Chapter 2 - Your Boe-Bot’s Servo Motors

Outcomes:
By the time you complete this section you will be able to:

  1. Connect, adjust, and test the Parallax Continuous Rotation Servo motors
  2. Understand how variables are used in the Basic Stamp language and the size of variables that can be stored
  3. Understand and use the PAUSE command
  4. Understand and use the DO…LOOP command
  5. Understand and use the FOR…NEXT command
  6. Understand and use the HIGH and LOW commands as a way of making the BASIC Stamp connect an I/O pin to Vdd or Vss
  7. Construct an LED circuit to test the commands
  8. Understand and use the PULSOUT command
  9. Know how long a millisecond lasts and how to abbreviate it
  10. Understand how the speed and direction are controlled for the Continuous Rotation Servo motors
  11. Calibrate the Continuous Rotation Servo motors
  12. Know the difference between a wiring diagram and a schematic
  13. Demonstrate ability to read a wiring diagram

Assignments:

  • View the videos in the video section of this lesson.
  • Read and follow the instructions in Robotics with the Boe-Bot  Chapter 2. 
  • Complete the Boe-Bot activities assigned by your instructor. If self-study, do all the “Your Turn” parts for each activity in the chapter.  Fill out the Observations section in this lesson for each Activity. (Note: It is only by typing in the commands that you truly begin to understand programming. So don’t short change yourself.)
  • Review the Key Points or FAQs below.
  • Use the Observations again to Answer the questions at the end of the chapter.
  • Check your answers.
  • When complete, turn in the Observations Word Doc to your instructor (print, email or other method defined by your instructor). Self-study students can optionally send to a parent, mentor or friend.
Videos and Simulations

Chapter 2 Overview Video

Activity Videos:

Key Points or FAQs:

 

What does a Do Loop do in a program?

The Do Loop command repeats all of the lines of code contained within it.  Often there are conditions used to tell the loop when to stop.  For example:

DO WHILE x < 1

(enter code commands here)

LOOP

This Do Loop command will keep repeating the code commands before the LOOP until the value of the variable x is less than 1.  Note: One of the commands within this LOOP must decrease the value of the variable x, or the loop will run forever.

 

What is a resistor and how can you tell the difference between the different values?

A resistor is an electronic component used to limit the current in a circuit.  You can tell the difference between the values by reading the colored stripes on them.  Each stripe combination represents a different value.

 

 

What does a cathode and an anode relate to and how do you identify them?

The Cathode and Anode are part of an LED. The Cathode side is the side of the leads that is shorter.  Also, the LED is flat on the cathode side.  The anode side of the LED is longer and is rounded on the LED.

Read more about LEDs: http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/voltage.htm

photo

 

What is the difference between a schematic drawing and a wiring or circuit diagram?

A wiring or circuit diagram uses illustrations to closely match what the components look like in real life to demonstrate how a circuit is assembled.  A schematic uses known symbols that represent electrical components to illustrate the construction of a circuit.

Find out more about reading a circuit diagram: http://www.epemag.net/how-to-read-circuit-diagrams.html

Another step by step on how to read a circuit diagram: http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO-READ-CIRCUIT-DIAGRAMS/

How to read schematics (with an interactive quiz):

http://www.learn-c.com/schemat.htm

Another link for reading schematics with some of the most common symbols: http://artsites.ucsc.edu/EMS/music/tech_background/schematics/ReadSchem.html

 

Describe Voltage and Current and how the two relate to each other.

Voltage is potential energy that can be used within a circuit measured in Volts.  Current is how much voltage is carried throughout the system measured in amps.

Find out more about Amps, Watts, Volts, and Ohms:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/question501.htm

Another source for learning about difference between voltage and current for electronics:  http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/voltage.htm

 

 

 

What does the Pulsout command do?

The Pulsout command sends signals to the servos for a controlled amount of duration.  This allows the servos to move based on a number of pulses and makes movement exact and repeatable.

 

How does the debug command work and why do you need it?

The debug command works by entering the Debug keyword and any variable or value after it.  The results of the variables or values are displayed in the debug window.

For Example: DEBUG X + 8

This will display in the debug window the result of the current value of the variable added to 8.  This is useful when the value of the variable X is being modified and you need to know its current value.

 

What are the benefits of a For Loop?

The For Loop allows you to repeat set of code commands a specified number of times. 

For example:

FOR I = 1 to 20

(enter code commands here)

NEXT

This example For Loop will repeat the code commands 20 times.

 

What is the formula for determining how long a servo will run in pulses?

Number of  pulses = Time s / 0.0246 s = Time / 0.0246

For example if you want a servo to run for 3 seconds:

Number of pulses = 3 / 0.0246 = 122