Makeblock mBot, mBot Ranger, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0, Starter User Manual

Introduction

Contents

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Part I General questions

How to connect Makeblock robot with mBlock

How to upgrade firmware for Makeblock robot with mBlock

How to reset default program manually with mBlock

How to upload my program to the Makeblock robot with mBlock

What is the difference between upgrade firmware and reset default program

Why my Makeblock robot doesn't move when I set low motor speed

A Comparison among Bluetooth connection, 2.4G connection and USB connection

What troubleshooting I can try if my Makeblock robot cannot connect to my phone App

Part II mBot

How to replace motor shaft for mBot

Why the Ultrasonic Obstacle Avoidance Mode doesn’t work on mBot

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Why the Line Follower Mode doesn't work on mBot

How to connect 2.4G wireless serial to my mBot

How to change the speed of mBot with IR remote controller

Issues related to Battery

Useful links for mBot

Part III Ranger

Why the motors are not working properly as they should be

Can I use 2.4G wireless module for my Ranger

Why the Ranger cannot avoid objects in object avoidance mode

What should I do if the Nervous Bird could not keep balanced?

Questions related to Bluetooth connection on Mobile devices

What should I do if the Makeblock App says “synchronization fails”

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Why my Ranger moves once I turn it on

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Why the line follower doesn’t work on Ranger?

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Part IV Starter

What should I do if my starter motors are not working properly

What is the difference between Starter IR version and Bluetooth version

How to play with IR version Starter

Can I use 2.4G module to replace the Bluetooth module on Starter

Questions related to Bluetooth connection on Mobile devices

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What I should do when Ultrasonic Obstacle Avoidance Mode of my Starter fails to work

How to check if the Starter main board lose its bootloader

Questions for Starter Battery

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How to program the add-on Robotic Arm for Starter

Part V Ultimate 2.0

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What should I do if my Ultimate 2.0 motors are not working properly

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questions related to Bluetooth connection on Mobile devices

Can I use 2.4G wireless module to control my Ultimate 2.0

What should I do if the self-balancing robot could not keep balanced?

Questions to Ultimate 2.0 Battery

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Why my Ultimate 2.0 starts to run every time I turn it on

Part VI LaserBot

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How to test if the wire connection for X, Y axis connected properly on Laserbot

How to test Your Laser to see if it is Faulty

Why the laser head reaches to the X-axis or Y-axis without stop

How to fix if the X-axis or Y-axis cannot move when test home?

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Why does the LaserBot cut or engrave the image in different size on X axis (or Y axis)

Why the serial port of LaserBot doesn’t appear on mLaser while using Mac?

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How should I enter mLaser when the opening page is in Chinese

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Why the interface of the mLaser is black rather than white

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Why the mLaser showed damaged when I opened it on my Mac

Why the Laser is on but it cannot cut or engrave anything?

Part VII XY Plotter

Why the stepper motor doesn’t run or runs abnormal?

Why I cannot draw correct pictures?

Why it runs abnormal when testing home?

Why the laser doesn’t light on or it is weak?

Why the laser cut discontinued lines?

Why Pen-up and Pen-down is not working properly?

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What I should pay attention when switch from mDraw to Benbox?

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Introduction

Here are some frequently asked questions about Makeblock robot kits which are based on mCore, Orion, Auriga, and MegaPi boards, and the related PC software in this document is mBlock 3

(latest 3.4.12). If you haven’t downloaded the software, click here to download and install.

If you still have question after reading this document, please contact Makeblock Support Team at

support@makeblock.com.

Part I General Questions

How to connect Makeblock robot with mBlock

This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0

Devices required: PC (here we use windows); Makeblock robot kit (here we use mBot as an

example); USB cable

Step 1

Connect mBot to PC with USB cable and turn on the mBot.

Step 2

Open mBlock software, choose mBot(mCore) under Boards.

If you are using a starter, select Orion; for ultimate 2.0, select Megapi, etc.

