Tiger Electronics WonderBorg 70709 User Manual

OBSTACLE

FRONT

AGES 12 & UP

RIGHTLEFT

DARK BRIGHT

A division of Hasbro, Inc.

Where Technology Comes to Play!

TIGER name and logo and package design
®, TM, & © 2001 Tiger Electronics. All rights reserved.
980 Woodlands Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, U.S.A.
www.tigertoys.com

™

MADE AND PRINTED IN CHINA

ON
or
OFF

Item No. 70709

TM, © 2000 Bandai. WonderBorg, Robotworks and
all related logos, names and distinctive likenesses
thereof are the property of Bandai.

200105710IWTI-01

INTRODUCTION CONTENTS

A word from Tiger Electronics

Thank you for buying the WonderBorg. Please read this instruction manual
carefully before using your Wonderborg, and always use the product as
directed. We also recommend that you keep this instruction manual in
a safe place.

What is the WonderBorg?

The WonderBorg is a robot kit developed especially to let you experience
the fun of creation. It’s easy and fun to assemble the WonderBorg,
even if you have no special knowledge of programming or mechanical
engineering. Let the WonderBorg introduce you to the wonderful world
of robots!

Caution

Be sure to read this

- Please be sure to read this instruction manual thoroughly before
operating the WonderBorg.

Notes on Handling:

- Do not touch the terminals or allow them to get wet or dirty,
as this could cause the product to malfunction.

- This product is a piece of precision machinery. Do not use or
store it in extreme temperatures, or subject it to severe shocks.

Under no circumstances should the electronic parts in this product

be disassembled.

What is the WonderBorg ------------------------- 3

Hardware: How to Assemble the Robot

Names of Parts --------------------------------- 7
Tools Required and List of Parts --------------- 8
Assembling the Mechanism ----------------------- 10
Installing the Motherboard --------------------- 11
Fitting the Legs ------------------------------- 12
Fitting the Antennae --------------------------- 13
Bending the Legs and Antennae ------------------ 15
Fitting the Body Shells ------------------------ 16
Operational Testing ---------------------------- 16

Hardware Variations:

Advanced Fun with the WonderBorg

Changing the Gears ----------------------------- 17
Assembly Variations ---------------------------- 19
The Option Connector --------------------------- 20
Coloring Variations ---------------------------- 21

Software: How to Use Robot Works

1

Notes on Use:

- This product is comprised of precision electronic parts. It should
not be dropped, allowed to get wet or dirty, or disassembled.
Avoid using or storing this product in environments where the
temperature is very high or very low.

- Inevitably, some of the parts have sharp points and dangerous
edges, so please take care when assembling the product.

- Attempting to operate the WonderBorg using an infrared remote
control device for another appliance such as a TV set may cause
this product to malfunction.

- Malfunctions may occur if the product is placed beside a window
in direct sunlight, directly below a fluorescent light or
other strong light source.

- If a malfunction occurs, switch the power OFF, then ON again.

- Do not place stickers over the transmitter and or the receiver
as this could cause malfunctions.

- If any object gets in the way between the transmitter and receiver,
the product will become unable to sense infrared, and will cease
to function.

- When the batteries run low, malfunctions may occur. In this case,
replace the batteries.

- This product uses reflective sensors, so the infrared sensor
may be unable to function on dark-colored walls and floors.
Please use the product on light-colored walls and floors.

Software --------------------------------------- 22

2

CONFIGURATION OF THE WONDERBORG CONFIGURATION OF THE WONDERBORG

Configuration of the WonderBorg

Download software
onto PC.

Robot Works

Your computer transmits
Program instructions to
the Interface

(WonderBorg’s
Software)

The WonderBorg's Body

The computer determines how the WonderBorg reacts to information perceived by the sensors.
The left and right legs are moved by their respective motors. When the legs on both
sides move forward, the WonderBorg advances. When the legs on the right move forward
and the legs on the left move backward, the WonderBorg turns to the left.

The various sensors are shown below

WonderBorg's Sensors

1

7

6

2

3

The Interface downloads
Program to the WonderBorg

WonderBorg

Interface

WonderBorg

The WonderBorg is a robot you assemble yourself. It has feet that can move backwards/
forwards and right / left, various sensors, and its own built-in computer. Its movements
are controlled by programs you can create on your PC.

Robot Works

Robot Works is the WonderBorg’s own programming software. You install this software
on your computer from the CD-ROM included. By simply lining up blocks on your computer
screen, you can create your own programs for the WonderBorg.

