K'Nex Education 79018 User manual

1
888-ABC-KNEX
Education™
79018
9+
AGE
EDAD/ÂGE/ALTER
K’NEX
COMPUTER CONTROL™
User’s Guide for:
K’NEX Interface
Computer Control Software

2www.knexeducation.com
The Computer Control Interface
& Software User’s Guide
CAUTION - ELECTRIC TOY:
Not recommended for children under 8 years of age. As with all electric products,
precautions should be observed during handling and use to prevent electric shock.
The product should be examined periodically for potential hazards; any potentially hazardous components should
be repaired or replaced.
The toy must only be used with the recommended transformer.
The transformer is not a toy.
The transformer used with the toy is to be regularly examined for damage to the cord, plug, enclosure and other
parts, and in the event of such damage, they must not be used until the damage has been repaired.
Disconnect transformer before cleaning any components.

3
888-ABC-KNEX
Table of Contents – K’NEX Interface
What’s in the pack? .......................................................................................................................................... 6
What is computer control? .............................................................................................................................. 6
The K’NEX Interface interface ......................................................................................................................... 7
What you need for computer control ............................................................................................................. 8
Setting up for the first time............................................................................................................................. 9
Using the K’NEX Interface after the initial set-up ....................................................................................... 10
Simulation.................................................................................................................................................... 10
Power supply ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Outputs and Inputs ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Using the K’NEX Interface away from the computer ................................................................................. 14
Stored program limits................................................................................................................................. 14
Download program limits........................................................................................................................... 14
Downloading a program to the K’NEX Interface ...................................................................................... 15
Running a program while disconnected from the computer .................................................................. 15
Technical specifications ................................................................................................................................. 16
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................. 16
Warranty.......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Table of Contents – K’NEX Computer Control Software
Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 19
The SCEs supplied....................................................................................................................................... 19
Example control programs...................................................................................................................... 19
Operating modes......................................................................................................................................... 20
System Requirements.................................................................................................................................... 20
Installing the K’NEX Computer Control Software ...................................................................................... 20
Connecting the K’NEX Interface ................................................................................................................... 21
Starting K’NEX Computer Control for the first time................................................................................... 21
Step 1: Selecting a User level..................................................................................................................... 21
Connecting to an SCE .................................................................................................................................... 22
The SCE window ......................................................................................................................................... 22
The screen layout ........................................................................................................................................... 23
Toolbars........................................................................................................................................................ 24
The Standard and Control toolbar.......................................................................................................... 24

4www.knexeducation.com
The flowchart or procedure selector toolbar ......................................................................................... 24
The Symbol toolbar ................................................................................................................................. 25
The Map and Text View ........................................................................................................................... 25
I/O and Variable panels............................................................................................................................ 26
Program terminology..................................................................................................................................... 27
Placing symbols and entering commands ................................................................................................... 27
Connecting the symbols ................................................................................................................................ 28
Deleting flow lines....................................................................................................................................... 29
Running a control program ........................................................................................................................... 29
The Symbols ................................................................................................................................................... 30
Switch Motor ............................................................................................................................................ 32
Sound........................................................................................................................................................ 32
Binary Output ........................................................................................................................................... 33
The Process symbol .................................................................................................................................... 34
Wait ........................................................................................................................................................... 35
Procedure.................................................................................................................................................. 35
Make.......................................................................................................................................................... 36
The Decision symbol................................................................................................................................... 38
Is Input ...................................................................................................................................................... 38
Is Sensor ................................................................................................................................................... 39
Is Variable.................................................................................................................................................. 39
Is Binary Input .......................................................................................................................................... 40
The Stop symbol ......................................................................................................................................... 41
Flow Line...................................................................................................................................................... 42
Text Tool ....................................................................................................................................................... 42
Delete............................................................................................................................................................ 42
New .............................................................................................................................................................. 42
Creating multiple flowcharts......................................................................................................................... 43
Uses for running separate flowcharts .................................................................................................... 43
Creating Procedures....................................................................................................................................... 44
Using Learn..................................................................................................................................................... 45
To check and debug a control program........................................................................................................ 46
Start Settings ............................................................................................................................................... 46