Step 3

Choose the correct Serial Port for mBot under Connect->Serial Port. (Here my mBot's serial port

is COM3, and you can check your mBot serial port under your computer's Device

Manager->Ports (COM&LPT))

Notes:

1. If you cannot detect any serial port, it may be caused by the following reasons.

a. Failing to install Arduino driver.

Normally when we install mBlock software, Arduino driver will be installed automatically at the

same time. But sometimes we may need to install Arduino driver manually.

For windows users, we can select “Install Arduino Driver” under “connect” and install it easily.

For Mac OS users, please download and install correct driver as below says:

Below Mac OS sierra users, download this driver;

Mac OS sierra users, download this driver;

Mac OS high sierra users, download this driver.

When choose Serial port under Connect->Serial Port, please choose port similar to

/dev/tty.wchusbserial1410.

b. The power switch of the main board (mCore) has not been turned ON (this cause is only for

mBot/mCore).

c. The Bluetooth connection from the robot may capture the serial port. Remove the Bluetooth

module from the robot while using the USB cable.

d. Paired Bluetooth devices on the PC may interfere the Serial port of the USB connection too.

e. The USB port or USB cable is faulty. Please try changing the USB port (you may change the

PC have a check too), USB cable etc.

2. Cannot find the serial port for my robot on mBlock and there are lots of BT port under the

device manager like below.

Cause: The Bluetooth module you paired before would be mapped into COM ports. Even if they

are not present, they still appear in the “Serial Port” list. So, uninstall these paired Bluetooth

devices will resolve this issue.

Solution: disable or uninstall all the Bluetooth ports (COM ports) from the PC.

How to upgrade firmware for Makeblock robot with mBlock

This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0

Devices required: PC (here we use windows); Makeblock robot kit (here we use mBot as an

example); USB cable

Step 1

Refer to FAQ to connect your Makeblock robot to mBlock

Step 2

Go to Connect->Upgrade Firmware, wait until it says Upload Finish.

Ps: online debug only works after firmware update.

Note:

what should I do if firmware upgrade fails and shows below picture?

1. You may select the wrong board.

Please select the corresponding board then try to upgrade firmware or reset default

program.

2. The upload failed issue might be caused by using defective modules, faulty serial

port chip, or faulty main board.

1) Please remove all the modules from main board, including RJ 25 cables, then upgrade firmware again.

2) If it is still the same issue, try to upload “Blink” program on Arduino IDE

environment to test if the main board lose its bootloader.

PS: Only USB connection allows us to do firmware upgrade.

How to reset default program manually with mBlock

This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0

Devices required: PC (here we use windows); Makeblock robot kit (here we use mBot as an

example); USB cable

Step 1

Refer to this FAQ to connect your Makeblock robot to mBlock

Step 2

Go to Connect->Reset Default Program->mBot, wait until it says Upload Finish.

How to upload my program to the Makeblock robot with

mBlock

This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0

Devices required: PC (here we use windows); Makeblock robot kit (here we use mBot as an

example; USB cable

Step 1

Refer to this FAQ to connect your Makeblock robot to mBlock

Step 2

Edit your own program, then right click on the program and select upload to Arduino.

Step 3

You can see following page and click on Upload to Arduino.

Step 4

Then the program will start uploading, wait until it shows Upload Finish.

Notes 1: In case you fail to upload a new program, please refer to below steps to do some

troubleshooting by yourself.

a. Make sure you strictly follow the above steps to upload the program. (make sure

connected with USB cable, choose correct serial port and Board).

b. Please remove the Bluetooth/2.4G module from the main board, then upload program

again to have a check.

c. If it says “upload finished” when you do upgrade firmware, while says “upload failed”

when upload a new program, please check if there is any other Arduino software installed in the

system. Please close it if there is.

d. If both the Upgrade firmware and upload program fail, try to change the USB cable, USB

port or change a PC to have a check.

e. Try to change some new batteries. According to our test and research, it is suggested to

use rechargeable Li-ion battery or rechargeable nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium which can

be bought from amazon or local shop. Or Alkaline battery with good quality like Energizer,

DURACELL.

