Makeblock mBot Manual

Makeblock mBot Manual

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Table of Contents

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Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 4
Part I General questions...................................................................................................................... 5
How to connect Makeblock robot with mBlock.........................................................................5
How to upgrade firmware for Makeblock robot with mBlock.................................................10
How to reset default program manually with mBlock..............................................................12
How to upload my program to the Makeblock robot with mBlock......................................... 13
Part II mBot....................................................................................................................................... 22
How to replace motor shaft for mBot....................................................................................... 22
Why the Line Follower Mode doesn't work on mBot.............................................................. 24
How to connect 2.4G wireless serial to my mBot.................................................................... 27
How to change the speed of mBot with IR remote controller.................................................. 28
Issues related to Battery............................................................................................................ 29
Useful links for mBot................................................................................................................31
Part III Ranger...................................................................................................................................33
Why the motors are not working properly as they should be...................................................33
Can I use 2.4G wireless module for my Ranger.......................................................................35
Why the Ranger cannot avoid objects in object avoidance mode............................................ 36
What should I do if the Nervous Bird could not keep balanced?............................................. 37
Questions related to Bluetooth connection on Mobile devices................................................ 38
Why my Ranger moves once I turn it on.................................................................................. 44
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Summary of Contents for Makeblock mBot

  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    Why my Makeblock robot doesn't move when I set low motor speed........18 A Comparison among Bluetooth connection, 2.4G connection and USB connection.....19 What troubleshooting I can try if my Makeblock robot cannot connect to my phone App..21 Part II mBot............................22 How to replace motor shaft for mBot..................
  • Page 2 Why the line follower doesn’t work on Ranger?..............45 Part IV Starter............................47 What should I do if my starter motors are not working properly..........47 What is the difference between Starter IR version and Bluetooth version.......49 How to play with IR version Starter..................50 Can I use 2.4G module to replace the Bluetooth module on Starter........
  • Page 3 Why the interface of the mLaser is black rather than white.............98 Why the mLaser showed damaged when I opened it on my Mac..........99 Why the Laser is on but it cannot cut or engrave anything?..........100 Part VII XY Plotter..........................103 Why the stepper motor doesn’t run or runs abnormal?............
  • Page 4: Introduction

    Introduction Here are some frequently asked questions about Makeblock robot kits which are based on mCore, Orion, Auriga, and MegaPi boards, and the related PC software in this document is mBlock 3 (latest 3.4.12). If you haven’t downloaded the software, click here to download and install.
  • Page 5: Part I General Questions

    Part I General Questions How to connect Makeblock robot with mBlock This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0 Devices required: PC (here we use windows); Makeblock robot kit (here we use mBot as an example); USB cable Step 1 Connect mBot to PC with USB cable and turn on the mBot.
  • Page 6 Step 3 Choose the correct Serial Port for mBot under Connect->Serial Port. (Here my mBot's serial port is COM3, and you can check your mBot serial port under your computer's Device Manager->Ports (COM&LPT))
  • Page 7 Notes: 1. If you cannot detect any serial port, it may be caused by the following reasons. a. Failing to install Arduino driver. Normally when we install mBlock software, Arduino driver will be installed automatically at the same time. But sometimes we may need to install Arduino driver manually. For windows users, we can select “Install Arduino Driver”...
  • Page 8 /dev/tty.wchusbserial1410. b. The power switch of the main board (mCore) has not been turned ON (this cause is only for mBot/mCore). c. The Bluetooth connection from the robot may capture the serial port. Remove the Bluetooth module from the robot while using the USB cable.
  • Page 9 Cause: The Bluetooth module you paired before would be mapped into COM ports. Even if they are not present, they still appear in the “Serial Port” list. So, uninstall these paired Bluetooth devices will resolve this issue. Solution: disable or uninstall all the Bluetooth ports (COM ports) from the PC.
  • Page 10: How To Upgrade Firmware For Makeblock Robot With Mblock

