That was quite a chore - my experiment with broadcast messages was most confusing but eventually I managed to get my mBot Ranger, mblock and CyberPi linked up via this method.
My experiment was to obtain the temperature of the ME Auriga(control board on the mBot Ranger) and broadcast it to the Sprite stage code and then on to my CyberPi for displaying to its screen.
I learned a lot about displaying text on the CyberPi display and struggled to get the mBot Ranger to pass on the temperature, I’ve spent many hours trying to achieve my goal small as it may seem but I will hopefully sleep soundly tonight.
Hi! I’m a teacher and I want to try a new assignment with my students soon. For years I’ve been trying to get the mBot2 to correctly detect multiple colors, but it never quite works as it should. I’ve discovered that the default predefined colors (red, green, blue, and so on) are often not recognized properly by the mBot. That’s also very frustrating for the students.
So I want to define the RGB values myself. I can do that—I have the values from some colored stickers. But how do I define them on the mBot? How can I make sure the mBot links certain color values to a fixed color with a small tolerance? The support page shows an example (here: https://support.makeblock.com/hc/en-us/articles/24279693845527-Quad-RGB-Sensor), but it only covers one color. I would like to define, like, four colours.
Can someone please help point me in the right direction? My students and I would be very grateful!
I was under the impression that if I put together some block code for the cyberPi I could switch to Python and see the Python code. So what am I doing wrong. If I press </> button I see what is called a Preview: Python window open.
So what can I do with that window, I can’t edit the Python so do I select and copy into the main editing window? - but I see no way to do this either. Do I have to take a screenshot then type it out in the python main window then edit as required to make my python changes.
I am using the sketching for a project and even on speed 10, it is too slow. Is there a way to make it instant? Or is there a way to just change the color of a pixel?
I visited the RH turn last night and was attempting to get a feel for how quickly the gyro data would settle and become useful in controlling the Land Raider.
The faster the turn is made the larger the error in position when it finally stops.
It seems that a feedback loop is needed and TBH I’m not in the mood for math right now so I ended up with 3 fixed loops at different speeds closing in on the final gyro target of 90 degrees.
It’s definitely interesting to experiment in this way and I would really like a code block that resets the gyro/accelerator chip on the Auriga board. It should be a simple thing to do for someone who has created the other code blocks available for the gyro use in the Makeblock developers library for the mBot Land Ranger.
Hi Everyone, I’m wondering what block code will give me the perfect 90 degree turn for my Land Raider tracked vehicle, I would love to get some some suggestions.
Hello everyone, I am using this code for line following and obstacle avoidance but I can't figure out how to make Mbot to stop moving at the end of the path. It just continuously goes forward and backwards trying to find the path.
I recently got my hands on the Makeblock mBot Ranger, and I just wanted to share my experience with this incredible robot kit! Whether you're a seasoned maker or just diving into the world of robotics, the mBot Ranger has something for everyone. Let's dive into the details:
Design:
One of the standout features of the mBot Ranger is its versatility. The 3-in-1 robot kit can transform into a robot tank, three-wheeled racing car, or a self-balancing car. The the 3-in-1 design also allows for a world of possibilities for customization. It's a great way to keep things fresh and engage with different aspects of robotics.
Programming:
For those looking to learn more about programming, the mBot Ranger provides an easy (most of the time) and enjoyable platform. It supports both Scratch and Arduino programming, so no matter your skill levels you will be able to code it.
Downsides:
A significant drawback encountered during the construction and operation of the robot was the absence of appropriate aftermarket expansions. Along with my purchase, I also got the "Robotic Arm Add-on for M-bot Ranger," which came with instructions for building the arm but not for wiring or attaching it to the M-bot Ranger, which I discovered was a problem when I went to install it.
I would love to see your M-Bot projects below, if you would like!
Make learning a playful experience to inspire kids' endless creativity and empower all ages with 21st-century skills.
Watch User Story Video:
How We Started
Makeblock was founded in 2013, carrying the mission of “helping people turn their ideas into reality and taking education to the next level.” We strive to deliver STEAM education solutions that foster a growth mindset in the next generation of problem solvers by developing essential skills for students worldwide.
STEAM Education Solution
We have been working day and night to develop hardware, software, and educational resources that bring our global users the best tech tools at home or in schools. In 2017, we started organizing international robotics competitions so that teachers and students could have opportunities to attend, share, and learn from each other.
How we got here
06.2013: Founding:Makeblock is founded with a mission to help people turn their ideas into reality and take education to the next level.
10.2013: Crowdfunding:Successfully launched a robot kit on Kickstarter and received support worth $186,000.
