mBot Ranger herlp

#1

My son got a mBot Ranger kit for christmas. He has put it together in the ranger configution properly but we are unable to do any programming. We are able to use the Makeblock app on iphone or ipad to move the robot with the joystick and such. The sensors also appear to be working. However, we have tried to use teh mBlock and mBlockly apps to write some codes. Both apps say they are able to connect but when we write a simple code and hit “Go”, the robot blinks in the bluetooth like it is getting the signal but it never does anything (move, lights, sounds, etc…). It is ok to use the Makeblock app but he would really like to do some coding. Can someone please help with the basics on how to get these to work.

#2

Hi @sj9,

Let me ask you a few questions:

  1. What operating system are you using?
  2. What version of mBlock are you using?

Generally speaking the first test is to connect the USB cable to the robot followed by upgrading the firmware. This will ensure that you are working in the latest version of the firmware. The next step usually is to reset the default program, again to ensure that you are starting from a known point.

Although you can run programs from within the mBlock environment “over the air” using WiFi or Bluetooth, you will have to be connected via USB to actually upload programs for standalone operation.

Could you post a screenshot of the code you are trying to run?

Best regards,

Chuck

#3

Hi sj9,

In addition to Charles suggestions, I need mention tha the mBlockly APP is only available for mBot instead of Ranger robot.
For the issue on mBlock, it is suggested to send a screenshot for the program you try as Charles requested.

@chuckmcknight, actually, upgrade firmware and reset default program are two different programs, operate either one will clear the previous one, the two operations don’t need to do one by one.
When control the robot with IR controller or mobile APP, it is suggest to reset default program for the robot. When do program online test, it is suggested to upgrade firmware for the robot first.

#4

Thanks guys, I think I have made some progress. It is clear that Mblockly is not for Ranger, which explains why it wasn’t working. We were able to run some simple codes successfully with the Makeblock app on iPad and using mblock on our PC connected through a USB cable. The mblock app on iPad still doesn’t control the ranger, but maybe it isn’t supposed too?

So, I think we are ok. It would certainly be useful to publish something that clearly states what apps can be used with what robots so those new to this don’t have to waste so much time. Even the names are unclear Makeblock, mblock, Mblockly, etc… More clear instructions around “updating firmware” and resetting the default program, in plain English, should also be written. The way it is now, people who don’t already do some coding and robotics work are lost. I personally have no clue what firmware is.

#5

Read this page, especially the guide pdf and the tutorials: http://learn.makeblock.com/getting-started-programming-with-mblock/

#6

Hi @tec_support,

Why I usually do both (knowing that the current program on the robot is overwritten) is that on the mBot I found that sometimes it took doing both loads to properly clear out the memory. Not sure what the deal is/was, but that was what it took to clear things up. Otherwise I and my students were seeing some completely unexpected behaviors.

#7

HI sj9,

Yes, the mBlcok APP doesn’t support Ranger either. It only support mBot.
Here is a link to show all the software and APPs, and you can see the available robots for each APP.

Here is a link provide more info for Ranger to you for reference.

#8

Hi Charles,

In principle, it won’t happen. Anyway, with the latest version mBlock sofware, it should work as it is.

#9