mBots

How to use the mBot kit.

This video was created by Emme one of our TeXperts.

It goes through everything that is in the kit and shows you how to get started using your mBot.

You'll find more information about how to use mBots in the help files below.

Getting to know mBot

Image Credit: https://www.biomaker.org/robots & http://download.makeblock.com/mBot-V1.1_Blue_STD_Instruction_EN_D1.2.1_7.40.4100_Print.pdf

Using the Remote with mBot

Battery Check

Check there is a battery in the remote

Check the battery has been put in correctly

Original Program Check

Turn the mBot on and walk up to your mBot

Press the A Button

Press the forward arrow, press the backward arrow.

If mBot moves it has the correct program installed.

If mBot doesn't move you'll need to update the firmware. Have a look at the firmware update instructions.

Using the Remote

Let's play...

There are 3 modes to chose from

Manual (A) - use the arrows to move
Automatic Obstacle avoidance (B) - mBot moves on it's own to avoid hitting things
Line-following mode (C) - put mBot on robot mat and mBot will follow the line

Select the mode you want by clicking the A, B or C button.

Having a low speed setting can make it hard for mBot to move. Try increasing the speed by selecting a higher number.

Getting Started with Programming MBots

Download & Install Software

Tinker Time/Library Computer: Open mBlock5 for Chrome

BYOD Chromebook & School Owned Chromebook: Install mLink & then go to mBlock5 for Chrome

BYOD Windows: Install mLink & then go to mBlock5 for Chrome

Pair / Connect mBot to your Device

Using the Library Computers

1. Connect one end of USB cable to the mBot

2. Turn mBot on

3. Connect the other end to your computer

4. Open mBlock 5

5. Add mBot and click connect, select USB connection

Using Your Chromebook

mBot Basics

Write Your Program

The video will walk you through a few basic ways of programming mBot. Click here to see a few more tutorials

Upload your program - using mBlock5

Once you've written your program you'll need to upload it....

Connect your mBot to your laptop
Press the upload button
Wait for your program to upload
Your program will run straight away so make sure your mBot is sitting on the floor

Upload your program - using mBlock3

Once you've written your program you'll need to upload it. Here's a video that explains how to do that.

Remember to reset the mBot back to the original program when you're finished programming/coding for the day

More mBot Resources

mBot Instruction Manual this includes diagrams and descriptions of all the different parts of mBot

Getting Started with mBot Forum post

This slide deck gives you the basic things you'll need to know to start operating an mBot. Click here to open the deck

Things to Remember

mBot Says:

I'm scared of heights please use me on the floor.
I quite like running on the carpet or on Lino flooring.
I'm not a fan of the concrete, water or grass - mBots are inside robots
My motors are a bit sensitive please don't stop my wheels from moving with your hands or move my wheels without coding them to move. Wait for me to stop moving or pick me up by my back and switch me off.

Troubleshooting

Remember you can ask a TeXpert for help - Check out which TeXperts have their mBot badge here.

mBot Badges

Broken motor shaft

The mBot's wheels are quite sensitive if they are pushed the wrong way the plastic shaft that helps to turn them can snap. This video explains how to replace that. You'll need to get a replacement piece from Mrs Lee.

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