K'Nex Education 79018 User manual

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.
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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
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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)
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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.
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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.
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Power supply
The power supply packaged with the K’NEX Interface is rated with an output of 2 A, 6 V A/C with a
positive center and a negative outer pin.
The K’NEX Interface has thermal over current protection and will not be damaged by a short circuit
if powered using the power supply provided with the Interface.
Safety Notice
Under no circumstances should any part of the K’NEX Interface be connected directly or indirectly
to any voltage in excess of 12 V. Any powered supply used to power the K’NEX Interface must
include a low voltage transformer to fully isolate this unit from the grid. The warranty for the
K’NEX Interface applies only if it has been used with the power supply provided.
Outputs and Inputs
The K’NEX Computer Control Set includes several Input and Output devices to use with the K’NEX
Interface to control the K’NEX models. Input and Output devices are easily connected to the interface.
Only the devices included in this set should be used with the K’NEX Interface
The K’NEX Interface has 6 pairs of output sockets, 4 pairs of Input sockets and 2 pairs of motor output
sockets, which are 4 mm in diameter.
Plug an output device e.g. LED, into one of the pairs of output sockets.
Black (negative) socket
Red (positive) socket
Red indicator light
Indicator light
Indicator light
To test an output device, click in the box alongside the appropriate output number in the I/O panel
to switch it On (the box will change color). Click back in the box to switch it Off.
The state of an output socket (On or Off) is shown by the indicator light alongside the socket. When
an output is switched On (line is HIGH) the LED will be lit. When the output is switched Off (when line
is LOW) the LED will be off.
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Motors
Motors – connect the red plug from the motor into the red socket and the black plug into the black
socket on the K’NEX Interface.
The two Motor Outputs give movement in either direction and/or at varying speeds.
Plug the motor into one of the pairs of motor output sockets i.e. into A1 and A2 or B1 and B2.
Black (negative) socket
Red (positive) socket
Red indicator light
Indicator light
Indicator light
To test motors, click in the boxes alongside
the appropriate letter in the I/O panel – click
either in the left-hand box to turn a motor
in a counterclockwise direction (reverse),
or in the right-hand box to turn a motor
in a clockwise direction (forward).
The state of the motor socket is shown by the indicator light between the sockets.
If the motor is switched forward the LED indicator goes green (switches the left
socket (A1) negative and the right socket (A2) positive).
If the motor is switched reverse the LED indicator goes red (switches the left socket
(A1) positive and the right socket (A2) negative).
Commands in the K’NEX Computer Control Software can be used to change the motors’ direction
of rotation (to turn it forwards or to reverse it).
The voltage to the motor output can be set at 10 levels so the speed of a motor can be controlled in the
software between 10 and 100% (in steps of 10%). If no speed is specified the motor will automatically
run at full speed (100%).
The motor outputs can individually source or handle 600 mA continuously. A Pulse Width Modulator,
running at a frequency of 62 Hz, controls the power. The maximum combined current for the 6 x digital
outputs and the 2 x motor outputs when used with the power supply is 1.3 A (1300 mA).
It is possible to use a Motor output in the same way as the digital outputs whenever extra outputs are
required. Use ‘Motor’ commands to switch the outputs on and off.
Reverse - red
Forward - green
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Digital Inputs
Buzzers
connect the red plug from the buzzer to the red socket
and the black lead to the black socket on the K’NEX
Interface.
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
Red and Green - Connect one blue plug into the red
socket and the second plug into the black socket for one
color e.g. red; reverse for the LED to light green.
Digital Inputs
There are two digital Inputs for use with switch type signals which can register an On or Off state.
The K’NEX Computer Control software can determine whether or not to carry out a command or
run a procedure according to the state of the input.
Connected the switch to one of the pairs of input
sockets (yellow & black).
Switch the switch to an On position (e.g. if using a
push-button, press the button) and watch the indicator
LED next to the relevant input on Interface light up
when the switch is ON.
