Texas Instruments TI-InnovatorHub User manual

TI-Innovator™ Hub with
TI LaunchPad™ Board
Getting Started Guide
Learn more about TI Technology through the online help at education.ti.com/eguide.

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Learning More with the TI-Innovator™ Technology eGuide
Parts of this document refer you to the TI-Innovator™ Technology eGuide for more
details. The eGuide is a Web-based source of TI-Innovator™ information, including:
• Programming with the TI CE Family of Graphing Calculators and
TI-Nspire™Technology, including sample programs.
• Available I/O Modules and their commands.
• Available breadboard components and their commands.
• Available TI-RGB Array and its commands.
• Available TI-Innovator™ Rover and its commands.
• Link to update the TI-Innovator™ Sketch software.
• Free classroom activities for TI-Innovator™Hub.
https://education.ti.com/go/eguide/hub/EN
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Contents
TI-Innovator™ Hub Overview 1
Learn More 1
What's in the Box 2
TI-Innovator™Hub with On-Board Components 2
Built-in Ports 2
USB Cables 3
Auxiliary Power 3
Connecting TI-Innovator™Hub 3
Connecting to a Graphing Calculator 4
Connecting to a Computer Running TI-Nspire™CX Software 5
Updating the Hub Software 5
What is the TI-Innovator™ sketch? 5
Do I need to update the sketch on the TI-Innovator™ Hub? 5
What is the latest version of the sketch? 6
Why would I update the sketch? 6
How do I load the sketch on the TI-Innovator™ Hub? 6
Can I update multiple TI-Innovator Hubs at the same time? 6
Can the sketch that comes on the TI-Innovator™ Hub be edited to add
functionality but still work with the TI calculator? Is the sketch open source? 6
Hub Programming on TI CE Graphing Calculator 7
Code Examples: TI CE Graphing Calculator 7
Sample Program to Blink an On-Board LED 7
How to Create and Execute a Program 8
Using the Hub Menu to Build Commands 9
Tips for Coding with TI CE Graphing Calculator 10
Learn More 11
TI-Innovator™ Hub App for the TI CE Graphing Calculator(s) 12
Hub Programming on TI-Nspire™CX Technology 15
Code Examples: TI-Nspire™CX Technology 15
Sample Program to Blink an On-Board LED 15
How to Create and Execute a Program 16
Using the Hub Menu to Build Commands 17
Tips for Coding with TI-Nspire™CX Technology 18
Learn More 19
TI-Innovator™ I/O Modules 20
Connecting an I/O Module 22
Sample Program to Blink an LED Module 22
Learn More 22
TI-Innovator™ Breadboard Pack 24
Addressable Components 24
Sample Code to Blink a Breadboard LED 25
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Breadboard Basics 26
Learn More 27
Using an Auxiliary Power Source 27
Connecting the Power Source 28
TI-Innovator™ Hub Troubleshooting 29
TI-RGB Array 31
What is TI-RGB Array? 31
TI-RGB Array – Industrial design and markings 31
Requirements for TI-RGB Array: 32
Connecting the TI-RGB Array 32
Connect the TI-RGB Array to the TI-Innovator™ Hub 32
Connect the TI-Innovator™ Hub to a Graphing Calculator 33
Connecting TI-Innovator™Hub 33
Connecting to a Graphing Calculator 33
Connecting to a Computer Running TI-Nspire™CX Software 34
TI-RGB Array Commands 35
Prerequisite: Use the Send "Connect RGB" Command First 35
CONNECT RGB 35
SET RGB 36
SET RGB ALL 37
READ RGB 37
General Precautions 38
TI-RGB Array 38
General Precautions for the TI-Innovator™ Hub 38
TI-Innovator™Hub 38
Breadboard Connector on the Hub 38
Breadboard 38
I/O Modules 39
TI-Innovator™Rover 39
General Information 41
Online Help 41
Contact TI Support 41
Service and Warranty 41

