Spheros
Getting to know Sphero
Other Parts:
LED Matrix: the LED matrix is like a small screen it allows you to create messages using LEDs that have been arranged in a rectangle. The LED Matrix can also show messages received from other Sphero robots.
Sensors:
Light Sensor: The light sensor reads the light intensity (luminosity) in your environment from 0 - 100,000 lux, where 0 lux is full darkness and 30,000-100,000 lux is direct sunlight. Keep in mind that if you are running a program with a luminosity condition, you may need to adjust it for different environments, as light intensity can vary significantly between rooms.
Infrared (IR) Sensors: Infrared (IR) is invisible light with longer wavelengths than visible light, and it is commonly used in TV remote controls to transmit small amounts of data. IR is used in Sphero BOLT to send data such as relative distance and heading between robots, and custom messages. There are four IR emitters and receivers (pairs) for 360° awareness assuming there is a clear line of sight between two or more BOLT robots. The valid range is up to about 4 meters.
Compass: The compass sensor (it's really a "magnetometer") allows BOLT to know it's orientation on earth, just like a normal compass. This sensor can be used to write a program that moves in real-world directions around a room, or even in relative directions if placed on a map oriented correctly. The compass also enables "Auto-Aiming" on BOLT, where the robot syncs it's offset from North with the compass inside your phone or tablet, so you don't need to aim manually. You can find the Auto-Aim feature on the drive screen of the Sphero Edu app.
Information about Sphero Bolt has been used from: https://support.sphero.com/article/c11rxl3nsf-what-are-sphero-bolt-s-live-sensors Accessed Friday 25/2/22
Sphero App Setup
Follow these steps if you have not downloaded the Sphero app
If you are using a Tinker Time kit the Tinker Time iPad will already have the app installed on it.
You only need to follow this process to use the Sphero app on your own device or a school-owned Chromebook
This video shows you how to set up the Sphero app. The instructions below explain the same thing.
If you're getting an error message when trying to sign in it might be due to a Google Classroom & Sphero Syncing issue. Please let Mrs Lee know and she will resync the classroom for you.
Open Sphero - EDU & Download the App
and then click 'drive' an app window will pop up for you.
You'll need to download the right app for your device.
Sign Into the App
Select School User and click sign in with Google account
Make sure you are using your school account to sign in.
If you have been to the Exploration Station and/or you are in a Technology Teams Classroom you should be able to sign in automatically.
Programming Sphero
Complete the Introduction to Sphero assignment to get familiar with Sphero
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on, on your device.
Makes sure you're signed into the Sphero EDU app with your Google account
to get to the introductory activity
Remember to click 'start activity' the blue button at the top before you start, this will allow you to mark of what you've completed and attach programs to the activity.
*Can't connect to your robot? It might be in "off" mode. To turn it "on", simply place it in the charging cradle, let it complete its light animation, then try connecting again.
The 3 ways (coding canvas) we can use with Sphero...
Draw
You can draw and Sphero will follow your drawing. To find out how, check out these activities:
Blocks
Use blocks to code a program for Sphero to follow. To find out how, check out these activities:
Text
Ready to code using text? Sphero usese JavaScript. Here are a few starter activities to try:
Badges
Do you consider yourself a Sphero expert? Why not have a go at earning a digital badge.
Check out our Hardware badges here
Remember to put your Sphero back in the charging cradle
and make sure it is switched on when you have finished using it.
Things to Remember
Sphero Says:
I'm a pretty robust robot but I don't like running on concrete without a turbo cover. Please put me in a turbo cover before you play with me outside
I'm waterproof but my charging cradle is not waterproof, please make sure I am completely dry before you charge me
I have a small battery, I need charging everyday so remember to put me back on charge when you're finished.