A switch is a break in a circuit, which can be joined
whenever you wish.
Push-Button switch (momentary):
when the button is pressed, the contacts connect
together allowing the current to flow (Input On): when
the button is not pushed, the contacts are open and no
current flows (Input Off).
Magnetic proximity or Reed switch:
used in combination with a magnet. When the magnet
gets near, the contacts inside the switch close and
the switch is activated (Input On): no magnet and the
contacts open (Input Off). Often used to indicate when
a door is open or closed.
Black (negative) socket
Red (positive) socket
Red indicator light
Indicator light
Indicator light
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Using the K’NEX Interface away from the computer
There are two distinct modes of operating the K’NEX Interface
1. It can be used connected to the computer and operated as an ordinary real-time control interface
with the K’NEX Computer Control software performing the processing of a program.
2. It can run a program that has been created while disconnected from the computer. The program is
stored and processed by a microprocessor in K’NEX Interface.
The program is stored in non-volatile memory so even if the power is disconnected or turned off;
the program will not be lost. When the power has been reconnected, press the GO button on the
K’NEX Interface and the stored program will run.
The microprocessor in the K’NEX Interface can be reprogrammed repeatedly.
Stored program limits
There is a 256 byte memory limit to the size of the program that can be downloaded to K’NEX
Interface. The size of a program entirely depends on its complexity. For the simplest program (one
start, switching single outputs on or off with the same wait value) the interface will accept a maximum
of about 170 symbols.
Note: When you ‘test compile’ or ‘compile and download’ your program the memory used indicator will show an
approximation of the amount of memory used (see page 13).
There are also some program limits to a program for download and if they are exceeded an error
message will be displayed.
 •Useamaximumof4owcharts(Starts)
 •UseonlyVariablesxandy
 •Useamaximumof16differentvaluedWaitcommands(If‘Wait2seconds’isused5timesina
program then this will be counted as one value of wait. If ‘Wait 1’, ‘Wait 2’ and ‘Wait 3’ are used this
will count as three values of wait)
 •Useamaximumof16differentconstants
 •Useamaximumof16differentProcedures(If‘Procedure:Flash’isused3timesinaprogramthen
this will be counted as one procedure. If three different procedures are used they will count as
three procedures)
 •Motorspeedcontrolvariablesarenotsuitable
 •Soundcommandsareincompatible
 •Binaryinputcommandsareincompatible.Binaryoutputcommandscanbeusedbutwillnot
reduce program size.
Download Program Limits
Select Limit to Download from the Settings menu to limit the options available to only those that can
download.
For example: Only the variables x& ycan be downloaded and run from the interface while it is
disconnected from the computer. If ‘Limit to Download’ is checked then only the x and y
variables will be made available.
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Downloading a program to the K’NEX Interface
Use the K’NEX Computer Control Software to write your control program in the usual manner - for
more details see the software portion of this user guide. Once the control program has been written,
it can be downloaded into the K’NEX Interface as follows:
 •Checkthatinterfaceisconnected&powered.Ifthegreenpowerindicator(nexttotheGO
button) is flashing, press the GO button once so it stays lit solid green.
 •Ensurethataconnectionisestablishedbetweeninterfaceandthesoftware(theConnect/
Disconnect icon should show Disconnect).
 •Ensureyourcontrolprogramisnotbeingrun(theStart/Stopiconshouldshowthegreen
arrow).
To check your control program for suitability prior to download:
1. Select the Download icon from the toolbar.
2. Click on the Test compile button.
3. If the status shows as compiled OK then the program is suitable for download.
Note: When you test compile or compile and download
your program the memory used indicator
will show an approximation of the amount of
memory used
To download the program:
1. Select the Download icon from the toolbar.
2. Click on the Compile and download program
button
3. A progress indicator will show the program being
compiled into ‘machine code’ and downloaded.
4. When the status shows as ‘Download complete’ click on Exit.
5. Click on the Disconnect icon and unplug the interface from the computer.
Running the program while disconnected from the computer
 •Attachapowersourcetotheinterface.