    How to upgrade firmware for Makeblock robot with mBlock This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0 Devices required: PC (here we use windows); Makeblock robot kit (here we use mBot as an example); USB cable Step 1...
  • Page 11 1. You may select the wrong board. Please select the corresponding board then try to upgrade firmware or reset default program. 2. The upload failed issue might be caused by using defective modules, faulty serial port chip, or faulty main board. 1) Please remove all the modules from main board, including RJ 25 cables, then upgrade firmware again.
  • Page 12: How To Reset Default Program Manually With Mblock

    How to reset default program manually with mBlock This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0 Devices required: PC (here we use windows); Makeblock robot kit (here we use mBot as an example); USB cable Step 1...
  • Page 13: How To Upload My Program To The Makeblock Robot With Mblock

    How to upload my program to the Makeblock robot with mBlock This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0 Devices required: PC (here we use windows); Makeblock robot kit (here we use mBot as an example; USB cable Step 1...
  • Page 14 Step 4 Then the program will start uploading, wait until it shows Upload Finish. Notes 1: In case you fail to upload a new program, please refer to below steps to do some troubleshooting by yourself.
  • Page 15 Li-ion battery or rechargeable nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium which can be bought from amazon or local shop. Or Alkaline battery with good quality like Energizer, DURACELL. Note 2: In case the new program uploaded to my Makeblock robot doesn't take effect. Please reset default program referring to this FAQ and try again.
  • Page 16: What Is The Difference Between Upgrade Firmware And Reset Default Program

    This firmware is a preset factory program in the robot (such as manual control mode, obstacle avoidance mode, line inspection mode of mBot) in order to increase the robot's playability. Under below situation we need to reset default program for the robot:...
  • Page 17 To run default program or controlling the robot with mobile App after we did “upload to Arduino”. For example, you have uploaded a program to mBot before and now you want to use Makeblock App to control it, then you need to reset default program. Surely if it is your first time to control it with Makeblock App and failed, you are also suggested to reset default program.
  • Page 18: Why My Makeblock Robot Doesn't Move When I Set Low Motor Speed

    This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0 For example, we set the speed value 50 for mBot, here the "50" is not the real speed value. The real running speed depends on the voltage and speed value.
  • Page 19: A Comparison Among Bluetooth Connection, 2.4G Connection And Usb Connection

    USB connection This article applies to: mBot, mBot Ranger, Starter, Ultimate, Ultimate 2.0 We know that there are several ways to connect Makeblock robots and mBlock. There is a chart to show differences among these connection ways. Connection...
  • Page 20 (included a 2.4G wireless dongle): If you have a mBot Bluetooth version, you can simply buy a 2.4G wireless module to replace the Bluetooth module. 2. Bluetooth module: for mBot (mCore), Ultimate 2.0 (MegaPi) and mBot Ranger (Auriga), it is Bluetooth Module.
  • Page 21: What Troubleshooting I Can Try If My Makeblock Robot Cannot Connect To My Phone App

    Makeblock App. Also mBlock App is under construction, which supports mBot, Ranger, Codey Rocky, Neuron, Motion Block, Halocode (soon). If you find Bluetooth cannot be connected to Makeblock App, please refer to below chart to do some troubleshooting. Notes: 1.
  • Page 22: Part Ii Mbot

    Part II mBot How to replace motor shaft for mBot There is spare motor shaft in the mBot package, please find it and refer to the video tutorial in this link to replace it if your shaft is broken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDb1uWpbK6Y...
  • Page 23: Why The Ultrasonic Obstacle Avoidance Mode Doesn't Work On Mbot

    Why the Ultrasonic Obstacle Avoidance Mode doesn’t work on mBot If you find your mBot cannot avoid obstacle when you set it in Ultrasonic Obstacle Avoidance mode, please follow below steps to do troubleshooting. 1. Make sure the ultrasonic module is connected to Port 3 (required by default program).
  • Page 24: Why The Line Follower Mode Doesn't Work On Mbot

    Why the Line Follower Mode doesn't work on mBot When mBot works properly with Manual mode and Wall avoidance mode but doesn’t work properly with Line follower mode, please test if the line follower sensor is faulty referring to the below steps.
  • Page 25 If the sensor is ok according to the above test but the line follower mode doesn’t work, there are several possible reasons that we should check. a. The default program may not function properly in mBot, please refer to FAQ3 to reset default program to have a try.
  • Page 26 d. The wire connection may be loose or the RJ25 cable between the line follower module and mCore may be faulty. Please re-plug the RJ25 cable for both sides, or change a RJ25 cable to have a check. e. The power from battery is not enough. Please change the battery to have a check. According to our test and research, it is suggested to use rechargeable Li-ion battery or rechargeable nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium which can be bought from amazon or local shop.
  • Page 27: How To Connect 2.4G Wireless Serial To My Mbot

