Shape Robotics Fable User Manual
Fable
User guide
v.1.4.3
Contents
Chapter 1: Fable at a glance 2!
The Fable System 2!
Fable Hub 5!
Joint Module 6!
Spin Module 8!
PC Software 11!
Interface of the PC Software 12!
Chapter 2: Get started 13!
Install Fable Blockly 13!
Install Fable Blockly on Windows 14!
Install Fable Blockly on Mac 15!
Install Fable Blockly on iOS for iPad 16!
Install the Hub Driver (Windows 7 & 8) 17!
How to write a program 18!
Chapter 3: Basics 19!
Turning the Joint Module On/Off 19!
Turning the Spin Module On/Off 19!
Battery Management 20!
Wireless communication 21!
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting 22!
Hub not found 22!
Module not found 23!
Module overloaded 23!
Unable to connect Fable Face to Hub 23!
Chapter 5: Safety, handling and support 24!
Important Safety and Handling Information 24!
Fable Support 25!
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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 mathematics,
physics, programming, innovation, engineering and more.
The Fable system consists of the components shown below.
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Construction System
The Fable modules are either passive (containing no electronics) or active (containing
electronics, motors, sensors) and can be assembled using a strong magnetic connector
system.
Figure 1 - Assemble your custom robots by snapping various modules together.
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Fable Robots
Different types of robots can be assembled in seconds by snapping various Fable modules
together.
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Fable Hub
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Fable Hub provides wireless communication between the PC, iPad or smartphone and one or
several modules. It is a required component for executing programs.
PC: To use on a PC, the Hub must be connected to it via USB cable1. A driver must be installed
for the Hub to work on Windows 7 and Windows 8.
iPad: To use with an iPad or smartphone, the Hub must first be powered by using a USB
charger or connecting it to a PC. The iPad or smartphone can then connect via Bluetooth.
Pairing: To pair any active module with a Hub, users must ensure both the Hub and the
module have the same light color. This is achieved by pressing the color selector buttons on
both until they share colors.
Figure 2 – Fable Hub.
All USB cables used must be shorter than 3 meters in length.
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Joint Module
The Fable Joint Module provides movement to Fable robots using two motors: X and Y.
Wireless Communication: Joint modules are controlled wirelessly using the Hub.
Servo motors: The two servos are identified as X and Y and their position can be set to
anything between -90 and +90 degrees. The speed of movement can be controlled, and the
angle can be measured at any time.
Pairing: Joint Modules have a button which, if pressed, will change the LED color. The color
of the light indicates whether a Hub would be able to detect and pair with the module. Only
matching colored devices are able to communicate with each other, e.g. red Joint modules
with red Hubs.
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.
Figure 3 - Front side of a Joint Module.
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ID: Each Joint module has a unique ID written on the back of the module. This ID is used to
identify the module when using the Fable programming software, Fable Blockly.
On/Off: A switch is located on the back of the module. Using it will turn the Joint module on
or off.
Battery: The Joint module contains a rechargeable battery capable of 2-3 hours of normal
operation.
Charging: The battery is charged using a standard Micro-USB charger. Charging can take
several hours depending on how depleted the battery is and the type of charger used.
Figure 4 - Joint Module shown from the back.
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