 •PresstheGObuttononinterfacetoruntheprogram,thegreenLEDwill
flash while the program is running.
When the program has finished running, the green LED will return to being lit
solid green.
To run the program again simply press the GO button again.
To stop a program while it is still running (green LED flashing), press the GO button once.
The interface will hold the compiled program in its memory until a new one is downloaded
and it is overwritten.










Black (negative) socket
Red (positive) socket
Red indicator light
Indicator light
Indicator light
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Technical specifications
 •USBV1.1&V2.0fullspeedcompatible.
 •Powersupply:Outputof6V(2Amax),regulatedorswitcheddcwithapositivecentreanda
negative outer pin.
 •2xanalogueinputs&4xdigitalinputs.
 •6xdigitaloutputs&2xmotordriveoutputs.
 •256byteprogrammablememoryforstandaloneoperation.
 •Suitableforuseina0–40ºCoperatingrangeand0-95%RH(non-condensing).
 •Dimensions:H:5.9”,W:8.7”,D:1.4”.
 •Weight:12.3oz(350g).
Please note:
• The K’NEX Interface contains no user serviceable parts.
• Using the K’NEX Interface in a way that is outside its normal operation (as described in this
manual) may impair the unit’s protection and ability to function correctly.
Troubleshooting
Problem:
When I click on the Connect icon I get a ‘Communications Error: Could not connect
to the interface’ message.
1. Disconnect the power supply, re-connect and try again.
2. Check that the interface is powered and the green LED is on.
3. The USB lead is connected both to the USB port on the interface and the USB port on the
computer.
4. The green LED next to the GO button is lit solid green (if it’s flashing press the GO button once).
5. The Interface/Connection selection is correct (select Interface from the communications error
message or from the File menu).
6. The USB drivers have installed correctly (see below).
If it still fails to respond, please contact the Technical Support department at K’NEX Education.
Please provide details of:
 •Thecomputerplatformitisbeingusedwith
 •Thesoftwareanditsversionnumber
 •Adescriptionoftheproblembeingencountered
If possible, telephone from a location where you can operate The K’NEX Interface with the computer.
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17
888-ABC-KNEX
Question: How do I check that the USB Drivers have installed correctly?
 •MakesuretheInterfaceisbothconnectedandpowered.
 •GotoDeviceManager(XP:StartControlPanel(classicview)SystemHardwaretabDevice
Manager) (Vista: Start Control Panel (classic view) Device Manager)
 •LookfortheK’NEXentryunderUniversalSerialBusControllers.Iftherearenoquestionmarks
then the drivers have installed correctly.
If there is an exclamation mark, question mark, an Unknown entry in the main list or Other devices
then the drivers haven’t installed correctly. Right click on the entry, select Uninstall, disconnect the
USB lead from the Interface and then plug back in so the drivers reinstall.
Problem:
I have switched an output on and the electronic component plugged into the output
isn’t working.
Check:
 •TheConnecticonintheK’NEXComputerControl
software shows as Disconnect.
 •TheredLEDnexttotheOutputsocketontheInterface
is lit.
 •TheInterfaceisattachedtoapowersource.
 •Thereisn’talooseconnection.
 •Ifyouareusingabuzzerthattheleadsareconnected
correctly (red to positive, black to negative).
 •TheI/Opanelinthesoftwareindicatesthattheoutput
is switched on.
Warranty
The K’NEX Interface is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period
of 12 months from the date of purchase provided it has been used in accordance with any instructions,
under normal conditions. This warranty does not apply if the Interface has been damaged by accident
or misuse.
In the event of a fault developing within the 12 month period, the Interface must be returned to K’NEX
Education for repair or replacement at no expense to the user other than shipping charges.
Note: K’NEX Education products are designed for educational use and are not intended for use
in industrial, medical or commercial applications.
