KNEX Education 79100 User manual

ROBOTICS
Building System
USER’S
GUIDE
79100/79484
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A NOTE ABOUT SAFETY:
Safety is of primary concern in science and technology classrooms. It is recommended that
you develop a set of rules that governs the safe, proper use of K’NEX in your classroom.
Caution students to keep hands, face, hair and clothing away from all moving parts.
USER’S
GUIDE
ROBOTICS
Building System
©2016 K’NEX Limited Partnership Group, P.O. Box 700, Hatfield, PA 19440-0700; 1-800-KID-KNEX; [email protected]; knex.com.
K’NEX and K’NEX Education are registered trademarks of K’NEX Limited Partnership Group.
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts.
Not for children under 3 years.
CONTENTS
HARDWARE GUIDE .........................................3
SOFTWARE GUIDE ........................................16
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V01 8-2016

The K’NEX ROBOTICS CONTROL BOX
The K’NEX Robotics Control Box is the link between the computer and the electrical
components in a model. It provides power for the electrical components and also acts
as a buffer between the components and the computer. It can store and play up to 10
different programs.
The K’NEX Robotics Control Box is equipped with:
A4 Motor Outputs To precisely control motor speed and direction.
B6 Sensor Inputs
To provide feedback and input to the Control Box. The sensors
may be digital on/off switches (such as push button) or analog
measurements (such as distance sensor).
CPower Switch To turn the Control Box on and off.
DPower Supply Socket To power the Control Box via the provided power supply.
EUSB Port
To connect the Control Box to a PC via a standard USB cable.
Allows the PC to operate the Control Box directly or download
programs for later use.
F2 Digital Outputs To operate LEDs.
GLCD Screen
To display a list of programs and user options. Can also be
used to display user generated images when running a
program.
H4 Buttons To navigate user options and select and run programs
downloaded to the Control Box.
ISpeaker To play sounds.
JMicrophone To detect sound levels.
KBattery Compartment To house 6 “AA” batteries used to power models when not
connected to the power supply.
L
Wi-Fi Compartment
(behind battery
compartment)
(Optional) To house Wi-Fi module. When installed, Wi-Fi
module allows wireless connection to the PC. (sold separately)
The K’NEX Robotics Control Box has the ability to recognize what is connected to it.
For example, if you connect a motor to port A and another to port D, it will recognize that
motors have been connected. The same is true for remote sensors and digital outputs.
K’NEX ROBOTICS
HARDWARE GUIDE
I
A
K
C
H
G
F
E
J
L
D
B
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K’NEX Robotics User’s Guide HARDWARE
STOP or BACK
Button
ENTER or SELECT Button
SCROLL Up Button
SCROLL Down Button
LCD Screen
USB Port
BatteryPower Level Indicator
Digital Outputs 1 and 2
Inputs 1 - 6
for Sensors
Power Supply Socket
Power Switch
K’NEX ROBOTICS CONTROL BOX BUTTONS
The ENTER button is used to start programs, progress to the next screen,
or confirm a choice.
The square STOP button is used to stop programs from running (press and hold)
or return tothe previous screen.
Outputs A - D for Motors
Speaker
The SCROLL buttons are used to scroll through menus on the LCD screen.
Microphone
Power Supply
Plugged In
USB Plugged In
The K’NEX ROBOTICS
CONTROL BOX

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HARDWARE
Serial Number
Firmware Version Number
Press and Hold to Stop Program
Wi-Fi screens start
on next page
Optional Wi-Fi screen
Sensors needed for program to run
will disappear upon insertion
See pages 6 and 7 for Wi-Fi
Navigation Screens
K’NEX ROBOTICS CONTROL BOX
SCREEN NAVIGATION GUIDE

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exit without saving
exit and save
K’NEX ROBOTICS
WI-FI SCREEN
NAVIGATION
GUIDE
(If equipped with
optional Wi-Fi)
Chart continues
on next page

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HARDWARE
Move forward and back
through characters

