First Isaac16 EDU Reference Manual
EDU-RC & Motherboard
Reference Guide
Innovation First, Inc. EDU-RC & Motherboard Reference Guide
11.8.2002 www.InnovationFirst.com Page 2
Table of Contents
1. Overview ............................................................................................................................2
2. Isaac16 EDU Motherboard Layout......................................................................................4
3. POWER Input.....................................................................................................................5
4. TETHER / PROGRAM Port ...............................................................................................5
5. Radio ..................................................................................................................................5
6. RELAY Outputs..................................................................................................................6
7. PWM Outputs .....................................................................................................................7
8. ANALOG Inputs.................................................................................................................8
9. DIGITAL SWITCH Inputs..................................................................................................9
10. LED Indicators..................................................................................................................10
11. Power Switch (Reset) ........................................................................................................10
12. Circuit Breaker..................................................................................................................10
13. Team Number ...................................................................................................................11
14. PBASIC Program Memory................................................................................................11
15. Write Protect Jumper......................................................................................................... 12
16. Oscillator Output...............................................................................................................12
1. Overview
The Isaac16 EDU Robot Controller and EDU Motherboard combine to function as one unit. The
functionality of this smaller unit is very similar to the Full-Size Robot Controller and operates on the
same basic principles. The basic differences on the EDU Robbot Controller are: 1) smaller size and
reduced weight, 2) fewer inputs and outputs, 3) the RS422 Radio is integrated and internal to the unit,
and 4) the Motherboard is removable.
The removable Isaac16 EDU Motherboard is designed to mate only with the Isaac16 EDU Robot
Controller. The removable Motherboard allows the Isaac16 EDU Robot Controller to be used in
multiple robots, while the wiring and robot specific program remain in each robot on the Motherboard.
This modular design allows classrooms to build multiple robots without the need for a dedicated control
system for each robot.
The Isaac16 EDU Robot Controller (RC) receives information from the Operator Interface, gathers
additional information from sensors on-board the robot, determines how the robot should function, and
instructs the robot to perform the functions. The EDU Robot Controller also sends data back to the
Operator Interface, giving the human operator(s) feedback of critical information.
Also, the Isaac16 EDU Robot Controllers gather on-board sensor data via the ANALOG and DIGITAL
inputs. There are 8 digital inputs and 4 analog inputs on the EDU Robot Controller. Switches of
various types may be connected to the digital inputs. Sensors that provide a 0-5V output, such as
potentiometers and gyros (yaw rate sensors) may be connected to the analog inputs.
Innovation First, Inc. EDU-RC & Motherboard Reference Guide
11.8.2002 www.InnovationFirst.com Page 3
The Isaac16 EDU Robot Controller takes the collected data from both the Operator Interface and the onboard sensors and then forwards it to the PBASIC program processor. The program, (PBASIC Code),
takes the data, determines what to do with the outputs to make the robot behave as desired, and sets the
PWM and Relay outputs to the appropriate states. The EDU Robot Controller comes with a default
program that will handle most robot control needs. If more sophisticated control of the robot is desired,
then the default program can quickly be modified to provide the required functions from the robot.
The PBASIC source code is available at www.innovationfirst.com.
Programming tools and manuals are available at www.parallaxinc.com.
The Isaac16 EDU Robot Controller has 8 PWM outputs and 4 Relay outputs. The PWM and Relay
outputs are use to drive the EDU Multi Speed Motor. The PWM outputs give variable speed control of
the Multi Speed Motors. The Relay outputs drive the Multi Speed Motors in full forward or reverse
only. The Isaac16 EDU Robot Controller can also drive Victor 883 speed controllers and Spike relay
modules.
The Motherboard provides connectors for power, external devices, switches, and sensors. The
Motherboard also has a combination Tether/Program connector for connecting to an Operator Interface
(Tether) or a Computer (Program). Tether is used to communicate to an Operator Interface over a
“hard” wire connection instead of using a wireless radio link. A connection to a Computer is only used
to download/re-program the PBASIC program.
The Isaac16 EDU Robot Controller and Motherboard are keyed and can only be connected in one
orient ation.
CAUTION: Do not apply power unless the EDU-RC and Motherboard are firmly connected and
in the proper orientation or damage may result.
The Isaac16 EDU Robot Controller has an Autonomous Mode. When in autonomous mode, the
Operator Interface is not needed. The EDU RC will run as normal in Autonomous Mode, except there is
no user input required from the Operator Interface. The use of Autonomous Mode requires that custom
software be written to command the robot. All available inputs from on board the robot can also be
used. These inputs along with the custom software are combined in the PBASIC processor to create the
desired functions of the robot. Autonomous Mode can be turned “ON” by 1) turning the RC OFF, 2)
setting the team number to Zero, and 3) turning the RC back ON.
Innovation First, Inc. EDU-RC & Motherboard Reference Guide
11.8.2002 www.InnovationFirst.com Page 4
2. Isaac16 EDU Motherboard Layout
Battery Connection: 7.2V Nominal
EDU-RC Absolute Voltage Range: 5.2V to 9.0V (damage may occur above 9.0V)
Tether / Program Connector (p.5)
Write-Protect Jumper (p.12)
Power Switch (p.10)
Power Connector (p.5)
Circuit Breaker (p.10)
Table 2: Connector Pinout Information
Pin Header Left Pin Center Pin(s) Right Pin
LED Indicators (p.10)
Analog Inputs (p.8)
Digital Switch Inputs (p.9)
Relay Outputs (p.6)
Tether / Program Switch (p.5)
Team Number Switch (p.11)
Oscillator Output (p.12)
PWM Outputs (p.7)
+5V Output Input Signal (0-5V) Ground
Input Signal Ground
+Battery
+Battery
PWM Signal
Output
Reverse
Output
+Battery Ground
Forward
Output
Ground
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