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.