4

5

1. Infrared signal receiver.: Distinguishes infrared signals coming from
the Interface

2. Antenna (right): A sensor in the antenna socket enables the robot to react
when the antenna touches something

3. Infrared LED (right): Used to detect objects up to 20cm away

4. Brightness sensor: Distinguishes between light and dark

5. Floor sensor: Used to decide whether the floor is there or not

6. Infrared LED (left)

7. Antenna (left)

*Also has:

Internal clock sensor: Keeps track of passage of time
Step sensor: Counts how many steps the WonderBorg has walked

The computer links the sensors with the WonderBorg’s movements (i.e. the working of
the right and left motors) in accordance with the program written by the user.

3

Interface

The Interface is the device that transmits your programs from the PC to the WonderBorg.
It also sends infrared signals to the WonderBorg transmitting the information you
designed in your program.

4

CONFIGURATION OF THE WONDERBORG

The WonderBorg's Intelligence
(i.e. the Program)

The robot’s sensors and its movements are linked together by the program, which could
be called the WonderBorg’s "intelligence".

For example, you could program the WonderBorg as follows: "if either antenna sensor
reacts, turn four steps to the right " and "if there is nothing there, move forward
(advanced)". In this case, the WonderBorg will change direction when it bumps into an
obstacle, as shown in the illustration below. If none of the Sensors are activated,
the WonderBorg will walk forward.

To make the WonderBorg Change direction when it bumps into an obstacle:

Example:

- If either antenna sensor
reacts, turn four steps to
the right.

- If there is nothing there,
move forward.

Antenna touched
object, so turn 4
steps to the right

Programming

Nothing there,
so advance
forward

Nothing there, so
advance forward

How to Make the WonderBorg Work

1. Assemble the WonderBorg

2. Connect the Interface

3. Install Robot Works on your PC

4. Use Robot Works to create a program

5. Transmit your program to the a WonderBorg

6. The WonderBorg will move.

AUTONOMOUS

5

- See the "HARDWARE" section, starting on page 7, for instructions on assembling the
WonderBorg.

This section also contains a parts list for the WonderBorg kit, and gives the name
and function for each part.

- See the "SOFTWARE" section, starting on page 24, for instructions on installing
Robot Works, connecting the Interface, transmitting programs to the WonderBorg, and
making the WonderBorg move.

INFRARED RECEIVER

PROGRAMMABLE

CUSTOMIZE

6

HARDWARE BASICS

HARDWARE BASICS

Names of Parts

Motherboard

Battery

3

8

9

7

6

5

1. POWER switch

When this switch is turned ON, the WonderBorg enters standby mode. When the
WonderBorg is not in use, this switch should be turned OFF.

2. START/STOP switch

If this switch is pressed once while the power is ON, the WonderBorg will start
moving in accordance with the program. If the switch is pressed again, the WonderBorg
will stop moving.

4

1

2

11

10

Leg

Motor Unit

Note: These tools are not supplied with
this product.

Wire-cutters

Needle-nose pliers

List of PartsTools Required

Electronic
Parts

Motherboard: 1

Plastic Parts

Body Shell: 1

Frame: 1

Battery Cover: 1

3. Eye (Red LED)

This LED is a Light-Emitting Diode. The eyes will flash when the WonderBorg detects
the presence of a wall, or an infrared signal. The flashing of the eyes is
controlled by Robot Works.

4. Green LED

This LED flashes while the program is being executed, and while the program is
being halted. When the floor sensor is OFF, the green LED flashes rapidly. When
the POWER switch is turned OFF, the green LED goes out.

5. Infrared LED 1

This LED sends out infrared rays. It is used to detect obstacles lying ahead and
to send signals to other WonderBorgs.

6. Infrared LED 2

This LED sends out infrared rays to keep track of whether the floor is there
or not.

7. Infrared Receiver

This is the sensor that receives infrared rays. It receives programs with infrared
signals.

8. Light Sensor

This is the sensor that detects whether the WonderBorg’s surroundings are light
or dark.

9. Antennae

The socket of each of the antennae is a sensor. The WonderBorg can be programmed
to react when one or both of its antennae touch something.

Philips screwdriver

Note: This tool is used in the Hardware
Variations section.

Others

AA alkaline battery: 2

AAA alkaline battery: 3

Note: The AA and AAA batteries are
not included with this product and
must be purchased separately

Motor Parts

Motor unit: 2

Replacement
Gears

Pinion Gear 2 (white)
(low-speed, high-torque
type) 2

Gear Unit A-2 (low­speed, high-torque
type) 2

7

10. Connector

This connects the motors units and the motherboard.

11. Option Connector

This is an external input / output terminal. It can be used to add an extra sensor
or other device.