TI-Innovator™ Hub Overview
The TI-Innovator™Hub lets you use your compatible TI graphing calculator or
TI-Nspire™CX computer software to control components, read sensors, and create
powerful learning experiences.
• You communicate with the Hub through TI Basic programming commands.
• Hosts that are compatible with TI-Innovator™Hub include:
- TI CE Family of Graphing Calculators (TI-83 Premium CE, TI-84 Plus CE, and
TI-84 Plus CE-T) with operating system version 5.3 or later installed. You also
need to install or update the Hub App, which contains the Hub menu.
- TI Nspire™ CX or TI Nspire™ CX CAS handheld with operating system version 4.5
or later installed
- TI Nspire™ computer software version 4.5 or later
•TI-Innovator™Hub. Communicates with the host, the Hub on-board components,
and connected external components. It also distributes power to external
components.
•TI-Innovator™ Components. These components, sold separately, include sensors,
motors, and LEDs that connect to the Hub through its I/O ports and breadboard
connector.
Learn More
For a list of precautions to take while using the Hub and its components, refer to
General Precautions (page 38).
To find information on accessories, external modules, and breadboard components,
visit education.ti.com/go/innovator.
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What's in the Box
TI-Innovator™Hub with On-Board
Components
ÀA Light Brightness Sensor at the bottom
of the Hub can be read as
"BRIGHTNESS" in Hub command strings.
ÁRed LED is addressable as "LIGHT" in
Hub command strings.
ÂSpeaker (at back of Hub, not shown) is
addressable as "SOUND" in Hub
command strings.
ÃRed-Green-Blue LED is addressable as
"COLOR" in Hub command strings.
Also visible on the face of the Hub are:
AGreen auxiliary power LED
BGreen power LED,
CRed error LED.
Built-in Ports
Left side-Three ports for collecting data or status
from input modules:
•IN1 and IN2 provide 3.3V power.
•IN3 provides 5V power.
Right side-Three ports for controlling output
modules:
•OUT1 and OUT2 provide 3.3V power.
•OUT3 provides 5V power.
Bottom-Light Brightness Sensor (described earlier)
and two ports:
•I2Cport connects to peripherals that use the I2C
communication protocol.
•DATAMini-B port, used with the appropriate
cable, connects to a compatible graphing
calculator or computer for data and power.

Top-Two connectors:
• USB-Micro connector (PWR) for auxiliary power
required by some components. Also used for
updating the Hub internal software.
• Breadboard Connector with 20 labeled pins for
communication with connected components. A
breadboard and jumper cables are included with
the TI-Innovator™ Breadboard Pack, sold
separately.
USB Cables
ÀUSB Unit-to-Unit (Mini-A to Mini-B)-Connects the Hub to a TI CE Graphing
Calculator or a TI-Nspire™CX Handheld.
ÁUSB Standard A to Mini-B-Connects the Hub to a computer running
TI-Nspire™CXSoftware.
ÂUSB Standard A to Micro-Connects the PWR port of the Hub to a TI approved
power source required by some peripherals.
Auxiliary Power
TIWallCharger - Supplies power through the
TI-Innovator™Hub for components, such as motors,
that require additional power.
The optional External Battery Pack can also provide
auxiliary power.
Note: An auxiliary power LED on the Hub indicates
when the Hub is receiving auxiliary power.
Connecting TI-Innovator™Hub
The TI-Innovator™Hub connects by a USB cable to a graphing calculator or computer.
The connection lets the Hub receive power and exchange data with the host.
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Note: Some peripherals, such as motors, may require auxiliary power. For more
information, see Using an Auxiliary Power Source (page 27).
Connecting to a Graphing Calculator
1. Identify the "B" connector on the USB Unit-to-Unit (Mini-A
to Mini-B) cable. Each end of this cable is embossed with
a letter.
2. Insert the "B" connector into the DATA port at the bottom
of the TI-Innovator™Hub.
3. Insert the free end of the cable (the "A" connector) into the USB port on the
calculator.
Hub connected to
TI CE Graphing Calculator
Hub connected to
TI-Nspire™CX Handheld
4. Turn on the calculator if it is not already on.
The power LED on the Hub glows green to show that it is receiving power.

