Chapter 2: Get started Install Fable Blockly Install Fable Blockly on Windows Install Fable Blockly on Mac Install Fable Blockly on iOS for iPad Install the Hub Driver (Windows 7 & 8) How to write a program Chapter 3: Basics...
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.
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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.
Fable Hub 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 cable .
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.
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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.
Spin Module The Fable Spin Module allows the system to drive around on wheels. This is accomplished with the help of two motors: A and B. It also provides sensor monitoring by utilizing ten sensors: three light sensors, three color sensors, three proximity sensors, and an infrared sensor.
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Proximity sensors: Three more sensors are available on the Spin, which can detect objects in front of the module. The sensors work similar to the parking assistance system in cars, where it can alert about obstacles in the way. The proximity of a foreign object can range from 0 (no obstacles detected) to 100 (obstacle detected very close to the module).
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ID: Each Spin 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 button is located on the front of the module, over the glass protector. Pressing and holding it for 3 seconds will turn the Spin module on or off.
PC Software Users can program their robots by using the Fable software, Fable Blockly. The interface supports block- and text- based programming: The software supports three complexity levels: Simple: Block-based programming for beginners or younger pupils. A limited number of blocks makes the interface easily accessible.
Programming Area will look like if it were written in Python. Plotting Area Some blocks allow users to plot data, e.g. the data read from a sensor. The result is shown in this section of the app. Figure 8 – Main interface of Fable Blockly...
● Windows 7, 8 and Windows 10 ● Mac OS starting with Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite ● iOS for iPad Please note that: • On Windows 7: You need a driver for the Fable Hub. Please refer to the section Install the Hub Driver. •...
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 a Fable Hub to your PC’s USB port. If you’re running Windows 7 or 8 see the following section: Install the Hub Driver (Windows 7 &...
OS. Otherwise, download the standard Mac OS version. Open the downloaded file to start the installation process. Drag the Fable icon on top of Applications. This will install the app. Plug in a Fable Hub to your Mac’s USB port.
Install Fable Blockly on iOS for iPad Launch the AppStore and find Fable Blockly. Press the install button. Once downloaded, plug in the Hub either to a computer’s USB port or to a power supply.
1 below). Step 2: Locate the Hub within Windows’ Device Manager application. It will be located under the “Other devices” section with the name “Fable Dongle 1.0”. Right click it and select “Update Device Software”. (See picture 2). Step 3: Select the option “Browse my computer for driver software”. Then point folder containing the driver that you downloaded you select it.
How to write a program To get started with programming Fable, follow these instructions: 1. Start Fable Blockly. 2. Turn on a Joint Module. 3. Pair the Fable Hub with the module. 4. Create a small test program as the one shown below: 5.
See Battery Management for the color indicators of the battery level. Turning the Spin Module On/Off Fable Spin can be put into Sleep Mode by using the Shape logo button, as highlighted in Figure 9. Press and hold the button for 3 seconds to turn on or off.
Battery Management Both the Joint Module and the Spin Module contain a rechargeable LiPo Battery. Recharging: Charge the module using the supplied USB cable, similar to charging a phone. It can be charged regardless of whether it is on or off. Timeout: To save battery, the module will automatically turn off after being inactive for 10 minutes.
Interference: Several Hubs and modules 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 different channels. Figure 11 - Paired Joint Module with a Fable Hub.
● Operating system is not supported - check list of supported OSs ● Driver not installed (Windows 7 & 8) - install driver and inspect Device Manager to verify. See Install Hub Driver in Chapter 2. ● USB Cable broken - replace cable ● Hub broken - contact Shape Robotics...
● The module has crashed - try restarting the module by switching it off and then on again. ● The module is broken - contact Shape Robotics. Module overloaded Symptoms: The Joint or Spin module blinks red and stops moving for a period of time.
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.
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.
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