Issue with Starter Kit - control and general IR functionality

#1

I assembled the Starter Kit 2.0 robot today with my son…it was working well for a few hours, then the steering started to falter. At this point, the robot will not turn right or left (which it did initially) and will only go forward / backward. My son is not sure if he hit some key sequence to cause this and I am not able to restore the original functionality. I have tried to switch the connections at the motor, and the only thing that did was cause the controls to flip, with the robot going backward when pressing the forward button

We are using the out-of-the-box parts / code and have not customized anything. I am unable to find documentation on the IR remote. I’m not sure if I have a ‘new’ remote, but the pictures of the remote I’ve found on other posts do not match the controller I have. I have the controller with buttons A - F (with button D putting it into some type of autopilot mode), the settings button (looks like a gear icon), four directional buttons and numbers 0-9.

Additionally, I’ve read that the IR kit in the starter robot should work up to 10 meters in space. I’ve found the controls to lack functionality over that distance. In fact, there are times when I am less than 5 feet from the robot, it will be running fine then just stop responding, without me letting go of the key. I press the key again and it starts moving again…not sure if there are any settings / recommendations for positioning of the IR on the robot, but would hope the IR controls are more robust than what I’ve experienced to this point.

I am extremely new to this and appreciate you assistance in advance.

EWill

#2

Hi EWill,
I got the Starter Kit without electronics, but I do have some experience with IR remotes and Arduino. The IR remotes will always work better in a dark room, since sunlight contains a lot of IR light. Due to this it’s natural to get less range if used outdoors.

As for the steering problem, I’d add some “Serial.println” commands to see if the robot is receiving the IR signals. If you’re not familiar with finding bugs (debugging) on the Arduino platform, check out this little video tutorial. It’ll show you how to use “println” to figure out what is wrong. Best of luck!

#3

Thanks jenschr. I will look into the debugging options you provided and see if that sheds any light on the subject.

Don’t know if this changes your thoughts, but when I push the ‘forward’ arrow, the robot moves forward. When I push the ‘right’ arrow, the robot moves forward. When I push the ‘back’ arrow, the robot moves backward. When I push the ‘left’ arrow, the robot moves backward.

It seems like the robot is receiving a signal when I push the ‘left’ and ‘right’ arrow, it just doesn’t move in the correct direction.

EWill

#4

Hi @ericwillard3

I’m sorry for the problem. Could you change the battery and try again? Normally, the 6 AA batteries would be low power in 20-30 minutes. In this condition, the IR would be not very stable.

#5

Johnny - thanks for the response.

In the process of replacing the batteries, I identified the problem being one of the wheels that provides power had lost a firm connection to the motor. Once the screws were tightened, the steering was restored.

Are there any guides to the IR control. Through trial and error, the function of some buttons has been identified but it would be nice to have the definitive guide. I have found diagrams of a remote with different buttons, but nothing that matches the buttons on my remote.

Thanks for all the assistance.

#6

Hi, Eric

  1. Steering issue : Could you please check your set-screw of wheel. I think one of set screw of motor is loosen so it can cause your current issue.
  2. IR Remote : What you using is same as mine. I believe the one in manual is old one.
  3. Distance : IR remote will be working up to 10 meters ideal situation and direction is very important. Please try to adjust IR receiver position. Additionally if you are under fluorescent light, it will reduce ability of communication.
    One way to increase distance would be wireless internet communication with your smartphone.
#7

You already resolved steering issue. I missed your reply on this loop.
I am going to check my robot and share key-mapping of remote.

#8

For the Tank project, your IR Remote button work as below.
D : Change Mode
1-9 : Tank Speed
Arrow : Direction
That’s all for tank project.

#10

I found out that my robot will work erratically or not at all when I’m close to my Samsung TV, I believe my Samsung TV IR receiver also transmits or its blocking the commands from the Makeblock IR remote, funny thing is that if I point my Samsung TV remote to my robot and press the VOL UP/DOWN it will move.

If I take the robot to the garage or another room it will work fine.

#11