Black ring

8

HARDWARE BASICS HARDWARE BASICS

List of Parts

Set of Rubber Parts (with
runners)

Set of Rubber
parts: 2

Foot A: 6

Foot B: 6

Leg Housing: 2

Other Parts

Special plastic leg wire (thick): 1

Special plastic antenna wire (thin): 1

Now, at last, you are ready
to start assembling the
WonderBorg.

Please be sure to follow the
instructions exactly.

You will need to be extremely
careful, because you are going
to assemble a set of precision
electronic parts.

Be careful not to mix any of
the parts which look similar
to one another, such as the
gears.

But don’t worry too much, or
it won’t be any fun. Have fun
assembling your WonderBorg ­just take it nice and slow.

The Basics

Assembling the Mechanism

1-1

Using your fingers to open the frame
slightly, take one of the motor units and
slot the pins on its front and rear into
the holes in the frame. The motor unit
should be inserted so that the cable exit
is facing the inside, and the screws are
uppermost.

Note: Be careful to insert the motor unit
the right way up.

Screws

Antenna socket: 2

Antenna Protector: 4
(2 are spares)

Plastic Antenna: 4

Plastic Leg: 8

Tire Foot: 8

Robot Works CD: 1

Interface: 1

Interface Cable

(RS-232C serial connection): 1

1-2

Insert the other motor unit in the same
way. Make sure the cables are protruding,
as shown in the diagram. The assembly
of the WonderBorg mechanism is now
complete.

9

Sheet of decals: 1
Instruction Manual (this manual): 1
Test Field: 1

10

HARDWARE BASICS HARDWARE BASICS

Installing the Motherboard

2-1

Slot the hook on the frame into the hole
at the rear of the motherboard.

Hook

MotherboardMotherboard

RearFront

2-2

Press the motherboard down with your
fingers until the pawls click into place,
preventing the motherboard from being
pulled off.

Push down into Place

Pawls

2-4

Plug the motor unit connectors onto the
connectors on the rear underside of
motherboard. The connector from the motor
unit installed on the left should be
plugged into the motherboard’s left
connector, and the connector from the
right motor unit should be plugged into
the motherboard’s right connector. (Do
not plug either into the motherboard’s
central connector.)

Note: Make sure the connectors are facing
the same way, as in the diagram. The four
pins of each motherboard connector should
be inserted into the holes.

Connector from
left motor unit

Fitting the Legs

3-1

Using a pair of wire-cutters, cut the plastic­covered leg wire into lengths of about 4cm.
Cut the segments at a slight angle, so that
they will be easier to insert later. Cut
six identical segments. Use the handly
ruler on page 56 of this manual.

Cut at a
slight angle

3-2

Using the wire-cutters, snip either "Foot
A" or "Foot B" off the runners. When you
do this, snip close to the foot. Snip out
all six units.
Note: Foot A - These work best on flat, even
surfaces.
Note: Foot B - These provide a good grip
on uneven surfaces.

3-4

Using the wire-cutters, Snip out the six
leg housings from the runner.

3-5

Insert one of the legs into a snipped­out leg housing. Do this for all six
legs.

2-3

Pass the motor unit cables through the
hole in the rear of the frame. Guide them
through the hole one at a time.

Front

Hole

Rear

2-5

When both motor unit connectors are
plugged into the motherboard, the
installation of the motherboard is complete.

Connector from Left
Motor Unit

Connector from
Right Motor Unit

Leg

Foot A

Leg Housing

Foot B

3-3

Insert one end of a segment of plastic­covered leg wire into one of the Foot A or
Foot B units, pushing it in as far as it
will go. Do the same for all six units.

Segment of a
plastic-covered
leg wire

Foot A (or B)

1211

HARDWARE BASICS

HARDWARE BASICS

Fitting the Legs

3-6

Insert the legs into the sockets on the
WonderBorg’s body.
Push each segment of plastic-covered leg
wire into the socket as far as it will
go. If you have difficulty inserting the
wire, push it in from a slight angle.

Fitting the Antennae

4-1

Using the wire-cutters, cut a length of
about 15cm off the plastic-covered antenna
wire (use the handy ruler on the page 56
of this manual).

4-2

Using the needle-nosed pliers, bend back
the last 5mm or so of the wire.

Antenna Wire

5mm

Needle-nosed pliers

Fitting the Antennae

4-5

Using the wire-cutters, snip two of the
antenna sockets and two of the antenna
protectors off the runner. (The other
two antenna protectors are spares.)