MOTORS
Motors provide motion to models and contain a rotation sensor
that allows precise control of the motor. Motors can be built into
K’NEX models using the Power Take Off (PTO) Drive and rod
loop on the motor housing. Connect motors only to sockets A,
B, C or D along the top of the Control Box.
Commands in the K’NEX Robotics software can be used to control
the speed and direction for each motor. Motors can be operated
for a set number of seconds or a precise number of rotations.
SENSORS
Sensors provide feedback to the Control Box to allow it to interact with its environment.
Five different types of sensors are provided including 3 remote sensors and 2 sensors that
are part of the Control Box.
The sensors and LED can each be assembled to a K’NEX model two ways; either by snapping
the squared rod ends into a K’NEX connector or pressing the pins on the other side of the
housing into the side openings of a K’NEX connector.
Touch Sensor
A simple push button switch is one type of touch sensor. When the button is
pressed (input ON) the contacts connect together and allow current to flow.
When the button is released (input OFF) the contacts are open and no current
flows.
Distance Sensor
This sensor uses ultrasonic pulses to measure distance between the sensor
and an object. The sensor has two components; an emitter and receiver.
The emitter sends out an ultrasonic pulse which bounces off the object
in front of it and is echoed back to the receiver. The receiver picks up the
“echo” and calculates the distance between the sensor and the object
based on how long it took for the pulse to travel from the sensor to the
object and back. This same technology is used in rear parking systems in
many modern cars and is very similar to echo location used by dolphins.
The Distance Sensor will work best when detecting large, hard, flat surfaces. Small or curved
surfaces, surfaces with many holes, and thin surfaces may not work properly with the sensor.
Multiple distance sensors operated near each other may interfere with each other and cause
incorrect readings.
PTO Drive Rod Loop
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Color/Light Sensor
This is a dual use sensor which is capable of measuring either light levels
or the color of an object. The sensor contains two separate sensor chips
and a white LED which are visible behind the clear window on the end
of the housing.
When used to measure light, the sensor will return values between 0%
(dark or black) and 100% (light or white). Either sensor 1 or sensor 2 can
be selected to measure light values independently. Additionally, a “light
difference” option is available to measure the absolute difference between
sensor 1 and sensor 2.
When used to measure color, the sensor will identify one of 6 color values: red, orange,
yellow, green, blue or violet. When measuring color, only sensor 1 is used.
Microphone
This sensor is built into the Control Box and can only be used to measure sound levels.
OUTPUTS
Three different types of outputs are provided, two contained in the Control Box and one
remote.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
The monochrome LCD is built into the front of the Control Box. When the power is switched
on, the display shows a welcome screen and then defaults to the main menu, which displays
program and user options. The LCD can also be programmed to display text, variables or
user generated graphics.
Speaker
The 8khz mono, speaker is built into the bottom of the
Control Box and can be used to playback short sounds.
L.E.D. (Light Emitting Diode)
The LED has four output states: Off, Red, Green or Yellow.
CABLES
Four different cable lengths are provided for connecting the motors and sensors to the
Control Box. Each cable length has a uniquely colored plug end for easy identification;
9” black, 13” red, 17” blue, and 21” yellow.
Only the provided cables should be used to connect components to the Control Box.
DO NOT attempt to connect the Control Box to any device or component other than those
provided by K’NEX. Doing so could damage the component, the Control Box or both and
void all warranties.
A standard USB to mini
USB cable is provided
for connecting the Control
Box to a PC.
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HARDWARE
WHITE
LED
1
LED
2