5
888-ABC-KNEX
Run only the current procedure or flowchart............................................................................................ 46
Pause and Single Step ................................................................................................................................ 46
Single Step: xx............................................................................................................................................. 46
Breakpoints .................................................................................................................................................. 47
Follow Flowchart ......................................................................................................................................... 47
Downloading your program .......................................................................................................................... 48
Stored program limits................................................................................................................................. 48
Download Program Limits.......................................................................................................................... 49
Set Interface Sensors..................................................................................................................................... 49
Select, Copy and Paste .................................................................................................................................. 49
Saving and Opening files............................................................................................................................... 50
Printing............................................................................................................................................................ 50
Options............................................................................................................................................................ 52
Toolbar display options ........................................................................................................................... 52
Grid............................................................................................................................................................ 52
Colors ........................................................................................................................................................ 52
User information ............................................................................................................................................ 52
Connection problems.................................................................................................................................. 52
Altering the default configuration for SCE and Go files........................................................................... 53
Glossary of commands............................................................................................................................... 53
Licence conditions, copyright information and disclaimers ...................................................................... 53
K’NEX Education’s policy is to continually improve products and services, so we reserve the right
to make changes without notice. It is acknowledged that there may be error or omissions in this
publication for which responsibility cannot be assumed. No liability will be accepted for loss or
damage resulting from use of information contained in this manual or from uses as described.
© K’NEX Limited Partnership Group 2012: all rights reserved
This manual may be freely copied for use within the purchaser’s establishment.
K’NEX Education
P.O. Box 700
Hatfield, PA 19440
Phone: 1-888-ABC K’NEX
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.knexeducation.com

6www.knexeducation.com
What’s in the pack?
What is computer control?
Many types of technology can be controlled, including mechanisms and electrical components.
Computer control provides unique opportunities for students to develop elegant and precise solutions
in a simple way. The idea of students using a computer to control can appear daunting but in reality
when the K’NEX Computer Control software is used it is a surprisingly easy, rewarding, and creative
process.
At its simplest, computer control involves using a computer to control electrical devices e.g. lights,
buzzers and motors. This may also involve the use of switches as input devices. An interface box, such
as the K’NEX interface, is required to interpret the information given to and from the computer and
provide the right amount of power for the electrical devices.
It is important to remember that it is we that control the technology, and not the other way around!
Most of the technology that we use everyday is simple to control e.g. using knobs and switches to
turn things on and off. For those of us involved in educating students about control, this is the place to
start. The most basic of these involves using a simple switch to control a light.
back to Table of Contents

7
888-ABC-KNEX
Why use a computer?
Lights, motors and buzzers can easily be controlled by simple on/off switches, magnetic and tilt
switches, mechanical timers, etc. Why do we need to use a computer?
What makes using a computer better?
Accuracy – especially timing (and positioning)
Capability – controlling more than one thing at once
Power control - motors
Sensing - the environment
Using feedback - so that it is a two-way system
Memory – storing and playing back a sequence of events
Repeating actions – continuously or for a fixed number of times
Relevance to modern day life
Computer and microprocessor-controlled systems play a significant role in our lives, from traffic
management systems and automatic doors to cuddly toys that demand attention. In the modern
industrial world, the ability of computers to repeat both easy and complex instructions precisely and
endlessly is harnessed to control production lines and manufacturing to ensure quality products at an
economic cost. It is not surprising therefore that increasing attention is being given to computer-aided
design, computer-aided manufacturing and computer control in design and technology education. A
control system is only as good as the person who has designed it! Computer control could be referred
to as an invisible technology - you don’t notice until it breaks down!
The K’NEX interface
Go button
USB port
Analog sensor
inputs
Power
supply
socket
Power/GO
indicator light
LED indicator:
to show whether the
input is ON or OFF
LED indicator:
to show whether the
output is ON or OFF
Motor
Outputs
Digital Inputs
Digital Outputs
back to Table of Contents