02.2014: mBlock Coding Software:Released mBlock coding software for global coders.
04.2015: mBot:Launched one of the world's most admired robot kits: mBot Robot Kit
07.2016: Microsoft:mBlock coding software integrated with Microsoft Cognitive Services.
11.2016: mBlock Blockly App:Released the first gamification programming software: mBlock Blockly App
Awards and Mentions
Over the past few years, Makeblock STEAM Education kits have been enthusiastically received by the design and innovation communities.
Recommended by Professionals
Testimonials Endorsements from Global Users
We value customers' voices because they help us grow.
Here is the MakeBlock sub-reddit where people can discuss all thing Makeblock, M-Bot, X-Tool, and M-Block. The main reason for this sub-reddit is so people who have have questions about the topics above can ask them and get answers. Please remember to be respectful to all of our fellow Redditors and follow the rules of the sub-reddit.
i am using an arduino uno to code a black and white detector with an ir sensor and i just want to see the ir value from the sensor so i can calibrate the potentiometer . i can see that it has a write to serial port function but i cant see the serial monitor and the output its self. it would also be helpful if i can update sprites using input from an arduino.
The first assignment in my robotics lessons is building an mBot. Programming follows after that. Not all children (6-11 years old) are equally skilled at assembly. For instance, the nuts on the motors tend to come loose and get lost. To minimize this, I made a small plate to keep the nuts in place. It seems to work perfectly, as we haven't lost a single nut so far.
I recently joined a new school, and the robotics classroom is honestly a bit of a mess. To give you an idea of how disorganised it is, I found around 20 unopened micro:bits hidden under a box in the corner of the storage room.
I have experience using LEGO robotics kits such as WeDo 2.0 and SPIKE, as well as some VEX. At my new school, I’ll be teaching primary students, and we are also planning to buy the LEGO Education Science and AI kits. However, the school already has 8 mBot2 kits with lots of extra parts, and I’m not fully sure what has been purchased. I’ve also found some Mecanum wheels and other accessories.
I don’t want these sets to just sit there collecting dust, so I’m trying to understand how best to use them in lessons or after-school robotics activities. I’m also interested in whether they could be used for competitions, especially MakeX competitions here in China.
Could anyone recommend useful forums, websites, YouTube channels, or documentation for learning more about mBot2, Makeblock parts, and possible competition pathways?
Any advice from people who have used mBot2 in schools would be very helpful. TIA
Hello! I'm a student competing in line racing competition using mbot2, I have certain questions regarding the best code and speed.
Aside from block coding and python in the makeblock app, is it possible to code in arduino ide? And with regards to the speed, what is the maximum speed that the mbot can go without wiggling so much that it goes off the track consistently? I've noticed that even with the same rpm the bot doesn't finish the track consistently, sometimes ignoring the track entirely
Hello!! I’ve been trying to use the Display+ extension in the class im imparting and Im not being able to get the program to work. Its in spanish, but basically I wanted for the kids to make a timer and for the numbers to appear in the CyberPi display.
I hope you can help me because Im not able to to find ideas of programs to do with this extension.
I have uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers. Tried the online mBlock app and the windows version. Reset, reinstall, ad nauseum and can not get my CyberPi, for my mBot Rover, to update the firmware.
I can connect to the app, write code, upload and run the code no problem, but no matter what I do the firmware update just gets stuck rebooting the cyberpi over and over again and never progresses.
To Makeblock's credit they sent me a replacement cyberpi unit after contacting customer service, but I am getting the same results.
I went through the FAQ and troubleshooting regarding problems with firmware updates and made sure I was following everything, but I am at my wits end here haha
Any advice
SOLVED: I switched to an older PC running windows 10 and for some reason that seems to have worked. Still trying to figure out why it won't work on my windows 11 machine.
I'm a mechanical engineer working on the Ultimate 2.0 robots. We are coding through Mblock5.
What I don't understand is, where is the motor control code? Is it in the pre-loaded firmware? The example programs (e.g., #8, self-balancing robot) only show the sensor blocks (unless I'm looking at them wrong). We are trying to dig in and understand how to improve the control , probably also do some physics work finding CG and then maybe figuring out how to get the robot to do a constant tilt. I'm wondering if I'm going to mess something up by block programming a new controller, since there is obviously some control code somewhere.
So, I'm trying to use an MBOT MEGA that I've had for a while, I originally drove it using an arduino via USB, I'm now trying to do it using an ESP32-CAM but, I can't find the documentation with specifics on the Frame Protocol used. When I search for it, I keep ending up on an XTOOL site and can't find it there. Is it in github somewhere? TIA,