K’NEX Education
2990 Bergey Rd.
P.O. Box 700
Hatfield, PA
19440-0700
Tel: 1-888-ABC KNEX
e-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.knexeducation.com
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18 www.knexeducation.com
The K’NEX Computer Control
Software User Guide
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19
888-ABC-KNEX
Overview
The K’NEX Computer Control Software is a fully featured Control program. Designed for students
8 to 18+, it offers a simple yet powerful programming language that allows students to program and
control both sophisticated on-screen Simulated Control Environments (SCEs) and K’NEX models and
devices using the K’NEX interface.
The language is based on world wide standard flowcharting principals. Flowcharts offer a high level
visual development environment, being both easy to understand and powerful; students can quickly
achieve dramatic, positive and valid results.
In addition to the standard flowchart language, the software offers a side-by-side view of the program
as a traditional textually described program. This high level textual representation uses everyday
language and avoids the risk of errors caused by complex syntax and typing entry errors. Offering
both graphical and language views gives the student the best of both worlds!
Students are used to highly animated, highly visual stimuli (video games, TV, etc.). We need to engage
the students by matching their expectations within an educational context:
 •toacontrolprojectthathelpsthestudenttounderstandaproblem
 •thatthestudentcanidentifywith,beitfromrsthandexperienceorviaasubjectareatheyare
interested in
SCEs offer stunning graphics and animations. They are offered in a group that forms a whole scenario;
this scenario sets the context, and offers familiar models to engage the students
The SCEs supplied
The K’NEX Computer Control Software is supplied on CD ROM and is designed to be installed on a
stand alone PC or a network of PCs.
When the software is installed, the following SCEs will also be installed:
 •K’NEXSlidingDoorModel
 •K’NEXOscillatingFanModel
 •K’NEXSuperSpinnerRideModel
 •K’NEXBasculeBridgeModel
 •K’NEXElevatorModel
The 5 SCEs offer a progression from the Sliding Door (4 outputs) up to more complex systems such as
the Super Spinner Amusement Park Ride (multiple inputs, outputs and motors) and finally the Elevator
(introduces the use variables).
Example control programs
The example control programs shown in the SCE guides are supplied on the K’NEX Computer Control
Software CD-ROM. They are not copied to the PC when the software is installed. If you wish to access
these files explore the CD-ROM and copy the ‘Example programs’ folder to your PC.
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20 www.knexeducation.com
Operating modes
 •Simulation – K’NEX Computer Control Software can run a student’s program without sending the
commands to the interface.
 •Real-time – The Computer Control Software can control the K’NEX interface. Click on the
‘Connect’ icon for communication to be established.
 •Remote – The K’NEX Computer Control interfaces allows a control program to be downloaded
from the software into the interface to be run disconnected from the computer. See
page 48.
System Requirements
Computer: IBM PC (or compatible)
Operating System: Windows XP or Vista
Minimum Software:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0
Windows Installer 3.1*
Microsoft .NET Framework 2*
Display: Minimum 800 x 600 with 256 colors
Recommended: 1024 x 768 with High Color - 16-bit
* If Microsoft .NET Framework 2, Installer 3.1 is not detected during the installation set up process, they will be
automatically installed prior to the application install. This may extend the installation time signicantly.
Installing the K’NEX Computer Control Software
USB Interface users: Make sure K’NEX Interface is not connected to the USB port during the
installation of the K’NEX Computer Control Software.
 •Log on as ADMINISTRATOR (or with equivalent access rights) on the system.
 •Close any open programs – you may need to restart your machine for configuration changes
to be made.
 •Insert the K’NEX Computer Control Software CD ROM into the CD Drive. This is an auto play CD
ROM, meaning that Windows should detect the presence of the CD and automatically start up the
auto run program. If the auto run program fails to start, use Windows Explorer to navigate the CD
ROM contents and double click on setup.exe.
 •Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of the software and its associated
files.
 •When the installation is complete, eject the CD ROM and store it safely.
 •Restart your system.
See page 53 for information on altering the default locations for SCEs and program les.
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