    There is also a video to show these steps, you may have a look in this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiO8VYpIGsw Ps: if there are several 2.4G mBot in same location, please only keep one mBot on and plug in 2.4G dongle, then follow the above steps to pair them. After that, power the second and pair it.
  • Page 28: How To Change The Speed Of Mbot With Ir Remote Controller

    If we control the mBot through IR remote controller with the factory default program, the 1-9 keys on the IR remote controller are set to adjust the speed of mBot. 1 for slowest and 9 for fastest. We can also write our own program for mBot with mBlock software, which can modify the speed...
  • Page 29: Issues Related To Battery

    1. What is the working voltage of the mCore? A: 3.7V-6V 2. While the lithium battery of mBot is being charged, is there any protection? A: Yes. It has over-current and over-charge protection. 3. What is size of mCore battery holder and its cover?
  • Page 30 4. Is there any recommended li-po battery for mBot v1.1 A: The 3.7v rechargeable Li-ion battery is suitable for mBot. Now you can purchase mBot battery from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Makeblock-iPo-Battery-mBot-3-7V/dp/B07KPVH8H3/ref=sr_1_fkmrn ull_1?keywords=makeblock+battery&qid=1556507880&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull 5. Is there any special phenomenon if the robot cannot get enough power from battery? A: Currently, there is no visible indicator for low power from battery.
  • Page 31: Useful Links For Mbot

    1. mBot controlled by Wireless Joystick using Me USB Host https://forum.makeblock.com/t/mbot-controlled-by-wireless-joystick-using-me-usb-host/1658 2. Programming with Scratch X for Makeblock mBot http://www.instructables.com/id/Programming-With-Scratch-X-for-Makeblock-MBot/ 3. How to make mBot follow objects with Pixy CMUcam5 Image Sensor http://openlab.makeblock.com/topic/57e1e26b695004350cceb478 4. Makeblock mBot default program with added servo features http://alpermbot.blogspot.com.tr/...
  • Page 32 1.Use mBot with iOS (Swift) http://learn.makeblock.com/en/use-mbot-with-ios-swift/ 2.python-for-mbot https://github.com/xeecos/python-for-mbot 3.Different language with Makeblock products: https://shimo.im/doc/7D1Z1WfJa1c5XFJj Others 1. Use mBot with App Inventor: http://learn.makeblock.com/en/use-mbot-with-app-inventor/ 2. Makeblock mBot Protocol: http://learn.makeblock.com/en/makeblock-orion-protocol/ 3. mBot Serial Port Protocol: http://learn.makeblock.com/en/mbot-serial-port-protocol/ 4. User Makeblock Computer Vision Extension for App Inventor http://learn.makeblock.com/en/user-makeblock-computer-vision-extension-for-app-invent...
  • Page 33: Part Iii Ranger

    Make sure the wheels are installed correctly as there are wheels in different sizes. b. Cable from motor to the main board is connected properly and make sure the cables are working. c. If the Makeblock App cannot let it move, try to write an online program or upload a program in mBlock...
  • Page 34 This should be caused by wrong wiring. So, change the M1 and M2 connection. Situation 4 Ranger doesn’t move constantly and sometimes there is sound from the main board. a. The speed level maybe too low, try a higher like 200 to test. b.
  • Page 35: Can I Use 2.4G Wireless Module For My Ranger

    I. Is it possible to replace the Bluetooth connection with a 2.4G wireless module? Yes. As the module connection interface is the same with Ranger Bluetooth module. II. How to use 2.4G wireless connection? Refer to mBot FAQ How to connect 2.4G wireless serial to my mBot.
  • Page 36: Why The Ranger Cannot Avoid Objects In Object Avoidance Mode

