fischertechnik TXT User manual

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TXT Controller Tips – version 1.6
1. The most important requirement of the new fischertechnik TXT controller (part no. 522429 or
153513) is the power supply! Always ensure that you have a charged battery or, preferably,
use a mains adapter especially during important operations such as firmware upgrades. A
supply voltage of 8~10 Volts is required. Important: ensure that a minimum of 8V is
maintained even when outputs are turned on!
2. Should the ROBOPro software suggest that a TXT firmware update is required, always use
the USB cable connection before proceeding with the upgrade. The TXT controller will turn
off after downloading the firmware! Switch it on again to re-boot the controller.
3. After turning the WiFi or Bluetooth on for the first time, always switch the TXT controller off
and on again to ensure that any wireless operation is initialized. Also it is a good idea to key
the "Pairing Code" and the "Network security key" into a TXT or DOC file on your computer
to facilitate cutting and pasting when initializing the WiFi or Bluetooth connection. Please
note, should your WiFi connection say "limited connectivity", simply switch the TXT controller
off and on again. If the WiFi connection is working correctly, the status will show "Activity"
that is both sending and receiving data! *this problem has been corrected in latest firmware!
The latest firmware allows WLAN Client Mode operation. In other words your TXT Controller
can now connect automatically through your WiFi Modem/Router. Simply follow the
instructions in the separate documentation provided by fischertechnik. Don’t forget to turn-on
the WLAN switch (green light) BEFORE going to the WLAN Mode screen!
4. When using Bluetooth on the computer, plug in your Bluetooth device or switch it on and
ensure that the Bluetooth icon is visible in the notification area. Right click on the icon and
then select "Join a Personal Area Network". If it's the first time connecting the TXT to the
computer, you will need to "pair" the device. Click "Add…" and select the "TXT xxxx" device,
click "Next" and enter the "Pairing Code". Finally, once the device appears as an "access
point" in the "Personal Area Network" window, click "connect". Please note that you should
now be able to check the "Network and Sharing Center" and find that there is a "Bluetooth
Network Connection" and the "Status" of this connection can be checked.
5. The backup battery compartment (pictured below) is underneath the TXT. Remove the
Phillips-head screw using a small screwdriver (e.g. part no. 36443), press the latch and
remove the cover. The 3V lithium coin battery CR2032 is used to backup the Real Time
Clock (RTC), maintaining the date and time when the TXT is disconnected from an external

Written by www.procontechnology.com.au Phone: [phone]
power source. Our tests suggest that the battery should only last 1 to 2 years. Therefore it
might be best to remove the battery if the TXT controller is not being used for a long period of
time. When removing the battery it is important not to short-circuit the contacts. Please use
the procedure below and place the battery in a safe location out of reach of young children as
it represents a serious health hazard if swallowed. You can measure the battery's voltage by
connecting a cable to one of the I inputs (set to Analog 10V in) and touching the plugs to the
battery's terminals whilst using the "Interface Test" in RoboPro. The battery should be
replaced if the voltage is below 2.5V (< 2500).
6. To set the "Date & Time" on the TXT controller, press "Settings" and scroll down by pressing
the "" symbol (top RH corner) and then press "Date & Time". Note the time is set as a 24
hour clock 00:00 to 23:59. The seconds are automatically reset to zero when the green tick is
pressed. Note, the 'day of the week' value returns Monday=1 through to Sunday=7. Note a
bug involving date & time values has been fixed in version 4.2.4 and above.
7. The TXT Discovery Set (part no. 524328) includes a USB camera module which may also be
purchased separately (part no. 152522). This camera with microphone may be used as a
webcam on your PC* or it may be plugged directly into the TXT controller's USB A socket.
The big advantage of the fischertechnik camera is that it has adjustable focus (the picture
above was taken with this camera). In fact, any USB camera which uses the Sonix SN9C259
image controller chip (e.g ODROID USB-CAM 720P) can be plugged into the TXT controller
and used for video.
* In Windows 10, if the Camera app generates an error "MediaCaptureFailedEvent" see…
www.drivethelife.com/windows-10/fix-webcam-issues-windows-10-anniversary-update.html
The fischertechnik camera can also be used with Mac OSX and Linux systems. The camera
can additionally be plugged directly into Android phones and tablets using a micro USB-OTG
adapter. For a suitable app, see "UsbWebCamera" -
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.serenegiant.usbwebcamera
8. When the camera on the TXT controller is being used (e.g. a program is running or video is
being viewed) it is important that the camera should NOT be removed from the USB socket.
The TXT may freeze and disconnecting the external power supply and reconnecting again is
the only way to recover. Finally, do not attempt to preview the camera on the TXT controller
whilst connected by Bluetooth. Bluetooth does not have the necessary data transfer rate
required for camera viewing.
9. A number of TX and TXT Controller apps are available for Android devices, see -
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=tx%20fischertechnik
And TXTCamControl is available for Apple iOS (iPhone, iPad) devices, see -
https://itunes.apple.com/app/txtcamcontrol/id1024482340
The TXTCamdroid app may also be run on Windows 7/8/10 computers using an Android
emulator. This allows you to display the TXT video on a full-screen on your PC. To download
one emulator that works, go to: https://leapdroid.en.softonic.com
Insert a small strip of paper in the gap to act as an insulator,
use a small screwdriver to lever the battery out of the battery
holder. Never attempt to lever the battery out using the
plastic case of the TXT controller as damage can occur!