Lego Robotics Module Guide The RCX is a programmable, microcontroller-based brick that can simultaneously operate motors, sensors, an infrared serial communications interface, a display and speaker. Get an RCX from the teacher and take a look at it. The RCX receives the program from your PC through the Infrared Transmitter. There are 5 locations to store programs. This is shown in the display window. Sensor Ports connect the light sensor and the Touch Sensor. The Output ports connect the motors that drive the wheels or tracks. A Jones 1 2013-03-18
Assignment 1: 1. Click on the Robotics Invention System Icon on your computer desktop. Create a New User (type in your name). Click the Tour icon to watch and listen. 2. Check the Firmware Click the ON button on the RCX unit and see if your Firmware has already been downloaded. Firmware is the program codes that tell the RCX how to work. It is only loaded once (unless you have to change batteries). If it s not loaded, then Click Settings and Download Firmware as shown. If it IS loaded, skip to the first Assignment!! 3. Click the Mission Icon. Choose Training Missions. Go through each of the mission but here is a WARNING your computer will freeze when you click #1 This is the RCX unless you have the RCX on and lined up with the Infrared transmitter. Complete all the Basic missions. A Jones 2 2013-03-18
Assignment 2: Building the driving base: Before starting to build the RCX (or driving base) make sure that you have 6 AA batteries in the RCX unit. You can find how to build the driving base on pages 12 16 of the guide. Make sure you follow the pictures and directions carefully. Take pictures of this step because you will create a PhotoStory that journals your construction later on. Assignment 3: Wheel Sets You can find where to build the wheels on page 17. While building the wheels, it s a good idea to read all the steps before attempting to build them. If you had built the wheels correctly, they should fit easily into the driving base. Take pictures of this step because you will create a PhotoStory that journals your construction later on. A Jones 3 2013-03-18
Assignment 4: Light Sensor You can find where to build the light sensor on page 34 and 35. Once the sensor is completed, program the RCX unit from the computer. Assignment 5: Programming We are going to write an Algorithm. What is an Algorithm? It is like instructions in a recipe. Our programs consist of parts just like a recipe. Let s Practice creating a program Start RIS (Robotics Invention System) 2.0 Create a user account Watch movie or press enter to skip it Click on Program, instead of Missions Watch the tutorials The work you do in the tutorial will not download to the RCX. It s only demonstrates what you will do in the future to program the RCX. (if you RCX runs, it s because a program is still stored from another group) A Jones 4 2013-03-18
Program 1: First Program Start RIS (Robotics Invention System) 2.0 Enter your user account Click on Program Click on Freestyle You will see the program canvas! Dag and drop these program blocks: Both of these programs do the same thing They cause the RCX to go forward for 2 seconds and then stop. OR NOTE: On AC means the motor connected to the A port and the C port will move forward Turn the RCX on and put it about 10 cm from the IR unit. You can choose which of the 5 program locations on the RCX to store the program. Click Download to transfer the program to the RCX. Run the program on the RCX to see how it works. A Jones 5 2013-03-18
Program 2: Light Sensor Change Course Program the RCX to move forward (indefinitely) unless it encounters a black area, at which point it backs up for 2 seconds and turns right before proceeding forward. This illustration shows a start of your program. Complete the rest of the program. This illustration will assist you to program you two motors to turn or spin. Turn the RCX on and put it about 10 cm from the IR unit. You can choose which of the 5 program locations on the RCX to store the program. Click Download to transfer the program to the RCX. Run the program on the RCX to see how it works. Use the track sheet. A Jones 6 2013-03-18
Program 3: Light Sensor Follow a Dark Path Program the RCX to follow the dark path on the track sheet. Here is one program to try: Test the program and the light sensor using the track sheet that is provided. When the light is on white, it should be able to run smoothly, when the light hits black, it should automatically stop. It should follow the black on the track perfectly. Take pictures of this step because you will create a PhotoStory that journals your construction later on. A Jones 7 2013-03-18
Program 4: Motion Sensor In the example below, the RCX will turn on a light and beep six times when it reaches a dark area on the track sheet. Turn the RCX on and put it about 10 cm from the IR unit. You can choose which of the 5 program locations on the RCX to store the program. Click Download to transfer the program to the RCX. Run the program on the RCX to see how it works. Use the track sheet. A Jones 8 2013-03-18
Assignment 6: Start Your Photostory Open PhotoStory on your computer and start a new project. Create a Title that labeled Lego Robotics Module Insert a slide labeled Assignment #1-5 Insert at least 6 pictures that you took from Assignments #1-3. Put a short title or description on each picture. Use a headset to put a short narration on each slide that describes the slide, what you did, and how it worked. Assignment 7: Single Bumper After gently removing the light sensor from your driving base, you can start to build the single bumper. You can find where to build the single bumper on page 26 29. Program the RCX to move forward until it hits an object, then have it reverse for 3 seconds and turn to the right 90 degrees before going straight again. The way you can test the single bumper is by placing an object in front of the robot, and when the robot hits that object, it should stop and turn in another direction; to avoid hitting that object again. Take pictures of this step because you will create a PhotoStory that journals your construction later on. A Jones 9 2013-03-18
Assignment 8: Double Bumper Most of the single bumper parts can be used for making the double bumper. When making the double bumper, be sure to look at all the little pegs are used in the correct spaces. Test the bumpers Take pictures of this step because you will create a PhotoStory that journals your construction later on. Assignment 9: Tracks Use the double bumper with tracks instead of wheels. You can find how to build the tracks by going to page 21 25. Take pictures of this step because you will create a PhotoStory that journals your construction later on. A Jones 10 2013-03-18
Assignment 10: Legs (Optional) To build the legs, you want to efficiently remove the tracks from the robot. You can find how to build the legs on page 18 and 19. The legs were one of the header bottom pieces to build, so you want to read and follow the directions carefully. Assignment 11: Other Bots Click the Program icon. Choose Pick a Robot. Build and program the Acrobot. Assignment 12: (Optional) Click the Mission Icon. Choose Training Missions. Complete the Advanced missions. A Jones 11 2013-03-18