Difference between revisions of "Itty Bitty Buggy: Getting Started (mDesigner)"
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Revision as of 18:13, 25 October 2018
mDesigner software installation must be completed before proceeding to this guide.
The mDesigner software installation guide can be found here for Windows / for Mac |
This tutorial will get you getting started with programming Itty Bitty Buggy with mDesigner.
The following topics will be covered:
- Hardware preparation
- Overview of mDesigner's user interface.
- Configuring mDesigner for use with Itty Bitty Buggy.
- Assembling code blocks (creating a program)
- Programming Itty Bitty Buggy
- Online vs. Offline Mode
Contents
Hardware Preparation
Assemble Itty Bitty Buggy into it's default Buggy mode with mCenter+ on top of Buggy Base. Ensure the cable is connected to pin D2/D3 on mCenter+ and the other end connected to to Buggy Base. Attached the wheels onto Buggy Base. This hardware configuration will be used in the remaining tutorials. |
Connect the USB cable to Buggy and the other end to your computer's USB port. Switch on Buggy with the power switch. |
mDesigner's User Interface
Here is a quick overview of mDesigner's User Interface. A more in-depth description can be found here. |
File:Overview of mDesigner Interface.png
Configuring mDesigner for Itty Bitty Buggy
Under the kit selection, select Buggy. |
This allows access to the Buggy control blocks. |
Connecting to Itty Bitty Buggy to mDesigner (Online mode)
Ensure Itty Bitty Buggy is connected to your computer with the USB cable. |
Ensure mDesigner is in Online mode. (If mDesigner is in Offline mode, click on the slider to switch it to Online mode.) |
Click on the Port Selector. This will list serial devices connected to your computer. |
Windows | Mac OS |
---|---|
File:Image.png On Windows, the port will be listed as COM__ (w/ a number). |
File:Image.png On Mac OS, the port will be listed as /dev/tty.SLAB_USBtoUART |
Click to select the port. The text box will now change from disconnected to connected (or ready). |
Note: If you do not see any ports or similar ports, please check if Itty Bitty Buggy is connected to your computer and turned on. |
A special program needs to be uploaded onto Itty Bitty Buggy in order to use it with mDesigner in Online mode. |
An upload dialog will appear and Upload Completed once uploading is completed. |
Note: The text on the port selector determines the current status of Buggy's connectivity to your computer.
|
Itty Bitty Buggy is now connected and ready to be programmed in mDesigner! |
Assembling A Program
To create a program in mDesigner. Simply drag blocks from the Blocks section into the Script section.
First Example
Clicking on a Block Category such as Events or Buggy will bring up the Blocks in that category. This allows you to quickly find the Blocks you need. |
For this example, first click on Events under the Block Categories section. Then drag the (When Green Flag clicked) block into the Scripts section. |
Next, click on the Buggy category. |
Then drag the (ColorLED - Set Color) block into the Scripts section and snap it under the (When Green Flag clicked) block as shown. |
Now, change the color on the (ColorLED - Set Color) block by clicking on the color. Set it to red or to a color of your liking. |