TABLE OF CONTENTS
DIY Robotics Introduction
1. DIY Robotics Overview 2. Using The Robot Program 3. Introduction to Robotics 4. Developer Kit Box Contents 5. Battery Care & Charging 6. Powering Your EZ-B v4 or IoTiny 7. Using a USB Wi-Fi Dongle 8. Serial/USB Connectivity 9. EZ-B v4 & IoTiny Datasheet & Communication Protocol 10. WiFi Client Status on Digital Port 11. Firmware Upgrade 12. 360 HDD Servo Overview 3D Print Files 1. 3D Print Files for JD 2. 3D Print Files for Six 3. 3D Print Files for Roli 4. 3D Print Files for AdventureBot General CoursesSoftware 1. ARC for Windows PC 2. Example Projects 3. Controls 4. Getting Help with Controls 5. ControlCommand() 6. Virtual Desktops 7. RoboScratch 8. Blockly 9. EZ-Script Mobile Software 1. Create a Mobile App Linear Programming 1. Create a Scene Using RoboScratch (Big Hero Six) 2. Create a Scene using Blockly (Avengers) Logical Programming 1. Programming Concepts (Variables, If/Else, Logic) 2. Counting Up 3. Counting Down Camera Input 1. Introduction to the EZ-B Camera 2. Face Detection with RoboScratch 3. Face Detection with Blockly 4. Face Detection with EZ-Script 5. Color Tracking with Servos 6. Color Tracking with Movement 7. Detecting Multiple Colors 8. Line Following with Roli, AdventureBot and Shell-E 9. Vision - Object Training & Recognition 10. Glyphs to Control Robot Movement 11. Detecting Glyphs & Augmented Reality 12. QR Code Detect 13. Microsoft Cognitive Emotion 14. Microsoft Cognitive Vision Audio Input 1. Speech Recognition RGB Output 1. RGB Animations Positioning 1. Servo Control 2. Introduction to Servo Motors 3. Create a Robot Dance 4. Program Robot to Dab 5. Program Robot to Play Piano 6. MYO Gesture Armband Navigation and Movement 1. Movement Panels 2. Navigating using RoboScratch 3. Navigating using Blockly Creative Applications 1. Customize Your EZ-Robot 2. Control Robot From Twitter 3. Nest Thermostat EZ-B v4 Robot Brain 1. EZ-B v4 Robot Brain Overview 2. DIY Autonomous Robot Vehicle 3. EZ-B v4 and IoTiny Wi-Fi Modes 4. Change WiFi Name 5. Resetting Your EZ-B v4 or IoTiny 6. USB WiFi or Ethernet Adapter Robot Troubleshooting 1. Which Robot are You Using? |
Powering your EZ-B v4 OR IOTINYIntroduction
This lesson only applies to users with the Power Base, Shell-E, Developer Kits, or IoTiny. All other EZ-Robots have a 7.4v LiPo battery pre-installed within the body. Developer Kit 2.0 has an IoTiny instead of an EZ-B v4 Smart Robot Controller and Power Base, but the power connection port is the same. Thus, the same logic applies. Developer Kit Users If you have a Developer Kit and the EZ-B is disconnecting, chances are that the batteries are not providing enough current for the servos. When this happens, it is called a "Brown Out". That means the EZ-B controller is not getting enough power when the servos move. In this case, the only solution is to replace the power source with higher amperage. A wall-wart (power adapter) will not provide enough current for electro-mechanical servo motors. The ideal option is to purchase a LiPo Battery, Balance Charger, and LiPo Battery Harness. Unregulated Power I/O
The EZ-B v4 does not regulate the power on the I/O pins. This means that if you provide 12V to the EZ-B v4, the I/O pins will output 12V. This will damage any +5V peripherals that you connect to the EZ-B v4 when using 12V. You must always be aware of how much power is being provided to the EZ-B v4 and what you are connecting to the I/O pins. For example, the EZ-Robot Servos do not like power above 7.4 volts - which is why we recommend using Rechargeable AA batteries in the provided holder. If you are wishing to use an alternate power source, please be aware of this message and select a voltage rating that works with your application. *Note: The only ports that have regulated power are for the Camera, i2c and UART #0 Expansion. All other ports are unregulated. Battery Saver The EZ-B v4 has a battery saver built-in, which prevents rechargable batteries from being drained. When batteries are completely drained to zero, they will never maintain a full charge again. The EZ-B v4 will shut down all servos and ports when the battery drops below 6.6 volts (default setting). *Note: Do not disable the battery saver feature or your batteries may be damaged! The battery monitor can be disabled or adjusted for custom applications. Never disable the battery monitor for LiPo applications. Always use the battery monitor for LiPo applications. If you wish to disable the battery monitor on a custom application, this can be configured in the Connection Control by pressing the Gear icon. The battery monitor status will be saved with your project. Choosing an AC/DC Power Adapter As you are aware from the warning above, the power provided to the I/O pins of the EZ-B v4 is direct current. This means the voltage you power to the EZ-B v4 is also outputted on the I/O pins. Selecting an AC/DC Power Adapter is a great idea if you are spending a lot of time working on the EZ-B v4 to save on battery usage. The recommended AC/DC Power Adapter has these features...
Using Included Battery Holder The EZ-B v4 developer kit includes a battery holder for 6 AA batteries. The developer kit battery holder is great for introduction experimentation of the developer kit, but may not provide enough current for a robot build. The ideal option is to purchase a LiPo Battery, Balance Charger, and LiPo Battery Harness. |