Note 2: In case the new program uploaded to my Makeblock robot doesn't take effect.

Please reset default program referring to this FAQ and try again.

If it says “upload finished” but the uploaded program doesn’t take effect, then the board may lose

its bootloader. Please double check it refer to this document.

What is the difference between upgrade firmware and reset

default program

This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0

Upgrade firmware

This firmware is a built-in program for online programming.

If you want to do the online program as below, we need to do upgrade firmware first.

Online programming & offline programming

mBlock we defined two modes of programming, “online” and “offline”.

“online” mode means programming robot with USB, Bluetooth and 2.4G connection; it is the

computer that sends the instruction to the Robot; “offline” means using Arduino mode to program robot and upload the program into the controller;

the instructions are running on the Robot;

The difference between “online” and “offline” programming is that “online” uses communication

protocol to instruct Robot, while “offline” runs program on the board, so the “offline” mode has

better efficiency.

You may refer to this FAQ for the steps to upgrade firmware.

Reset default program

This firmware is a preset factory program in the robot (such as manual control mode, obstacle

avoidance mode, line inspection mode of mBot) in order to increase the robot's playability.

Under below situation we need to reset default program for the robot:

To run default program or controlling the robot with mobile App after we did “upload to Arduino”.

For example, you have uploaded a program to mBot before and now you want to use Makeblock

App to control it, then you need to reset default program. Surely if it is your first time to control it

with Makeblock App and failed, you are also suggested to reset default program.

And for guidance to reset default program, please refer to this FAQ.

Why my Makeblock robot doesn't move when I set low

motor speed

This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0

For example, we set the speed value 50 for mBot, here the "50" is not the real speed value. The

real running speed depends on the voltage and speed value.

Here we take mBot as an example:

 The setting speed is 50, and the maximum speed is 255.

 The battery is 3.7V, and it is fully charged.

 The rated voltage is 6V for TT Geared Motor, and the no load speed: 200RPM±10%

)

Thus, setting speed to 50 might be too slow for TT Geared Motors to run. Try 100 above to have a

look.

For other robot kits, setting speed at 20 will not let it move.

A Comparison among Bluetooth connection, 2.4G

Connection

types

Modules

required for

PC mBlock

Features with

PC mBlock

Advantages

Disadvantages

Main board

supported

USB cable

connection

USB cable

Reset default

program; update

firmware;

upload program;

do online

program

Only need one

USB cable

Short USB

cable makes it

inconvenient

mCore, Auriga,

Orion, MegaPi

2.4G wireless

serial

2.4G module

(included a

2.4G wireless

dongle)

Do online

program only

No interference

when there are

several robots in

2.4G connection

cannot work

with Phone App

mCore, Auriga,

MegaPi

Bluetooth

connection

Bluetooth

module

(computer

built-in

Bluetooth

dongle)

Do online

program only

Work with

mobile Apps

like Makeblock

App and

mBlock

Some Bluetooth

module may not

be compatible

with PC built-in

Bluetooth and

connection

stability is not

very good.

mCore, Auriga,

Orion, MegaPi

and the new

bluetooth

module (labeled

with ble_v1_c)

is not working

in this way

Bluetooth

connection

with

makeblock

official dongle

Bluetooth

module and

Makeblock

Bluetooth

dongle

Do online

program; can

also upload

program to

mCore and

Auriga

Good

connection, get

rid of USB

cable

Need to buy a

single

Makeblock

Bluetooth

Dongle

mCore, Auriga,

Orion, MegaPi

connection and USB connection

This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0

We know that there are several ways to connect Makeblock robots and mBlock. There is a chart to

show differences among these connection ways.

Notes:

1. 2.4G wireless module (included a 2.4G wireless dongle): If you have a mBot Bluetooth version, you can

simply buy a 2.4G wireless module to replace the Bluetooth module.