POWER SUPPLY
The power supply “transforms” the AC power from your household electrical outlet into
DC power similar to that supplied by batteries. The power supply can be used to power
the Control Box to conserve battery power. It is recommended that it be used to power the
Control box when creating and testing control programs.
The power supply can be used at any time, either
with or without batteries installed in the Control Box.
The power supply cannot be used to charge batteries,
as internal electronics prevent it from doing so.
DO NOT connect the Control Box to a power supply
except the one supplied by K’NEX. Doing so could
damage your unit and void the warranty. Please contact
K’NEX for a replacement if your power supply becomes damaged or is lost.
Setting Up for the First Time
The K’NEX Robotics Control Box 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 will need to download the K’NEX Robotics software.
You will need:
• A PC (not Mac compatible) with an available
USB port
• The K’NEX Robotics software (supplied at
www.knex.com/robotics)
• The K’NEX Robotics Control Box (supplied)
• A USB connection cable (supplied)
• The power supply (supplied)
• Input and Output devices such as motors, LEDs,
and various sensors (supplied)
Step 1
Install the K’NEX Robotics software on your computer. For additional details of how to install
and use the software, please refer to the software portion of this user guide.
Step 2
Connect the power supply lead to the socket on the side of Control Box and plug the power
supply into a standard wall socket. Switch the Control Box on and the LCD will display the
welcome screen and other information.
Step 3
The first time a Control Box is connected to the USB port on a computer, the USB drivers will
be installed by the computer.
• Connect the Control Box to the USB port on your computer with the USB cable.
• Windows will automatically detect a new device and install the necessary drivers.
A notification window will pop up in the taskbar along the bottom of your screen to
confirm the driver status.
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Step 4
To use the Control Box with K’NEX Robotics
software, it must first be set up from the
software.
1. Start the K’NEX Robotics software.
2. If this is the first time K’NEX Robotics
software is opened then a “Choose the
Connection” window will automatically
open immediately after the software
welcome screen.
3. Select “USB connection”.
4. Click on OK. These settings will be saved
and automatically used next time the
program is loaded.
NOTE: No attempt is made to connect to the
Control Box until you click on the ‘Connect’
control box icon from the software menu bar. If you are planning to use the
optional Wi-Fi module to connect to the Control Box, please see the documentation
accompanying the Wi-Fi module for how to set up the connection.
Step 5
Click on the Connect control box icon to establish connection to the Control Box.
When a connection is established the icon changes to show “Disconnect”,
which is used to break off connection with the Control Box.
Using the K’NEX Robotics Control Box
After the Initial Set-Up
• Connect the Control Box to the power supply and switch the Control Box on.
It is possible to connect the Control Box to the computer using only battery power,
but we recommend using the power supply to conserve battery power for operation
away from the computer.
• Connect the Control Box to the computer using the USB cable.
• Start the K’NEX Robotics software.
• Click on the Connect icon to establish a connection between the software and the
Control Box.
When a connection is established the icon will change to Disconnect (which is used to break
off connection with the Control Box).
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There are two distinct modes of operating the Control Box.
1. It can be connected to the computer and operate as an ordinary real time control
interface with the K’NEX Robotics software, providing real time feedback on the
program’s status.
2. It can run a downloaded program while disconnected from the computer.
The program is stored and processed by a microprocessor in the Control Box.
Programs are stored in non-volatile memory in the Control Box so even if the power is
disconnected or turned off, the programs will not be lost. When the power has been
restored, select the desired program using the LCD menus and press “RUN”.
Running a Program When Connected
to the Computer
It is recommended to create control programs with the Control Box (and K’NEX model)
connected to the computer. As you write the control program you can test the functionality
of the model to ensure it works as intended. With the Control Box connected to the computer
and a control program is open, click the “Start/Stop” Icon. The program will play
directly to the Control Box. As the program plays you can watch it progress
through each icon on the screen and in the map tab in the information panel.
Downloading a Program to the
K’NEX Robotics Control Box
Use the K’NEX Robotics software to write your control program– for more details see the
software portion of this user’s guide. Once the control program has been written, it can be
downloaded to the Control Box as follows:
• Check that the Control Box is connected to
the PC and powered up.
• Select the “Download” icon from the toolbar.
• A “Download Manager” window will open.
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• Select the desired slot for your program by clicking on a number 1-10. The chosen row
will highlight. NOTE: You can choose a vacant spot or overwrite an existing program.
• Click “Download Program” and a “Control Program Name” window will open.
Enter a name for your program (15 characters or less) and click “OK”.
• The “Control Program Name” window will close and the entered program name
will show in the “Compile and Download” window along with the date and time
the program was stored.
• Your program is now stored in the Control Box. Close the “Compile and Download”
window.
Running the Program when
Disconnected from the Computer
• Switch the power to the Control Box on.
• Using the LCD and buttons on the Control Box, navigate to the
desired program and press the “ ENTER” or “SELECT” button.
o If the sensors and motors match the control program, the
program will run. If there are no user programmed graphics
being displayed, the LCD will display “running development
control program”
o If there is a mismatch between the sensors and motors connected to
the Control Box and those called for in the program, the Control Box
will prompt you to connect or “insert” the proper motors and sensors.
For example: “Insert… 3) Distance” means to connect the distance sensor to
port 3. As you make the proper connections the missing item will disappear from
the prompts. Once you make all connections, the box will display “Sensors now
correct. Enter to continue” Press the “Select” button again to start the program.
• To stop a program that is running, press and hold the “STOP” button until the
program stops. The LCD will display “Control program stopped”
• Press “STOP” again to return to the main menu to select and run another program.
o If no user programmed graphics are being displayed, the LCD will display
“program running”.
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HARDWARE
s
ENTER/
SELECT