    C. Test if the Ultrasonic sensor is defective. How to test if the ultrasonic sensor is defective? 1. Download and install the latest version of Makeblock software on your PC. If you have a Mac, then you also need to install a driver.
  • Page 37: What Should I Do If The Nervous Bird Could Not Keep Balanced

    What should I do if the Nervous Bird could not keep balanced? When you find the Nervous Bird cannot keep balanced, please refer to the below steps to check: 1. Make sure you did follow the guidance strictly to assemble it. 2.
  • Page 38: Questions Related To Bluetooth Connection On Mobile Devices

    1. Power on Ranger and there is a blue LED keeping slow flashing on the Bluetooth module. 2. Open the Makeblock APP on mobile device and move the mobile device close to the Bluetooth module, normally it will connect automatically.
  • Page 39 III. What is the troubleshooting if my Ranger fails to connect Makeblock App through Bluetooth? If you tried above steps to connect Bluetooth but failed, please follow below chart to check step by step.
  • Page 40 Note: Battery is very important, for any abnormal phenomenon happens to the robot, you are strongly suggested to change new battery. If you fail to connect in mBlock App, you can also refer to the above chart.
  • Page 41 V. The Bluetooth connection to the Ranger is unstable? For the issue that the Bluetooth connection is unstable between Robot and Makeblock App, it may be caused by the power issue, or the Bluetooth module is not well plugged. So, you may change the battery for the Ranger to have a try since it is easy to lead disconnect issue on Bluetooth when it lacks power.
  • Page 42: What Should I Do If The Makeblock App Says "Synchronization Fails

    What should I do if the Makeblock App says “synchronization fails” Problem: When I try to connect Bluetooth in Makeblock App, the screen says “synchronization fails” as below picture:...
  • Page 43 Solution: Connect Ranger to PC, open mBlock 3 or 5 and do reset default program.
  • Page 44: Why My Ranger Moves Once I Turn It On

    PC software mBlock 3, it doesn’t help. Cause: This Ranger was set to Nervous Bird in the Makeblock App (or in mBlock3) and was turned off, then the Ranger is assembled to another form like Land Ralder, at this time, once we turn on the power, it will move automatically and won’t listen to the command.
  • Page 45: Why The Line Follower Doesn't Work On Ranger

    Why the line follower doesn’t work on Ranger? There are several possible reasons, please check one by one: 1) The line follower module doesn’t connect to Port 9 on Auriga as requested. 2) The map is placed in a place where is surrounded by bright lights, such as under the sunlight, or very close to the lights in the room.
  • Page 46 If the led corresponding to each sensor lit up when above a white paper/desk and turn off when remove from the white paper/desk, means the line follower sensor is ok. Otherwise, the sensor should be faulty.
  • Page 47: Part Iv Starter

    1.Cable from motor to the main board is connected properly and make sure the cables are working. 2.If the IR controller or Makeblock App cannot let it move, try to write an online program or upload a program like below to test: Remember to upgrade firmware before running an online program.
  • Page 48 Situation 3 Starter always works in wrong direction, it doesn't move according the commands on IR remote or Makeblock APP 1.When it was given “turn left” command, the robot turns right, when given “turn right” command, it turns left. The reason should be the motors are connected to the wrong motor interfaces M1, M2 (Yellow) on Orion board, please switch the places of the two motors.
  • Page 49: What Is The Difference Between Starter Ir Version And Bluetooth Version

    What is the difference between Starter IR version and Bluetooth version You can control the IR version Starter with IR controller, and control the Bluetooth version Starter with Makeblock APP on mobile devices. That is the only difference as IR version starter includes the Me Infrared Receiver Decode Remote Controller, while the Bluetooth version starter doesn’t includes these two parts, but a...
  • Page 50: How To Play With Ir Version Starter

    How to play with IR version Starter I. How to control Starter under default mode Below is the command of each key on the IR controller. If it is not working, please use mBlock 3 to reset default program as this guide.
  • Page 51 If there are no lights on, which means the infrared receiver cannot communicate with the  remote. II. Program for the IR controller instead of using default program. First of all, learn the Code of each key Then you can write your personal program. Here is an example.
  • Page 53: Can I Use 2.4G Module To Replace The Bluetooth Module On Starter

