Is there no way to upload Scratchapps?

#1

We built our first MakeBlock from the starter kit. Everything went fine. We loaded the Scratchbot app (Scratch) and drivers as per the wiki.

We are able to connect to the Makeblock just fine, and am able to write programs. Our problem is that there doesn’t seem to be a way in Scratch to upload the program. It only runs if its connected to the USB port.

Does anyone know a way to upload the program so it runs when the Makeblock is turned on WITHOUT being connected to the computer running Scratch??

Thanks!
MDHZ

#2

Have you downloaded the Scratchbot or Mblock (newer version of Scratchbot) programs? With the Arduino drivers, they will let you upload Scratch programs to the Makeblock device. Once the sketch is uploaded, you don’t need the usb cable connection. At least, this is what I think will work.

#3

First of all - THANKS FOR REPLYING !!

It didn’t seem like anyone here would help. I download the latest version of Scratchapp - at least I think I did - I used the link on the “Getting Started” page. It didn’t even have a place to upload - no button anywhere at all!

If you have a link to the latest Scatchapp - I can try it.

Thanks!
M

#4

I’m happy this helps. Rereading your original question, I think I didn’t answer the specific question you asked. I hope this is more clear:

  1. When your computer is connected to Makeblock by the usb cable, one can upload scratch (or Arduino) programs from the computer to the Makeblock device (robot, electronics ). These programs can then run autonomously on the device without a usb connection. For example, I have uploaded a program to the electronics kit that takes the information from the ultrasonic sensor and displays it on the LED device. This program will run on the electronics kit until a new program is uploaded.

  2. I have not found a way to upload a scratch program to the Makeblock device solely using bluetooth.

  3. I have only been able to use the bluetooth app to receive information from the Makeblock device. For example, the app can receive the distance data from the ultrasonic sensor and display it on the smartphone. I have not yet been able to control the device using the bluetooth app. I am learning more each week and hope to figure this out (if it can be done) soon.

  4. The Mblock site is at http://mblock.cc . It is run by the Makeblock company. These programs seem to be their version of scratch but customized to work with Arduino/Orion.

Good luck! Please let me know how you do.
-Tom

#5

Thanks again for trying to reply - I really appreciate it.

I have not tried using the Bluetooth at all. Right not I’m JUST using the USB.

Are you saying that I can upload the sketch using the Bluetooth?

I will try mBlock.

Thank you!
M

#6

Okay - Just to close out this topic (in case anyone has the same problem).

I was NEVER able to get the sketches (Arduino Programs) to upload to the Makeblock robot using Scratch. I’ve tried various flavors of Scratch and mBlock (Makeblock’s modified Scratch). None of them work.

The ONLY way I was able to get sketches uploaded to the Makeblock robot was to use Arduino IDE (Arduino’s native code editor). You still have to have the Makeblock drivers loaded. But it works.

The only thing that mBlock seems to give you is a way to see the code after using the blocks, and having a convenient way to “Export to Arduino IDE”.

Thanks for those who got me this far !!
Problem Solved.
MDHZ

#7

Okay - I take it back - today I was able to use the “Upload to Arduino” button off mBlock v2.1.5, and it uploaded the sketch to my MakeBlock Orion.

I don’t know what changed. But it wasn’t working before. Perhaps I tried it before the firmware update? Not sure.

So yeah - its working now. Thanks!

#8