Shape Fable User Manual

Fable

User guide

Updated: 11-05-2017

Contents

Chapter 1: The Fable System at a glance 3

Fable System 3

Dongle 6

Joint Module 7

PC Software 9

Chapter 2: Get started 10

Install the Fable Software 10

Install the Dongle Driver (Windows 7 & 8) 11

Chapter 3: Basics 12

Turning the Module On/Off 12

Battery Management 13

Wireless communication 14

Write a Program 15

Chapter 4: Troubleshooting 16

Dongle not found 16

Module not found 17

Module overloaded 17

Chapter 5: Safety, handling and support 18

Important Safety and Handling Information 18

Fable Support 19

Chapter 1: Fable at a glance

The Fable System

The Fable Robot System is a modular robotic system that makes it easy and fun for anybody
to build their own robots. While creating robots, students can learn about math, physics,
programming, innovation, engineering and more.

The Fable system consists of the components shown below, with many more module types
under development .

1

1

Modules such as wheel, rotational and gripper are under development.

Construction System

The Fable modules are either passive (containing no electronics) or active (containing
electronics, motors, sensors) and are assembled using a strong magnetic connector system.

Fable Robots

Different types of robots can be assembled in seconds by snapping various Fable modules
together.

Dongle

The Fable Dongle provides wireless communication between the PC, tablet or smartphone
and one or several modules.

PC: To use with a PC the Dongle must be connected with a USB cable. On some operating
systems a driver must be installed.

Tablet: To use with a tablet or smartphone the Dongle must be powered using a USB
charger or PC. The tablet or smartphone can then connect via Bluetooth.

2

Pairing: To pair a group of modules with a Dongle users must select the same light color by
pressing the color selector buttons on each device.

2

The system's Bluetooth will be enabled with the release of the first App.

Joint Module

The Fable Joint Module provides movement to Fable robots using two strong motors: X and
Y.

Wireless Communication: Joint modules are controlled wirelessly using the Dongle.

Servos: The two servos are identified as X and Y and their position can be set from -90 to

+90 degrees. The speed of movement can be controlled and the angle can be measured.

Pairing: Joint Modules have a button which, if pressed, will change the LED color. The
color of the light indicates the type of Dongles that would be able to detect the module. Only
matching colored devices are able to communicate with each other, (e.g. red Joint Modules
with red Dongles).

Self-protection: Joint Modules continuously monitor the load and temperature on the
motors and the battery level. As a self protection mechanism, Joint Modules will
automatically turn off if an overload or low battery level event is detected. You should avoid
overloading, blocking or pulling locked motors as they can be damaged.

ID: Each module has a unique ID written on the back of the module.This ID is used to
identify the module in the Fable programming software.

On/Off: An on/off switch is located in the back of the module.

Battery: The joint module contains a rechargeable battery capable of 2-3 hours of normal

operation.

Charge: The battery is charged using a standard Micro-USB charger. Charging can take
several hours depending on depletion and the charger used.

PC Software

Users can program their robots by using the Fable software. The interface supports block-

3

and text- based programming:

4

The software supports three complexity levels:

Simple: Block based programming for beginner or younger children. A limited number of
blocks makes the interface easily accessible.

Full: Blocks based programming for more experienced or older children. Support for more
advanced features such as math, functions, logic and variables.

Python: Text based programming using the Python programming language.

3

Based on Google Blockly

4

Based on Python

Chapter 2: Get started

Install the Fable Software

The newest version of the software can be downloaded and installed from

www.shaperobotics.com/download

Supported Operating Systems:

● Windows 7

● Windows 10

● OS X

Operating System soon to be supported:

● Chrome OS

● Windows 8

Once you have selected your operating system click the Save File button on the popup
window.

Once it finished downloading go to the destination folder and double click on the
Fable-Setup icon.

Once you have double clicked the Fable-Setup icon you should see a dialog box with a
progress bar indicating the status of the installation process.

Plug in the Dongle to your PC’s USB port. If you’re running Windows 7 see the following
section: Install the Dongle Driver (Windows 7 & 8).
Start the PC Program by clicking this icon located in your Desktop.

How to write a program

To get started with programming Fable follow these instructions:

1. Turn on a Joint Module

2. Pair the Dongle with the module.

3. Create a test program as the one shown below.

4. Press the Run button located in the software’s menu.

5. If done correctly the Joint Module should move back and forth between two positions
at 1 second intervals.Observe behavior

6. You can stop the program by pressing the Stop button. You can experiment with this
program by changing the example code.

Install the Dongle Driver (Windows 7 & 8)

A driver for the Dongle only needs to be installed in Windows 7 & 8.

Step 1: Windows will alert you that the driver is not installed. Once this happens download
the driver from www.shaperobotics.com/download and unzip in a folder. (See balloon 1).

Step 2: Locate the Dongle within Windows’ Device Manager under Other devices, right click
and select “Update Device Software”. (See balloon 2).

Step 3: Browse to the the folder containing the driver that you downloaded. Accept if
Windows warns you that the driver is unsigned. (See balloon 3).

Step 4: The Dongle driver should now be installed. It can be checked under the “Ports”
section in Device Manager. The Dongle will automatically be assigned as a COM port. (See
balloon 4).

Chapter 3: Basics

Turning the Module On/Off

An on/off switch is can be found on the back of the joint module.