Stored Program Limits
The K’NEX Robotics Control Box has 2Mb of user program storage space.
• Ten programs can be stored in the Control Box.
• The maximum size of any single program is 64K (approximately
6500 symbols or steps!).
• Within each program there can be a maximum of 16 threads (starts)
and an unlimited number of sub-procedures (with up to 14 nesting levels).
• Each program can use up to 64 variables.
• Each program can use an unlimited number of sound samples (up to
a maximum combined duration of 30s).
• Each program can use up to 32 images.
Technical Specifications
• USB V 1.1, V2.0 & V3.0 full speed compatible.
• Power supply, Output 7.5V, 2 A, regulated dc with a positive center and negative
outer pin.
• 6 sensor inputs.
• 4 motor outputs.
• 2 digital outputs.
• 1 speaker.
• 1 microphone.
• Suitable for use in a 32-104 degrees F (0-40C) operating range and 0-95% relative
humidity (non-condensing).
Please note:
• The Control Box does not contain user serviceable parts.
• Using the Control Box in a way that is outside its normal operation (as described
in this manual) may impair the unit’s (warranty) protection and ability to function
correctly.
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K’NEX Robotics User’s Guide HARDWARE

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, reconnect and try again.
2. Check that the Control Box is powered and switched on.
3. Confirm that the USB cable is firmly connected to the USB port on the Control Box
and the USB port on the computer.
4. Confirm that the Interface/Connection is correct. (Select Interface from the File menu.)
If it still fails to respond, contact the Technical Support department at K’NEX.
Please provide the following details:
• The computer platform it is being used with (Windows 7, 8, etc.).
• The software and its version number (from the “Help” and “about” menu).
• A description of the problem being encountered.
If possible, telephone from a location where you can operate the Control Box and the
computer with K’NEX Robotics software installed.
Problem:
I have switched an output on but the component plugged into the output is not working.
Check:
• The component is plugged into the correct port.
• The “Connect” icon in the K’NEX Robotics software shows as “Disconnect”.
• The Control Box is powered and switched on.
• There is not a loose connection.
• The I/O (Input/Output) Panel in the software indicates the output is switched on.
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Overview
The K’NEX Robotics software is a fully featured Control program. Designed for students 10+,
it offers a simple yet powerful programming language that allows students to program and
control K’NEX models and devices using the K’NEX Robotics interface.
The language is based on worldwide 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 rsthand experience or via a subject
area they are interested in.
The K’NEX Robotics set offers familiar and exciting models to engage the students.
The Software
The K’NEX Robotics software can be downloaded from www.knex.com/robotics and is
designed to be installed on a single PC or a network of PCs.
Example control programs
The example control programs required to control 6 of the models in the K’NEX Robotics
set are supplied at www.knex.com/robotics. They are not copied to the PC when the
software is installed. If you wish to access these files you need to download them from
www.knex.com/robotics.
Operating Modes
Simulation – The K’NEX Robotics software can run a student’s program without being
connected to the K’NEX Robotics Interface.
Real-time – The K’NEX Robotics software can control the K’NEX Robotics
interface directly. Click on the ‘Connect’ icon for communication to be
established.
Remote – The K’NEX Robotics interfaces allows a control program to be downloaded
from the software into the interface to be run disconnected from the computer.
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K’NEX ROBOTICS
SOFTWARE GUIDE