Connecting to a Computer Running TI-Nspire™CX Software
1. Identify the "B" connector on
the USB Standard A to Mini-B
cable for Windows®/Mac®.
Each end of this cable is
embossed with a letter.
2. Insert the "B" connector into
the DATA port at the bottom
of the TI-Innovator™Hub.
3. Insert the free end of the
cable (the "A" connector) into
a USB port on the computer.
The power LED on the Hub
glows green to show that it is
receiving power.
Updating the Hub Software
The TI-Innovator™Hub contains software, TI-Innovator™ Sketch, that interprets Hub
commands and communicates with on-board devices and connected modules. A Web-
based tool lets you update the Sketch. Updated versions contain bug fixes and ensure
that your TI-Innovator™Hub can communicate with the latest components.
To obtain the latest version of the TI-Innovator™ Sketch go to the following site:
https://education.ti.com/go/innovator
Questions About the Hub Software
What is the TI-Innovator™ sketch?
The ‘sketch’ is the software on the TI-Innovator™ Hub that communicates with the
graphing calculator, processes the commands, and controls the external components.
Do I need to update the sketch on the TI-Innovator™ Hub?
For best results always use the latest version of TI-Innovator™ sketch. To stay informed
on any updates to the TI-Innovator™ Hub, make sure you register your product at
education.ti.com/register or check the TI-Innovator™ website at
education.ti.com/go/innovator.
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What is the latest version of the sketch?
For best results always use the latest version of TI-Innovator sketch. You can always
find the latest version of the sketch at education.ti.com/go/innovator.
Why would I update the sketch?
There are a couple of different reasons to upgrade the sketch.
1. To get the latest version from TI that may include new functionality.
2. To restore the TI sketch after loading a custom sketch – This is only needed by
advanced users who use an alternative sketch.
How do I load the sketch on the TI-Innovator™ Hub?
The sketch can be updated through the TI-Innovator Hub Update Software. This
software is a free download on the TI website.
Can I update multiple TI-Innovator Hubs at the same time?
The TI-Innovator Hub Update Software only allows updating a single Hub at a time.
However, the application is designed to allow you to update multiple Hubs without
having to re-launch the software.
Can the sketch that comes on the TI-Innovator™ Hub be edited to add functionality but
still work with the TI calculator? Is the sketch open source?
The code for sketch that is loaded on the TI-Innovator™ has not been published for
others to modify or edit. To maintain compatibility between the TI-Innovator™ Hub and
TI calculator products, only use the officially published sketch for TI-Innovator™ Hub.

Hub Programming on TI CE Graphing Calculator
Note: These instructions apply to TI CE graphing calculator. For similar instructions for
TI-Nspire™CX technology, refer to Hub Programming on TI-Nspire™ CX Technology
(page 15).
The TI-Innovator™Hub responds to TIBasic programming commands such as Send and
Get.
•Send - Sends command strings to the Hub to control devices or request
information.
•Get - Retrieves information requested from the Hub.
•eval - Supplies the result of an expression as a character string. Especially useful
within the Hub command string in Send commands.
•Wait - Pauses program execution for a specified number of seconds.
Code Examples: TI CE Graphing Calculator
Desired Action Program Code
Turn on the on-board Red LED
("LIGHT").
Send("SET LIGHT ON")
Play a 440Hz tone on the on-board
speaker ("SOUND") for 2 seconds.
Send("SET SOUND 440 TIME 2")
Turn on blue element of on-board RGB
LED ("COLOR") at 100% brightness.
Send("SET COLOR.BLUE 255")
Read and display the current value of
the on-board light sensor
("BRIGHTNESS"). Range is 0% to 100%.
Send("READ BRIGHTNESS")
Get(A):Disp A
Sample Program to Blink an On-Board LED
The following TI CE graphing calculator program uses the Send and Wait commands to
blink the on-board red LED in the Hub. The commands are contained in a "For...End"
loop that repeats the ON/OFF blink cycle for 10 iterations.
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PRGM: BLINK
For(N,1,10)
Send("SET LIGHT ON")
Wait 1
Send("SET LIGHT OFF")
Wait 1
End
How to Create and Execute a Program
Note: These are abbreviated instructions. For detailed instructions on creating and
executing programs, refer to TI-Basic Programming for the TI CE Graphing Calculator.
The guide is available through the TI-Innovator™ Technology eGuide (page ii).
Before You Begin
▶Refer to System Requirements (page 1), and update your calculator's OS
(Operating System) and Hub App, as needed. You can update from TIConnect™CE
software or from another updated calculator.
Note: The TI-Innovator™ Hub App is available for download from the TI website at
education.ti.com/latest.
To Create a New Program on TI CE Graphing Calculator:
1. On the Home Screen, press ¼, select New, and press Í.
2. Type a name for your program, such as "SOUNDTST," and then press Í.
The Program Editor opens, displaying a template for your program code.
3. Enter the lines of code that make up your program.
- You must use the Hub Menu to enter TI-Basic commands, such as Send and
Get. (Press ¼and select Hub.)
- You can enter Hub command strinSetgs and parameters such as
"SETLIGHTON" by using the menu or by typing. If you type the strings,
make sure to use the correct case.
- At the end of each line, press Í. Each new line is automatically preceded by
a colon (:).
- Use the arrow keys to move through a program. Press {to delete, or press
y 6 to insert.