    Can I use 2.4G module to replace the Bluetooth module on Starter Here is Starter Bluetooth Module, with RJ 25 connector. While the 2.4G module interface is different: So, we cannot use 2.4G module to replace the Bluetooth module. That is too say, Starter doesn’t support 2.4G module.
  • Page 54: Questions Related To Bluetooth Connection On Mobile Devices

    2. Power on the Starter and there is a blue LED keeping slow flashing on the Me Bluetooth module. 3. Open the Makeblock APP on mobile device and move the mobile device close to the Bluetooth module, normally the Starter Bluetooth will connect automatically.
  • Page 55 Note: Sometimes you may see the screen says “synchronization fails”, which means the Starter current firmware is not compatible with Makeblock App, please connect it to mBlock 3 and reset default program. III. What is the troubleshooting if my Starter fails to connect Makeblock App through...
  • Page 56 V. The Bluetooth connection to the Starter is unstable? For the issue that the Bluetooth connection is unstable between Robot and Makeblock App, it may be caused by the power issue, or the Bluetooth module is not connected well to Port 5 on Orion board, or you may change the battery for the Starter have a try since it is easy to lead disconnect issue on Bluetooth when it lacks power.
  • Page 57 According to our test and research, it is suggested to use rechargeable Li-ion battery or rechargeable nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium which can be bought from amazon or local shop. Or alkaline battery with good quality like Energizer, DURACELL. Besides, please check if the issue goes to the same when use other devices.
  • Page 58: What I Should Do When Ultrasonic Obstacle Avoidance Mode Of My Starter Fails To Work

    What I should do when Ultrasonic Obstacle Avoidance Mode of my Starter fails to work 1. Make sure the ultrasonic module is connected to Port 3 (required) on Orion board. 2. Check whether the red indicator of the ultrasonic module is on. If not, the problem is caused by wire connection or the sensor itself.
  • Page 59: How To Check If The Starter Main Board Lose Its Bootloader

    Below are the steps. Please open the Arduino software through the mBlock software: On Arduino software, go to Tools->Board and choose the correct Board type for your robot. If it is mBot, Starter, Ultimate Blue, here you can choose the Arduino/Genuine Uno.
  • Page 60 Go to Tools->Port, then choose the correct serial port for your robot. You can check your robot/main board serial port under your computer's Device Manager->Ports (COM&LPT)) Go to File->Examples, find and open the example program file “Blink”.
  • Page 61 Upload the program to the Robot and see if it can be upload successfully.
  • Page 62 Normally you need a new board in this case. If you have two Orion boards and you are experienced with this staff, you can try to follow this post to reburn bootloader. But usually you are suggested to contact Makeblock support.
  • Page 63: Questions For Starter Battery

    DC Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Pack And you are suggested to choose B. Here are the suggestions from other users: https://forum.makeblock.com/t/12v-rechargable-battery/707/12 https://forum.makeblock.com/t/mbot-ranger-best-high-capacity-lipo-battery/5103/7 Power adapter specification DC 5.5*2.1mm, Orion, Auriga and MegaPi use same; while mCore is DC 3.5*1.1mm Note: Any abnormal/improper behavior happens to your robot, like fails to move, Bluetooth...
  • Page 64: How To Program The Add-On Robotic Arm For Starter

    How to program the add-on Robotic Arm for Starter The best way to use the Robotic Arm is controlling the Arm with mobile APP (Makeblock APP). In this case, you need the Bluetooth version starter (you may need buy a Bluetooth...
  • Page 65 Finally, if you want to control the arm and gripper with IR remote controller, you need program the IR controller and refer to this post: http://forum.makeblock.com/t/trouble-programming-ir-buttons-in-3-2/3131/9...
  • Page 66: Part V Ultimate 2.0

    Part V Ultimate 2.0 What should I do if my Ultimate 2.0 motors are not working properly Situation 1 Motor(s) is not turning at all. Please check: a. Make sure the motors are installed and connected correctly. b. Cable from motor to the main board is connected properly and make sure the cables are working.
  • Page 68: Questions Related To Bluetooth Connection On Mobile Devices