System Requirements
Computer: PC with free USB port (not Mac compatible)
Operating System: Windows 7, 8.1, 10
Minimum Software: Microsoft.NET 4.0 Framework
Display: 1024 x 768
* If Microsoft.NET 4.0 framework is not detected during the installation setup
process, it will be automatically installed prior to the application install.
This may extend the installation time significantly.
Installing the K’NEX Robotics Software
• Log on as ADMINISTRATOR (or with equivalent access rights) on the system.
• Close any open programs – you need to restart your machine after installation
for configuration changes to be made.
• The K’NEX Robotics software can be downloaded from www.knex.com/robotics.
After downloading the software, navigate to the location the files were downloaded
and 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, restart your system.
Connecting the K’NEX
Robotics Interface
USB connection
The first time the K’NEX Robotics interface is connected to a USB port on the computer,
the USB drivers will need to be installed.
1. Install batteries into the K’NEX Robotics interface or plug it into the provided
power supply and turn it on.
2. Connect the K’NEX Robotics interface to a USB port on the computer with the
provided USB cable.
3. Windows will automatically detect a new device and install the necessary drivers.
Starting the K’NEX Robotics Software
for the First Time
Start the K’NEX Robotics software by selecting it from the start menu.
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SOFTWARE

The Screen Layout
Toolbars
The toolbars can be positioned at the top, bottom or left of the window. To move a toolbar,
position the mouse pointer over the dotted line at the left end of the toolbar. When it
becomes a symbol, click, hold down and drag the toolbar to the desired position.
The Standard Toolbar
Stop All:
Stop all
programs or
procedures
New:
Create a
new control
program
Save:
Save the
current
program
Open:
Open an
existing
program
Print:
Print the
current
program
- contains
several
formatting
options
Options:
Modify
system
settings
Start/Stop:
Start or stop
a program
Pause:
Temporarily
halt the
running
program
Single Step:
Run through
a program
one step at
a time
Connect:
Connect to
a control
box
Download:
Download
a program
to a control
box
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K’NEX Robotics User’s Guide SOFTWARE
Edit Area – This is where the
flowchart or procedure currently
being created, edited or reviewed
is displayed. Right click to alter
the scale of view.
I/O Panel or the Selection Panel
• The I/O tab displays the state of all the inputs/ouputs/motors and sensors.
• If a symbol is currently selected then this area becomes the selection panel.
Symbol
Toolbar
Information Panel –
This panel contains
6 different tabs that
display different
information about the
control program.
Window Dividers –
drag left/right or
up/down to alter
window size/shape.
Menu Bar
Standard Toolbar
Selector Toolbar
Control Toolbar

The Flowchart or Procedure Selector Toolbar
Use the drop-down menu in this toolbar to select which “Start” or “Procedure” will be
displayed in the editing area.
The Symbol Toolbar
To create programs you need to place appropriate symbols onto the edit area, enter the
correct control commands into the symbols and then connect the symbols together to
specify the flow of the program.
Selection – this option is used to highlight and modify flowchart symbols. See page 28.
Start – a start symbol is required for the beginning of a flowchart or for a procedure
that will be called up by the main program. See page 29.
Output – use this symbol to operate a motor, play a sound or display graphics or text on
the LCD. See page 30.
Process – use ‘wait’ for the time that an output should be switched on, ‘procedure’ for
the flowchart to call up a procedure or ‘make’ to set up a variable. See page 36.
Decision – used when a question must be asked to decide what to do next.
It will check for feedback from an input (switch or sensor) or the value
of a variable to decide YES – do this or NO – do that. See page 40.
Stop – use to end a owchart or procedure. See page 45.
Flow Line - use to connect symbols together in the order they should operate to create
the flowchart. See page 46.
Text Tool – use to add labels to a flowchart. See page 46.
Delete – use to delete selected items. See page 47.
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SOFTWARE

Information Panel
The Text View Tab
The Text View tab displays the flowchart or procedure that is in edit area in a textual format.
The text will be in red italics until the flow line is correctly set, i.e. a flow line connects the
symbols.
Right click in the area to alter the font size.
If you click on a line in text view, it will highlight the appropriate symbol in the edit area and
vice versa.
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