On: When the module is on it can be programmed wirelessly, the module’s button will light
up and the color will change when pressing the button.

Off: When the module is off the colored light is off unless it is charging or the button is being
pressed. If the button is pressed while the module is off, the light will turn on and display the
module’s battery level.

Battery Management

The Joint Module contains a rechargeable LiPo Battery.

Charging: The battery is recharged with a USB charger and can be charged while the
module is either on or off.

Timeout: To save battery the module will automatically turn off after being inactive for 10
mins. To turn it on again, the on/off switch must be toggled or the module’s button pressed.

Battery level:
Color of the module button will indicate battery level in the off state, when:

● Charging

● Button is pressed

Battery level is indicated in a scale: Green = full level, yellow = medium level, red = low level.

Self-protection: To protect the battery the module will automatically power down if the
battery level becomes too low. Recharge the module to make it functional again.

Lifetime: To maximise battery lifetime, avoid full battery depletion before recharging.

Storage: If a module is to be stored for months without being used it should be charged to at

least the yellow battery level before being stored.

Wireless communication

Dongle and modules communicate wirelessly using radio signals.

Channels: The radio signals can be on different channels, each of the channels is indicated
by the Dongle’s or module’s LED color. If a Dongle and a group of modules are on the same
channel they are able to communicate.

Color pairing: The color on the modules and Dongle indicates the radio channel. To pair
modules with a Dongle simply match the color by pressing their buttons.

Interference: Several Dongles and robots can be on the same channel, however,
performance will gradually decrease due to interference. In environments where many users
work with Fable robots interference can be reduced by distributing evenly on the different
channels.

Chapter 4: Troubleshooting

Dongle not found

Symptoms: The Dongle is not detected by the computer/software. The issue can be
confirmed by inspecting the status window in the PC software.

Possible issues and suggested solutions:

● Dongle is frozen - plug out and back in the Dongle from the USB port.

● Port is frozen - restart the computer

● Operating system is not supported - check list of supported OS.

● Driver not installed (Windows 7 & 8) - install driver and inspect Device Manager to
verify. See Install Dongle Driver in Chapter 2.

● USB Cable broken - replace cable

● Dongle broken - contact Shape Robotics

Module not found

Symptoms: The module does not show up with its ID in the graphical user interface.

Possible issues and suggested solutions:

● The Dongle is not connected (see above).

● The joint module is not on. Even if it has a color it may be charging while turned off.
Press the module’s button to see if the color changes, if it does it means it is turned
on, if not then check the on/off switch.

● The Joint Module has crashed - try restarting the module by toggling the on/off
switch.

● The joint module is broken - contact Shape Robotics.

Module overloaded

Symptoms: The joint module blinks red and stops moving for a period of time.

Possible issues and suggested solutions:

● A motor on the module has been overloaded, i.e. commanded to perform a
movement which it does not have the strength to perform. To solve: Modify program
and/or robot configuration to avoid damaging the motor.

● A motor has overheated. To solve: Let motor cool down.

Chapter 5: Safety, handling and support

Important Safety and Handling Information

Warning: Failure to follow these safety instructions could result in fire, electric shock, injury,

or damage to Fable or other property. Read all the safety information below before using

Fable.

Not a toy: Fable is intended for use for educational purposes in schools and other

pedagogical contexts under the surveillance of an adult instructor. Do not let children use

Fable without supervision.

Handling: Handle Fable with care. It is made of plastic and has sensitive electronic
components inside. Fable can be damaged if dropped, stalled, pulled, overloaded, burned,
punctured, or crushed, or if it comes in contact with liquids. Do not use a damaged or
malfunctioning Fable module.

Repairing: Do not open any Fable modules, nor should you attempt to repair Fable
yourself. Disassembling Fable may damage it or may cause injury to you. If Fable is
damaged, malfunctions, or comes in contact with any liquids, contact Shape Robotics.

Battery: Don’t attempt to replace the battery in a Fable module yourself - you may damage
the battery or module, which could cause overheating and injury. The lithium-ion battery in
the module’s should be replaced only by Shape Robotics.

Charging: Charge Fable with the included USB cable and power adapter, or with another
certified USB charger or cable. Using damaged cables or chargers, or charging when
moisture is present, can cause fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to Fable or other
property.

Medical device interference: Fable contains magnets, electronic components and radios
that emit electromagnetic fields. These fields may interfere with pacemakers, defibrillators,
or other medical devices. Maintain a safe distance of separation between your medical
device and Fable. Consult your physician and medical device manufacturer for information
specific to your medical device. If you suspect Fable is interfering with your pacemaker,
defibrillator, or any other medical device, stop using Fable.

Extreme risks: Fable is not intended for use where the failure of the device could lead to
death, personal injury, or environmental damage.

Choking hazard: Some Fable accessories may present a choking hazard to small children.
Keep these accessories away from small children.

Operating temperature: Fable is designed to work in ambient temperatures between 0° and
35° C and stored in temperatures between 0° and 45° C. Fable can be damaged and battery
life shortened if stored or operated outside of these temperature ranges. Avoid exposing
Fable to dramatic changes in temperature or humidity. When you’re using Fable or charging
the battery, it is normal for Fable to get warm.

Fable Support

Support information are available online at http://shaperobotics.com
For personalized support contact Shape Robotics at: [e-mail]