Mindsets IQ-PRI User manual

Primary iQ Controller
Code: IQ-PRI
The Primary IQ controller makes it easy to introduce control without using a computer.
You can program IQ to turn things such as motors on and off simply by pressing buttons:
the controller remembers the order in which you press the buttons and this becomes the
stored program. The maximum number of on/off steps is 256.
GettinG Started
The IQ is powered by two AA batteries. When inserting the batteries insert the positive
end first, then press the negative end firmly down.
The IQ has four outputs (numbered 1 to 4), which means it can switch up to four
components on and off in sequence. Components that can be connected include
motors, bulbs, buzzers and LEDs. The outputs can be reversed, which means that motors
can be run forwards or backwards.
Important: Components
connected to the IQ must work at
3 Volts. Most components have a
voltage rating printed or stamped
on them.
SwitChinG on and off
Press the RUN button once to turn on the Primary IQ.
Press and hold the RUN button for 3 seconds to turn the Primary IQ off. If the Primary
IQ is not running it will turn itself off after 10 minutes if not touched.
Reverse Save Run
Output buttons 1 and 2 RUN LED
Output buttons 3 and 4
Insert the positive end of
the battery first.

ProGramminG and runninG the iQ
When the IQ is switched on the RUN LED will be red and the IQ is ready to be
programmed.
• PressandholdtheSAVEbuttonfor3secondstodeleteanypreviouslysavedprogram.
TheRUNLEDwillash.
The following example explains how to program the IQ to switch on outputs 1 and 2 in
turn.
• PressOUTPUT1buttononcesothattheOUTPUT1LEDisgreen.
• PresstheSAVEbuttononcetosavethisrststepoftheprogram.
• PressOUTPUT1buttonagainsothattheOUTPUT1LEDisoff.
• PressOUTPUT2buttononcesothattheOUTPUT2LEDisgreen.
• PresstheSAVEbuttononcetosavethissecondstepoftheprogram.Theprogramis
nowcomplete.
• PresstheRUNbuttononcetoruntheprogram.TheRUNLEDwillbegreenand
outputs1and2willalternateonandoffeveryhalfsecond(i.e.theprogram
automaticallyloops).
Components are connected to the outputs by inserting leads into the spring-loaded
connectors. If components are connected to outputs 1 and 2 they will alternate on and
off every half second.
• PresstheRUNbuttononcetostoptheprogramrunning.
The IQ ‘remembers’ the program even when switched off. When the IQ is switched on
again and the RUN button is pressed the program will start running.
When a new program is entered into the IQ the new program is added to the end of the
existing program. For example:
• PresstheOUTPUT3buttonsothattheOUTPUT3LEDisgreen.Ifanyotheroutput
LEDisonturnitoff.
• PresstheSAVEbuttononcetosavethisstepoftheprogram.
• PresstheRUNbuttontoruntheprogram.TheRUNLEDwillbegreenandoutputs1,
2and3willswitchonandoffinsequence.
The bulbs alternate
on and off every half
second

To start a completely new program the existing program must be erased by holding down
the SAVE button for 3 seconds until the RUN LED flashes.
When a program is running the duration between each step is half a second. For
a longer ON or OFF period simply press the SAVE button more than once during
programming. For example, if OUTPUT1 LED is green and the SAVE button is pressed six
times, then output 1 will be on for 3 seconds when the program is running.
reverSinG an outPut
The polarity of the outputs can be reversed during programming so that motors can be
run forwards or backwards. The following program runs a motor forwards for 3 seconds,
stops the motor for a second, then reverses the motor for 3 seconds:
• PressandholdtheSAVEbuttonfor3secondstodeletetheexistingprogram.
• PresstheOUTPUT1buttononcesothattheOUTPUT1LEDisgreen.
• PresstheSAVEbuttonsixtimes(waitfortheRUNLEDtoashbetweeneachpress).
• PresstheOUTPUT1buttononcesothattheOUTPUT1LEDisoff.
• PresstheSAVEbuttontwice.
• PressandholdtheREVERSEbuttonthenpresstheOUTPUT1buttononcesothatthe
OUTPUT1LEDisred.
• PresstheSAVEbuttonsixtimes.
• PresstheOUTPUT1buttontwicesothattheOUTPUT1LEDisoff.
• PresstheSAVEbuttontwice.
• PresstheRUNbuttontoruntheprogram.Output1willswitchon(forwards)for3
seconds,turnoffforasecond,switchon(reverse)for3secondsthenswitchofffora
second.Theprogramloopsuntilitisstopped.
Note: when reversing an output it is advisable to include an OFF step between the
forward and reverse steps to protect the IQ from current overload.
When an output LED is
red as shown here the
output is reversed

If two motors and gearboxes are connected to the IQ It Is possible to make a buggy that
can be programmed to move forwards, backwards, left and right. The example below
was made by sticking two low-cost motors to a piece of plastic and adding a small castor
wheel. The motors are connected directly to outputs 3 and 4 of the Primary IQ controller.
The maximum current for each output is 1 amp. If a larger current is drawn (for example
in the case of a short circuit) the output is temporarily disabled to protect the circuit of
the IQ.
ConneCtion tiPS
Some components are supplied with leads attached, and these can be connected directly
to the IQ. Components without leads may be connected using crocodile clip leads.
These leads can be cut in half so that the cut end is inserted into the spring loaded
connector (after stripping the insulation off the end of the wire). An alternative method
is to insert a metal pin into the connector and then attach the crocodile clip to the pin.
other reSourCeS
Mindsets Ltd. supplies a range of affordable components with or without pre-soldered
leads, suitable for use with the Primary IQ controller. A Primary Electricity Set is also
available. Please see the website for details.
Supplied by: Mindsets (UK) Limited, Unit 10, The IO Centre, Lea Road, Waltham Cross, Herts, EN9 1AS
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] www.mindsetsonline.co.uk
Copyright © 2011 Mindsets (UK) Limited
Crocodile clips are attached
to metal pins inserted into
the connecting blocks.
Programmable buggy