    1. Power on the Ultimate 2.0 and there is a blue LED keeping slow flashing on the Bluetooth module. 2. Open the Makeblock APP on mobile device and move the mobile device close to the Bluetooth module, normally it will connect automatically.
  • Page 69 Note: Sometimes you may see the screen says “synchronization fails”, which means the Ultimate 2.0 current firmware is not compatible with Makeblock App, please connect it to mBlock 3 and reset default program. III. What is the troubleshooting if my Ultimate 2.0 fails to connect Makeblock App through...
  • Page 70 Note: Battery is very important, for any abnormal phenomenon happens to the robot, you are strongly suggested to change new battery. IV. Why Ipad 2 and below doesn't support Bluetooth from Makeblock The Bluetooth module on our product supports BLE protocol, while for Apple products, only the products published after the year 2011 support BLE protocol which can work with the Bluetooth on our product.
  • Page 71 V. The Bluetooth connection to the Ultimate 2.0 is unstable? For the issue that the Bluetooth connection is unstable between Robot and Makeblock App, it may be caused by the power issue, or the Bluetooth module is not well plugged. So, you may change the battery for the Ultimate 2.0 to have a try since it is easy to lead disconnect issue on Bluetooth...
  • Page 72: Can I Use 2.4G Wireless Module To Control My Ultimate 2.0

    Can I use 2.4G wireless module to control my Ultimate 2.0 Is it possible to replace the Bluetooth connection with a 2.4G wireless module? Yes. As the module connection interface is the same. II. How to use 2.4G wireless connection? You can refer to this mBot FAQ to connect.
  • Page 73: What Should I Do If The Self-Balancing Robot Could Not Keep Balanced

    Ultimate 2.0 package, there are 3 motors, remember to use the two 9V/185RPM motors. Here is the guidance of self-balancing robot, including assembling video: https://openlab.makeblock.com/topic/5729b96b591c0ad43a4764b2 Make sure power is enough as self-balancing robot requires to be working with full power. If you are sure assembling is perfect but it still fails to be balanced, please do insert 6 totally new batteries in.
  • Page 74: Questions To Ultimate 2.0 Battery

    DC Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Pack And you are suggested to choose B. Here are the suggestions from other users: https://forum.makeblock.com/t/12v-rechargable-battery/707/12 https://forum.makeblock.com/t/mbot-ranger-best-high-capacity-lipo-battery/5103/7 Power adapter specification? DC 5.5*2.1mm, Orion, Auriga and MegaPi use same; while mCore is DC 3.5*1.1mm Note: Any abnormal/improper behavior happens to your robot, like fails to move, Bluetooth...
  • Page 75: Why My Ultimate 2.0 Starts To Run Every Time I Turn It On

    Reason: The reason should be that we changed its form/mode to self-balancing robot in Makeblock App and the powered it off, then when we reassemble it to other form like robotic arm tank, it will run once we power it on.
  • Page 76: Part Vi Laserbot

    Part VI LaserBot How to test if the wire connection for X, Y axis connected properly on Laserbot Please kindly test it through home position referring to the following steps: 1. Manually move the carriage to a position (any position where X>0, Y>0). 2.
  • Page 77 5. Go to test if the LaserBot works with home position (refer to steps below): If the carriage goes to Home position (X=0, Y=0) properly, means both the X axis and Y axis are working.
  • Page 78: How To Test Your Laser To See If It Is Faulty

    How to test your Laser to see if it is Faulty Learn how to troubleshoot the following laser symptoms. The LaserBot is assembled and the XY module works appropriately, but the laser doesn’t  work. Laser doesn’t turn on while the fan rotates fine. ...
  • Page 79 Only put red wire metallic part inside of the DC connector interface, the laser is off. Then make the black wire metallic part touch the interface metal outside, check if the laser turns on. Notes: If the wire didn't touch with the inner metal part of the DC connector, the laser won't work.
  • Page 80 4. Black in, out. If the laser still keeps off, please switch the red wire metallic part and black wire metallic part to test it again have a try (put the black wire metallic part touch the inner metal part of the DC connector, then touch the interface metal outside with red wire metallic part, check if the laser turns on.
  • Page 81 Conclusion: If both the laser and the small fan don’t work during above test, the module wire which should connect to the power is faulty. If the fan works but the laser doesn’t turn on, it should be the laser problem.
  • Page 82: Why The Laser Head Reaches To The X-Axis Or Y-Axis Without Stop