Antenna ProtectorAntenna Socket

4-6

Insert the end of one of the segments of
plastic-covered antenna wire into an
antenna protector as far as it will go.
Do the same with the other one.

Plastic-covered
Antenna Wire

4-8

Plug one of the antenna sockets on to one
the motherboard’s touch sensors, as shown
in the diagram. When you do this, the cut
end of the plastic-covered antenna wire
should be facing outwards.

Touch Sensor

Antenna
Socket

Long end on
the inside

Short end on
the outside

Leg
Housing

3-7

Fit all six legs in the same way. Fitting
the legs is now complete.

4-3

Using the needle-nosed pliers, squeeze the
bent end of the wire to sharpen the bend.

4-4

Do the same thing to another identical
piece of wire.

Antenna
Protector

4-7

Insert the bent end of one of the antennae
into one of the antenna sockets, as far
as it will go. Do the same with the other
one.

Plastic-covered
Antenna Wire

Antenna
Socket

If you push the antenna socket too far
in, the touch Sensor may be unable to
react. Leave a space of about 1 mm.

View from above

Antenna
Socket

When both the left and right antenna
sockets have been installed, the antenna
installation is complete.

The WonderBorg’s body is now complete.

1413

HARDWARE BASICS HARDWARE BASICS

Bending the Legs and Antennae

5-1

Insert three AAA alkaline batteries (sold
separately) in the WonderBorg, as shown
in the diagram. Be careful to insert the
batteries the right way.

AAA/LR03 1.5V

AAA/LR03 1.5V

AAA/LR03 1.5V

5-2

Place the battery cover on top of the
battery box. Be careful to position the
battery cover with the holes positioned
as shown in the diagram.

5-4

Turn the POWER switch ON.

5-5

Place your WonderBorg on the leg and Antenna
Bending Template on the page 56 of this
manual. Bend the legs and antennae to match
the illustration. They can be adjusted to
any position. Once you have finished the
adjustments, turn the power OFF.

Fitting the Body Shell

6-1

Press the body shell down on to the
WonderBorg s body so that the pins on the
left and right side of the frame slot
into the holes in the body shell. The
START / STOP switch should protrude through
the hole.

Align the holes with the Pins

Holes

Pins

The START / STOP Switch should
Stick out through the hole

Push Down

Operational Testing

The WonderBorg is now complete. Next, carry
out the following operational tests.

7-1

Place the WonderBorg on the floor and turn
the POWER switch ON. The legs should move
slightly, then stop immediately. The
WonderBorg should emit a beeping noise,
and the green LED should light up.

7-2

Press

START / STOP
Switch

AAA/LR03 1.5V

AAA/LR03 1.5V

AAA/LR03 1.5V

5-3

Turn the WonderBorg’s POWER switch ON.
The WonderBorg’s legs will move slightly,
then stop immediately. The WonderBorg
will make a beeping noise, and the green
LED will light up.

Green LED Power Switch

[ON]

[OFF]

If the WonderBorg does not work, check
whether you have made a mistake in the
assembly operation.
Points to check:

- Are the connectors plugged in correctly?

- Are the batteries inserted the
right way?

The bending of the legs and antennae is
now complete.
Note: When the power is ON, the legs may
move, so turn the power ON before adjusting
them.

Extra Information

By changing the angle of the motor units,
you can adjust the height of the WonderBorg.
Note: If you adjust the angle of the motor
units closer to the vertical direction
(making the body higher), the WonderBorg
will walk more smoothly over obstacles,
but it will also be more prone to falling
over.
Likewise, if you adjust the angle of the
motor units closer to the horizontal
direction (making the body lower), the
WonderBorg will be less prone to falling
over, but it will also be less inclined
to walk over obstacles. The angle is altered
in four stages.

6-2

Adjust the angle of the left and right
motor units one stage away from the
horizontal, so that they are slanted like
the sides of the letter "A".

Adjust the angle of both
motor units by one Stage

Power Switch

[ON]

[Off]

7-3

The WonderBorg should emit a modulated
beeping noise and start walking.

7-4

The WonderBorg is pre-programmed with a
test program (which is erased when you send
it new data). Please check the following
functions.

- Press right antenna: Rotates to the right

- Press left antenna: Rotates to the left

- Obstacle to right: Right eye LED flashes

- Obstacle to left: Left eye LED flashes

If the WonderBorg does not work correctly,
check whether you have made a mistake in
the assembly operation.

Point to check:

- Are the connectors plugged in correctly?

- Are the batteries inserted the right way?

7-5

To halt the WonderBorg, press the START /
STOP switch again.

7-6

Turn the POWER switch OFF. The
operational testing is now over.

1615