Mindstorm PiStorms User Manual
What is PiStorms
PiStorms is a shield (or a HAT)
designed for the Raspberry Pi to
control NXT and EV3 Motors and
operate NXT and EV3 Sensors.
PiStorms works with Raspberry Pi
model A+, model B+, and 2 model B.
Connections and Placement
PiStorms is designed to connect
directly with Raspberry Pi board by
connecting over it’s GPIO header pins. You can use it jointly with
other hardware that uses GPIO pins, provided there is no conflict
between Raspbery Pi pins used by PiStorms. (Refer to ‘Raspberry Pi
Pins Used by PiStorms’ section for details).
Supplying power to your PiStorms
Do NOT supply power to the PiStorms unless you are completely
sure the Raspberry Pi GPIO pins are correctly inserted into the
PiStorms. Doing so may result in permanent damage to the Raspberry
Pi.
PiStorms
User Guide
The PiStorms has green terminals to connect an external battery;
this battery will also supply power to attached Raspberry Pi.
You do not need to power the Raspberry Pi with a different power
source; however supplying external power to Raspberry Pi (such as
through USB) is also ok.
NOTE
Nominal PiStorms Power requirement: 8 Volts, 1.5 Amps
While using motors, at least 6.8 volts, 1.5 Amps power is
needed.
While connecting external battery, ensure correct polarity.
PiStorms is rated for external power supply of 10.5 volts DC max for
sensors and motors (never exceed this voltage limit). Above 9V the
touch screen may flicker. Ensure to not exceed this value.
Recommended Battery Options
6AA batteries (rechargeable or nonrechargeable).
Copyright © 2016 mindsensors.com 1/6
To hold and mount these batteries, you can purchase a holder with
LEGO mounts as shown here from the mindsensors.com website.
Rechargeable battery Pack
designed for PiStorms. This
battery pack comes with a
charging adapter.
You can order it here:
http://www.mindsensors.com/products/174-rechargeablebattery-pack
8.4 V Li-Ion battery or
9.6Volts Ni-CD or NiMH RC rechargeable
battery.
You can buy such
battery and it’s charger
in local toy store.
Mounting PiStorms on your contraption
The PiStorms fits directly on to the GPIO
header pins of the Raspberry Pi. The
PiStorms Frame allows users to connect
LEGO parts. The PiStorms Frame has holes
that are compatible with LEGO mindstorms
products.
PiStorms Frame Assembly Instructions
Architecture Highlights
PiStorms has two banks for motor and sensor ports (Bank-A
and Bank-B). Each bank has its own I2C address. Each bank
has two EV3 motor ports and 2 sensor ports. (Total 4 motors
and 4 sensor ports. You can also connect NXT motors in the
motor ports and supported NXT Sensors in the sensor ports).
PiStorms has one button/switch. The button must be pressed
once upon start up to establish connection to the Raspberry
Pi. You can also shutdown the Raspberry Pi by holding the
button for approximately 10 seconds.
PiStorms is equipped with a 2.4 inch LCD touchscreen.
PiStorms has 1 LED (located in the corner of bank A for newer
models and bank B for older models) that when programming,
can be accessed from either bank.
Copyright © 2016 mindsensors.com 2/6
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