    Why the laser head reaches to the X-axis or Y-axis without stop Issue: The laser head reaches to the X-axis or Y-axis without stopping. Reason: The limit switches on X-axis or Y-axis connect to the wrong pins on MegaPi. Troubleshooting: 1.
  • Page 83 If the X icon turns green while pressing Y-axis limit switch, which means both X-axis and Y-axis limit switch connecting to the wrong pins. Please check if the X-Axis limit switch connects to A6 on MegaPi, and Y-Axis limit switch connects to A7 as picture shown below.
  • Page 84 2. Check both X-axis and Y-axis limit switch, make sure the pin doesn't connect to anything as I circled below.
  • Page 85 3. If you have followed step 1 and 2, but it is still the same issue, please switch the position of limit switches. Put the X-axis limit switch on Y-axis, and the Y-axis limit switch on X-axis, then test step 1 again.
  • Page 86: How To Fix If The X-Axis Or Y-Axis Cannot Move When Test Home

    How to fix if the X or Y-axis cannot move when test home? Issue: The X-axis or Y-axis cannot move while clicking the home button on mLaser. I. Wiring 1. Make sure the motor which control X axis is connected to correct motor port (Port 1) on MegaPi.
  • Page 87 5. Make sure you have screwed each color wire into the hole on green interface properly: 6. If you have other Makbelock’s drivers which didn’t come with the LaserBot kit, please check if the LaserBot has been installed the wrong motor driver. The picture shown below shows that the LaserBot has been supplied with encoder motor drivers.
  • Page 88 II. Testing on mLaser 1. Click "Enter mLaser" 2. After update firmware successfully, remove the USB cable. Open mLaser again, connect serial port on "Serial" until it shows connected.
  • Page 89 3. Click "control panel," then click Y+, Y-, X+, X-, check if the laser head could move to the expected direction. If one of them doesn't move, then swap the driver and do the test again.
  • Page 90: Why Does The Laserbot Cut Or Engrave The Image In Different Size On X Axis (Or Y Axis)

    Why does the LaserBot cut or engrave the image in different size on X axis (or Y axis) If the LaserBot cuts or engraves the image in different size on X axis (or Y axis) as the picture shown below (the image's Y axis is stretched), here are troubleshooting you could try. Update firmware.
  • Page 91 If the other axis of the image is stretched after switched the driver position, one of the motor drivers is faulty.
  • Page 92: Why The Serial Port Of Laserbot Doesn't Appear On Mlaser While Using Mac

    Reason: For Mac users, you need to download driver in order to run mLaser. 1. For Mac OS Sierra user, please follow the instruction on this link to install driver (http://www.mblock.com/docs/run-makeblock-ch340-ch341-on-mac-os-sierra/). Please note to allow "app downloaded from anywhere". Note: if the driver can’t be installed properly, please follow...
  • Page 94: How Should I Enter Mlaser When The Opening Page Is In Chinese

    The following pictures are showing the corresponding English version mLaser. 1. Download the latest version mLaser V2.4 from this link: https://www.makeblock.com/project/laserbot 2. Enter password at the login page Password: 123...
  • Page 95 3. Select “Enter mLaser”...
  • Page 96 4. Go to the language setting at the top right corner.
  • Page 97 5. Close mLaser and reopen it. You will find the menu is in English, and you could test LaserBot now.
  • Page 98: Why The Interface Of The Mlaser Is Black Rather Than White

    Why the interface of the mLaser is black rather than white ssue: In some cases, the interface of the mLaser appears black rather than white in older computer systems. Reason: The graphics driver of the computer is out of date. Troubleshooting: 1.
  • Page 99: Why The Mlaser Showed Damaged When I Opened It On My Mac

    Why the mLaser showed damaged when I opened it on my Please follow the instruction to solve this issues: http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/45404/mac-downloaded-app-is-damaged-and-cant-be-opened-erro r-solved/ For Mac OS Sierra, here is a video tutorial for your reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6EUI5kn1vM...
  • Page 100: Why The Laser Is On But It Cannot Cut Or Engrave Anything