2. Bluetooth module: for mBot (mCore), Ultimate 2.0 (MegaPi) and mBot Ranger (Auriga), it is Bluetooth

Module. And the newer Bluetooth module (labeled with “BLE_V1_C” doesn’t support PC built-in Bluetooth.

For starter, it is Me Bluetooth Module.

3. Computer built-in Bluetooth dongle: many computers especially laptops can support Bluetooth as it has

built-in Bluetooth dongle. But sometimes there may be incompatibility between computer and Bluetooth module.

And this method is not suggestable, it is non-official usage.

4. Bluetooth connection with dongle: for mCore, Auriga, besides do online programming, connection with

Bluetooth Dongle can upload program and run online program.

5. Makeblock Bluetooth dongle: some computers’ built-in Bluetooth dongle may not be working very well with

Makeblock Bluetooth module, so we strongly suggest to use Makeblock Bluetooth Dongle. And there is no need to

use Bluetooth dongle for mobile App control.

What troubleshooting I can try if my Makeblock robot

cannot connect to my phone App

This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0

We now have developed Makeblock App which allows us to control and program for Makeblock

robots in one App. Also, Makeblock App supports all Makeblock robots except neuron. So, you

are suggested to download Makeblock App. Also mBlock App is under construction, which

supports mBot, Ranger, Codey Rocky, Neuron, Motion Block, Halocode (soon).

If you find Bluetooth cannot be connected to Makeblock App, please refer to below chart to do

some troubleshooting.

Notes:

1. For starter, we use Me Bluetooth Module, so also check if anything wrong with the port and

RJ25 cable when this issue happens.

2. We can also try to reset default program and upgrade firmware with USB cable connection on

PC mBlock first, and then connect Bluetooth to Makeblock App.

3. Enable GPS and location permission are useful and important sometimes.

Part II mBot

How to replace motor shaft for mBot

There is spare motor shaft in the mBot package, please find it and refer to the video tutorial in this

link to replace it if your shaft is broken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDb1uWpbK6Y

Why the Ultrasonic Obstacle Avoidance Mode doesn’t work

on mBot

If you find your mBot cannot avoid obstacle when you set it in Ultrasonic Obstacle Avoidance

mode, please follow below steps to do troubleshooting.

1. Make sure the ultrasonic module is connected to Port 3 (required by default program).

2. Double check the wiring of the ultrasonic module and make sure the connection is firm and

well. Check whether the red indicator of the ultrasonic module is on. If not, the problem is caused

by wiring.

3. Press button B on the IR remote control to enter Ultrasonic Obstacle Avoidance Mode if you

use the IR remote controller. When it set in Ultrasonic Obstacle Mode, onboard light should be

green on.

4. Refer to this FAQ to reset default program to have a try.

5. Make sure the battery on mBot can provide enough power.

According to our test and research, it is suggested to use rechargeable Li-ion battery or

rechargeable nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium which can be bought from amazon or local

shop. Or Alkaline battery with good quality like Energizer, DURACELL.

6. Write below example program to test the Ultrasonic module. First of all, upgrade firmware,

then click on green flag and move your hand at the front of the Ultrasonic sensor to check the

distance from panda.

Notes: Here the ultrasonic module is connected to port 3.

If it is always 400, that means the module maybe faulty. But you may try to change to port 4 or try

with another RJ25 cable in case faulty cable or port.

Why the Line Follower Mode doesn't work on mBot

When mBot works properly with Manual mode and Wall avoidance mode but doesn’t work

properly with Line follower mode, please test if the line follower sensor is faulty referring to the

below steps.

Step 1

Put the two sensors of the Me Line follower above (Detection range: 1~2cm) a white desk or

white paper and check if the two LEDs corresponding to the two sensors lit up?

Step 2

Move it away from the white desk or white paper and check if the two LEDs corresponding to the

two sensors turn off?

If the LED corresponding to each sensor lights up when you put the sensor above a white

paper/desk and goes off when it is away from white paper/desk, which means the line follower

sensor is ok. Otherwise, the sensor should be faulty.