8www.knexeducation.com
The K’NEX Computer Control Interface is equipped with:
6 Digital Outputs Red & black sockets To power LEDs and buzzer.
2 Motor Outputs Green sockets Configured for motors to allow speed control
and movement in a forward or reverse position.
4 Digital Inputs Yellow & black
sockets
For switch-type sensors which can register an
On or Off state. To power reed switches and
push button switches
2Analog Sensor
Inputs
Jack sockets at the
back of the interface
For level-type sensors capable of detecting
changes in environment such as light,
temperature, etc.
Power supply socket At the back of the
interface To power interface either via the power supply.
A USB port At the back of the
interface
For connecting interface to the computer via a
USB lead.
A green power/GO
light
On the top of the
interface
To indicate whether interface is being supplied
with power or if a program is running.
A GO push button
switch
On the top of the
interface
Used to run the control program stored in
interface’s memory.
What you need for computer control
The K’NEX Computer Control interface is the link between the computer and the electrical components
on a model. It provides power for the electrical components and also acts as a buffer between the
components and the computer. In order to use a computer to control these components you use the
K’NEX Computer Control software.
You will need:
A computer with an available USB port
The K’NEX Computer Control software (supplied)
The K’NEX interface (supplied)
A USB connection cable (supplied)
The power supply (supplied)
Input and Output Devices such as motors, LEDs, buzzers, reed and push button switches to control
on a model. (supplied)
back to Table of Contents

9
888-ABC-KNEX
Setting up for the first time
Turn on your computer.
Step 1
If the K’NEX Computer Control software is not already on your computer, install the software. For
details of how to install and use the software, please refer to the software portion of this user guide.
Notes: • Make sure that K’NEX interface is not connected to the USB port during installation
• The USB drivers for K’NEX interface will install to your hard drive during the software installation.
• After the software installation is complete, restart your computer before connecting the K’NEX interface.
Step 2
 •ConnectthepowersupplyleadtothesocketonthebackofK’NEXInterfaceandplugthepower
supply into a standard wall socket. The green power indicator will light to show it is powered.
Note: If the green LED flashes, press the GO button once so it is lit solid green.
Step 3
The first time a K’NEX interface is connected to the USB port on a computer, the USB drivers will need
to install.
 •ConnectK’NEXInterfacetotheUSBportonyourcomputer.
 •Windowswillautomaticallydetectanewdeviceandinstallthenecessarydrivers.
Step 4
To use the K’NEX interface with K’NEX Computer Control Software, it must first be set up from the
software.
1. Start the K’NEX Computer Control software.
2. If this is the first time the program is opened a ‘Program
Level’ window will automatically open so the appropriate
level can be selected. Select level 2.
Note: The program level can easily be altered at anytime using
the Level icon once the software has been opened (click
on the icon to alter the selected level).
3. If this is the first time K’NEX Computer Control
software is opened then a ‘Select Interface’ window will
automatically open, Select K’NEX as the interface [1].
4. Select the connection method as USB Port [2].
5. Click on OK [4]. These settings will be saved and
automatically used next time the program is loaded.
Note: No attempt is made to connect to the K’NEX Interface
until you click on the ‘Connect’ interface icon.
back to Table of Contents

10 www.knexeducation.com
Step 5
•ClickontheConnectinterfaceicontoestablishconnectiontotheK’NEXInterface.
When a connection is established the icon alters to show Disconnect, which is used to
break off connection with the interface.
Step 6
There are limits to some features that can be downloaded and run from the K’NEX Interface while it is
disconnected from the computer e.g. variables are restricted to x and y only (see page 14).
 •Ifyouarecreatingacontrolprogramthatwillbedownloadedand
run with the K’NEX Interface disconnected from the computer,
select the ‘Limit to Download’ option in the Settings menu.
Using the K’NEX Interface after the initial set-up
 •ConnecttheK’NEXInterfacetothepowersupply.ThegreenLEDshouldstaycontinuouslylit.
Note: If the green LED flashes, press the GO button once so it is solid.
 •ConnecttheK’NEXInterfacetothecomputerusingtheUSBcable.
 •StarttheK’NEXComputerControlsoftware.
 •ClickontheConnecticontoestablishconnectiontotheK’NEXInterface
When a connection is established the icon will change to Disconnect (which is used to break
off connection with the interface).
Simulation
Control programs can be created and modified in the software without the the K’NEX Interface
attached. This is referred to as ‘operating in simulate mode’.
To simulate the K’NEX Interface:
1. The K’NEX Interface should still be set as the interface (from Interface in the File menu) so the
correct number of outputs, inputs and the relevant commands that operate with the K’NEX
Interface will be made available.
2. If you want to limit the features to those that will work with the K’NEX Interface disconnected
from the computer, select Limit to Download from the Settings menu.
3. Do not select the Connect icon.
4. Create your control program.
back to Table of Contents