To Close the Program Editor
▶Press y 5 to return to the Home Screen.
The program remains available through the ¼key.
To Run the Program:
1. Ensure that the TI-Innovator™Hub is connected to your calculator.
2. Ensure that any needed I/O Modules or Breadboard components are connected to
the Hub.
3. From the Home Screen, press ¼, select your program name from the displayed
list, and press Í.
The program name is pasted to the Home Screen.
4. Press Íagain to run the program.
To Edit an Existing Program:
1. On the Home Screen, press ¼, select Edit.
2. Select the program name from the displayed list, and press Í.
The program opens in the Program Editor.
Using the Hub Menu to Build Commands
The Hub menu is available on the TI CE graphing calculator anytime you are creating or
editing a program. It can save you time building commands and help you with correct
command spelling and syntax.
Note: To build a command from the Hub menu, you need to know:
• The unique name of the component that you are addressing, such as "SOUND" for
the on-board speaker.
• The command parameters that apply to the component, such as sound frequency
and duration. Some parameters are optional, and you might need to know the
value range of a parameter.
Example of Using the Hub Menu:
This TI CE graphing calculator example builds the command Send
("SETSOUND440TIME2") to sound a 440Hz tone for 2 seconds on the on-board
speaker.
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1. Open (or create) the program that you will use to communicate with the Hub.
2. Position the cursor where you want to place the command.
3. Press ¼and select Hub.
The Hub menu appears.
4. Select Send "SET and press Í, and then
select SOUND and press Í.
5. Type 440 as the sound frequency.
6. On the Hub menu, select Settings > TIME.
7. Type 2as the TIME value.
8. To complete the command, type closing
quotes (pressƒ Ã), and then press¤.
9. To return to the Home Screen and test the command, press y 5 and then
follow the previous instructions for running a program.
Tips for Coding with TI CE Graphing Calculator
• Make sure your code is free of unnecessary spaces that can cause syntax errors.
This includes repeated spaces within the line and one or more spaces at the end of
a line.
• Code from an external source might show "curly" quotation marks (“...”) in places
that require straight quotes ("..."). To type straight quotes, press ƒand then Ã.
• To clear the current lineof code, press ‘.
• To type relational operators such as =,<, and ≤, press y :.
• To type a space, press ƒand thenÊ.
• If your program becomes unresponsive while running, press the Ékey.
•Note: If a command syntax does not include an opening left parenthesis, such as
"Wait ", using a pair of parentheses in an argument may be interpreted as the full
argument and give an unexpected syntax error. When entering long expressions
with parentheses, enclose the entire expression with paired parentheses to avoid
syntax errors of this nature.
Valid: Wait ((X+4)*5)
Valid: Wait X+4*5
Syntax Error: Wait (X+4)*5

Learn More
To find sample programs and details about programming the TI-Innovator™Hub, see
the TI-Innovator™ Technology eGuide (page ii).
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TI-Innovator™ Hub App for the TI CE Graphing Calculator(s)
What is the TI-Innovator™ Hub App?
The TI-Innovator™ Hub App adds the HUB menu to the programming menu on a TI CE
graphing calculator.
This menu option makes it easy to select commands that are commonly used when
creating programs to use with the TI-Innovator™ Hub.
How do I know whether I have the TI-Innovator™ Hub App?
To determine if the Hub app is loaded on your TI CE graphing calculator, follow these
steps.
1. Press 2nd [mem]
2. Select option "2: Mem Management/Delete…"
3. Select option "A: Apps"
4. The TI-Innovator™ Hub App is listed as "Hub" in the list of apps. Confirm that the
Hub is listed.