If the sensor is ok according to the above test but the line follower mode doesn’t work, there are

several possible reasons that we should check.

a. The default program may not function properly in mBot, please refer to FAQ3 to reset default

program to have a try.

b. Make sure you have pressed Button C to enter Line Follower Mode if you use the IR remote

controller to control the mBot.

c. The Me Line Follower sensor may not be connected to the correct RJ25 port. Please connect

the Line follower sensor to the Port 2 on mCore board.

d. The wire connection may be loose or the RJ25 cable between the line follower module and

mCore may be faulty. Please re-plug the RJ25 cable for both sides, or change a RJ25 cable

to have a check.

e. The power from battery is not enough. Please change the battery to have a check.

According to our test and research, it is suggested to use rechargeable Li-ion battery or

rechargeable nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium which can be bought from amazon or local

shop. Or Alkaline battery with good quality like Energizer, DURACELL.

How to connect 2.4G wireless serial to my mBot

There are three steps to use the 2.4G wireless serial for mBot and mBlock: Upgrade firmware for

mBot with USB cable; Connect with 2.4G wireless serial; Program for mBot and run it online.

1) Upgrade firmware for mBot with USB cable

2) Connect with 2.4G wireless serial: Remove the USB cable, plug the Wi-Fi dongle into your

computer, the light on the mBot’s Wi-Fi module will stop blinking and be steady on. Go to the

Connect -> 2.4G Serial –>Connect (Check that the √ mark stays on, if there is no check

mark after you clicked on ‘Connect’, that means the 2.4G is still disconnected. In this case,

please restart the mBlock software have a try).

3) Program for mBot and run it online: With 2.4G wireless serial connected, you will now

find that you can run the mBot "on-line". That is, starting the command sequence with a

choice from the Events category of commands: "When green flag clicked", "When SPACE

key pressed", etc.

There is also a video to show these steps, you may have a look in this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiO8VYpIGsw

Ps: if there are several 2.4G mBot in same location, please only keep one mBot on and plug in

2.4G dongle, then follow the above steps to pair them. After that, power the second and pair it.

Please keep only one mBot on during pairing.

How to change the speed of mBot with IR remote controller

If we control the mBot through IR remote controller with the factory default program, the 1-9 keys

on the IR remote controller are set to adjust the speed of mBot. 1 for slowest and 9 for fastest.

We can also write our own program for mBot with mBlock software, which can modify the speed

on following program block:

Issues related to Battery

1. What is the working voltage of the mCore?

A: 3.7V-6V

2. While the lithium battery of mBot is being charged, is there any protection?

A: Yes. It has over-current and over-charge protection.

3. What is size of mCore battery holder and its cover?

A: Size for the battery holder cover:

Size for the battery holder:

4. Is there any recommended li-po battery for mBot v1.1

A: The 3.7v rechargeable Li-ion battery is suitable for mBot. Now you can purchase mBot battery

from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Makeblock-iPo-Battery-mBot-3-7V/dp/B07KPVH8H3/ref=sr_1_fkmrn

ull_1?keywords=makeblock+battery&qid=1556507880&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

5. Is there any special phenomenon if the robot cannot get enough power from battery?

A: Currently, there is no visible indicator for low power from battery. But according to our test

and feedback, please check and change the battery if you encounter below phenomenon.

a. Program runs on only when the USB cable is connected, and it won’t do anything once I

unplug the USB cable.

b. Makeblock App fails to connect its Bluetooth when I try to connect them; Or Bluetooth

connection is unstable.

c. Any other abnormal performance that it shouldn’t be.

+ 90 hidden pages

Makeblock mBot, mBot Ranger, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0, Starter User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Introduction

Part I General Questions

How to connect Makeblock robot with mBlock

How to reset default program manually with mBlock

Why my Makeblock robot doesn't move when I set low

Part II mBot

How to replace motor shaft for mBot

Why the Line Follower Mode doesn't work on mBot

How to connect 2.4G wireless serial to my mBot

Issues related to Battery