Contents Chapter 1: Fable at a Glance ............................1 Fable System .........................................1 Dongle ..........................................4 Joint Module .........................................5 PC Software ........................................7 Chapter 2: Get Started ..............................8 Install the Fable Software ..................................8 Install the Dongle Driver (Windows 7 and 8) ..........................10 How to Write a Program ..................................12 Chapter 3: Basics ................................13...
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.
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CHAPTER 1: FABLE AT A GLANCE Construction System The Fable modules are either passive (containing no electronics) or active (containing electronics, servo motors, or sensors) and are assembled using a strong magnetic connector system. Magnetic connector...
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CHAPTER 1: FABLE AT A GLANCE 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.
CHAPTER 1: FABLE AT A GLANCE Joint Module The Fable Joint Module provides movement to Fable robots using two strong servos: 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.
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CHAPTER 1: FABLE AT A GLANCE ID: Each module has a unique ID 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 on the back of the module.
CHAPTER 1: FABLE AT A GLANCE PC Software Users can program their robots by using the Fable software. The interface supports block- and text-based programming. The software supports three complexity levels: Simple: Block-based programming for beginner or younger students. A limited number of blocks makes the interface easily accessible.
CHAPTER 2: GET STARTED Install the Fable Software The newest version of the software can be downloaded and installed from Pitsco.com/Shop/Fable. From there, select the product you purchased and navigate to the Downloads section of the product detail page. Supported operating systems: •...
After the file has finished downloading, go to the destination folder and double-click the Fable Setup icon. After 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.
A driver for the dongle needs to be installed for only Windows 7 and 8. Windows will alert you that the driver is not installed. When this happens, visit Pitsco.com/Shop/Fable, select the product you purchased, and navigate to the Downloads section of the product detail page. From here, download the driver and unzip the folder to your device.
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CHAPTER 2: GET STARTED Browse your computer to find the folder containing the driver that you downloaded. Accept if Windows warns you that the driver is unsigned. The dongle driver should now be installed. It can be checked in the Ports drop-down in the Device Manager window.
CHAPTER 2: GET STARTED How to Write a Program To get started with programming Fable, follow these instructions: Turn on a joint module. Pair the dongle with the module (make sure to match the light colors). Create a test program like the one following.
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 you press the button.
CHAPTER 3: BASICS 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. Time-out: To save battery power, the module will automatically turn off after being inactive for 10 minutes. To be turned on again, the on/off switch must be toggled or the module’s button pressed.
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 users evenly on 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 software. Possible issues and suggested solutions: • Dongle is frozen – unplug the dongle from the USB port and plug it back in. •...
CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING 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 – unplug the dongle from the USB port and plug it back in. •...
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 in which the failure of the device could lead to death, personal injury, or environmental damage.
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Shop all Fable robots at Pitsco.com/Fable Pitsco Education is the proud sole US distributor of the Fable robot. For technical support issues or questions, please contact us at: Phone: 800-835-0686 Email: support@pitsco.com Online: www.pitsco.com/support...
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