What version of the TI-Innovator™ Hub App do I need?
For best results always use the latest version of the TI-Innovator™ Hub App and TI CE
Family of Graphing Calculators. Visit education.ti.com/en/product-resources/whats-
new-84-ce to get the latest.
How do I know what the version number of my TI-Innovator™ Hub App is?
To determine the version of the Hub App that is loaded on your TI CE Graphing
Calculator, follow these steps.
1. Press 2nd [mem]
2. Select option "2: Mem Management/Delete…"
3. Select option "A: Apps"
4. Press the down arrow until the Hub app is selected.
5. Look at the title bar to view the version number of the Hub app.
How do I get the TI-Innovator™ Hub App?
The TI-Innovator™ Hub App is available for download from the TI website at
education.ti.com/latest.
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Will I need to update the TI-Innovator™ Hub app every time I update the calculator
OS?
The TI-Innovator™ Hub app would only need to be updated when new functionality is
added to the app. However, it is strongly recommended that you always keep your TI
products up to date with the latest OS and versions. When updating your OS always
check to see if any apps have updates as well.
Do I need an app to use the TI-Innovator™ Hub with TI-Nspire™ CX technology?
No. TI-Nspire™ CX technology has all the commands to communicate with the TI-
Innovator™ Hub built in. For best results always use the latest version of TI-Nspire™.

Hub Programming on TI-Nspire™CX Technology
Note: These instructions apply to TI-Nspire™CX technology. For similar instructions for
TI CE graphing calculator, refer to Hub Programming on TI CE Graphing Calculator
(page 7).
The TI-Innovator™Hub responds to TIBasic programming commands such as Send and
Get.
•Send - Sends command strings to the Hub to control devices or request
information.
•Get and GetStr - Retrieve information requested from the Hub.
•eval() - Supplies the result of an expression as a character string. Valid only within
Send,Get, and GetStr commands.
•Wait - Pauses program execution for a specified number of seconds.
Code Examples: TI-Nspire™CX Technology
Desired Action Program Code
Turn on the on-board Red LED
("LIGHT").
Send "SET LIGHT ON"
Play a 440Hz tone on the on-board
speaker ("SOUND") for 2 seconds.
Send "SET SOUND 440 TIME 2"
Turn on blue element of on-board RGB
LED ("COLOR") at 100% brightness.
Send "SET COLOR.BLUE 255"
Read and display the current value of
the on-board light sensor
("BRIGHTNESS"). Range is 0% to 100%.
Send "READ BRIGHTNESS"
Get a: Disp a
Sample Program to Blink an On-Board LED
The following TI-Nspire™ CX program uses the Send and Wait commands to blink the
on-board red LED in the Hub. The commands are contained in a "For...EndFor" loop that
repeats the ON/OFF blink cycle for 10 iterations.
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Define blink()=
Prgm
For n,1,10
Send "SET LIGHT ON"
Wait 1
Send "SET LIGHT OFF"
Wait 1
EndFor
EndPrgm
How to Create and Execute a Program
Note: These are abbreviated instructions. For detailed instructions, refer to the
TI-Nspire™CX Program Editor, accessible through the TI-Innovator™ Technology eGuide
(page ii).
Before You Begin:
▶Refer to System Requirements (page 1), and update your software as needed.
- On TI-Nspire™ CX handhelds, use TI-Nspire™computer software to update the
Operating System.
- On computers running TI-Nspire™ CX software, use the Help menu to update
the software.
To Create a New Program in a TI-NspireCX Document:
1. On the handheld, press ~and select Insert > Program Editor > New.
From the computer software, click Insert > Program Editor > New.
2. Type a name for your program, such as "soundtst," select Program as the Type, and
then click OK.
The Program Editor opens, displaying a template for your program code.
3. Between the Prgm and EndPrgm lines, type the lines of code that make up your
program.
- You can either type command names or insert them from the Program Editor
menu.
- After typing each line, press Enter to type additional code.
- Use the arrow keys to scroll through the program.