you may or may not find useful. It contains about a dozen projects that begin with turning the LEDs on and off and ends with a maze solving program.

#3

Hi Mr. McKnight

Thanks for your quick reply. Does the book cover programming in the Arduino environment?

As for the extension, the short 2 minute video on YouTube from MakeBlock shows a robot with a bucket front lifting balls and the balloon-pop game. That’s the kind of additional individualization I’d like for them to try.

one other question: I will want to take the robot apart so the next class can have the full building and programming experience. Is this a possibility?
Thanks!

#4

The first book is focused on the Scratch environment. I’m working on volume 2 that focuses on the Arduino environment.

The two demos I saw looked like they used the servo kit and several extra pieces that can be purchased separately. They may or may not require programming in the Arduino environment, but check the OpenLab and Learn audits on the main Makeblock site. Regardless, Makeblock sells all of the bits to customize the mBot as well as their other kits.

You can certainly disassemble the mBots and reassemble them. The kit comes with the tools to do so.

I might suggest considering rechargeable batteries too. Also, I would suggest getting the WiFi versions of the mBot for classroom use. Getting the Bluetooth ones posited to the right computer in a classroom setting can be tricky.

Finally, be aware that you can only upload programs via the USB cable although you can run programs on the computer and send those commands over the wireless interfaces.

Best regards,

Charles

#5

Hi again, Mr. McKnight

To have the WiFi Version, I would add this to my order?

http://www.makeblock.com/2-4g-wireless-serial-for-mbot

you have been a great help. Thank you. I look forward to reading your book.
Priscilla

#6

Hi Priscilla,

No, you’d just need to order the 2.4G version of the kit instead of the Bluetooth version. (link) The 2.4G Wifi version comes with the dongle. :slight_smile:

The best prices I’ve found are on Monoprice.com (use the search term mBot). They have both the version 1.0 and 1.1 kits. The difference between the kits is that the 1.1 version has an opaque plastic case surrounding the mCore board.

Best regards,

Charles

#7