    Why the Laser is on but it cannot cut or engrave anything? When you engrave or cut an image, if the laser is on but there is nothing on the wood/leather/cardboard/paper etc, or the graphics are not clear, here are the trouble shoot we could try together.
  • Page 101 (Figure 2) (Figure 3) When you cut an image: you need choose the correct Material, then you can adjust the Laser Intensity. The picture (figure 4) below shows an example of using wood as the material.
  • Page 102 (Figure 4)
  • Page 103: Part Vii Xy Plotter

    Part VII XY Plotter Why the stepper motor doesn’t run or runs abnormal? 1. Make sure it is powered on with 12VDC and power switch is turned on. 2. Check if you have updated firmware. It is required to update firmware whenever switch mDraw to Benbox and vice versa.
  • Page 104 3. Make sure you have selected the correct serial port. (Here my XY plotter's serial port is COM4, and you can check your XY Plotter serial port under your computer's Device Manager->Ports (COM&LPT))
  • Page 105 4. Check the setting on stepper motor driver. When using mDraw, the subdivide should be HHH, and Benbox requires HLL.
  • Page 106 5. Check wiring of the X-axis and Y-axis. X-axis is connected to Port 1 on Orion board while Y-axis is connected to Port 2 on Orion board. If necessary, please change the connection and test how it performs. 6. Check wiring of the stepper motor. It should be in the order of blue, red, green and black 7.
  • Page 107: Why I Cannot Draw Correct Pictures

    Why I cannot draw correct pictures? Situation 1: get mirrored picture Troubleshooting: 1. Make sure the color of the wiring is in correct order (Blue, Red, Green, Black), if not, kindly change it. If the problem still exists, please exchange the Port1 and Port2 on the main board. 2.
  • Page 108 Situation 2: wrong size proportion in X-axis and Y-axis Troubleshooting:...
  • Page 109 1. Make sure the timing belt of X-axis and Y-axis are tight. 2. Make sure the headless screws are tightly installed. 3. Make sure the motors driver wiring is correct...
  • Page 110: Why It Runs Abnormal When Testing Home

    Why it runs abnormal when testing home? Notes: This FAQ only applies to mDraw and we can only test home in mDraw. I. It doesn’t move when test home This issue is usually caused by Limit switch. We can check its state in mDraw and these are the steps: 1.
  • Page 111 Note: It is important to check which slot the limit switch connects:...
  • Page 112 2. Check the black and white wire connection on limit switch and the top plug interface is unplugged. 3. Test limit switch itself in mBlock software: connect Orion in mBlock 3->update firmware->program below codes and check how the panda says when press and release limit switch.
  • Page 113 Note: For a working limit switch, it shows 1 when pressed and 0 when unpressed. And do firmware update for the main board before running the codes. II. It always clash with boundary when test home 1. The limit switch only works when press home, I mean it helps to locate instead of help to avoid running into the edge;...
  • Page 114: Why The Laser Doesn't Light On Or It Is Weak

    Why the laser doesn’t light on or it is weak? 1. Laser should be connected to M2 (orange); 2. In the App, power on laser, if it is normal, M2 led light will be on; if it is not, try to update firmware again;...
  • Page 115 iii . Red in, black out. Only put red wire metallic part inside of the DC connector interface, the laser is off. Then make the black wire metallic part touch the interface metal outside, check if the laser turns on.
  • Page 116 Note: Do not connect laser directly to 12V for a long time.
  • Page 117: Why The Laser Cut Discontinued Lines

    Why the laser cut discontinued lines? 1. Make sure it focuses correctly and generates the lightest laser; 2. Make sure the material is absolutely flat; 3. Make sure M2 connection is tightly connected.
  • Page 118: Why Pen-Up And Pen-Down Is Not Working Properly

    Why Pen-up and Pen-down is not working properly? 1. Try to update firmware again; 2. Check the Pen servo is connected to RJ25 adapter slot 2; 3. Test Pen up and Pen down: click pen up, pen should be remove from paper and click on pen down, pen should just get in touch with paper;...
  • Page 120: What I Should Pay Attention When Switch From Mdraw To Benbox

    What I should pay attention when switch from mDraw to Benbox? 1. