When we started, we had a few problems. So I wrote a few notes to help people in case they are having similar problem. I hope it helps.
Notes for using the Scratchbot Application:
- Connect the Robot to the USB Port, the Robot should light up. A single beep occurs.
- In the “Connect” menu, select the COM port, another beep.
Also - the MakeBlock Starter Robot is type “Arduino Leonardo” - In order for the program to run, the Robot must also be turned on.
The motors are powered by the batteries, not the USB. - The motors are reversed from each other. So to go in one direction one must be set to a positive number and the other to a negative number.
For example:
set motor M1 speed 300
set motor M2 speed -300 This will make the robot go forward.
We put a box in between the tires and prop the robot up. This allows the wheels to turn but the Robot to stay still. Good for working on a program.
More tips:
- The ultrasound sensor is in Port 3, just a reminder.
- When you move the motors - you need to set it more than 100, otherwise there is not enough power to move the Robot. It will buzz, and you’ll wonder what’s wrong.
- The distance your robot goes depends on a combination of the “speed” and the time using the “wait” command. So if you set the speed for 100, and the wait for 5 seconds - this will go half the distance of speed 100 for 10 seconds. This isn’t as obvious as it sounds. Mixing up the speed and wait will yield varying results.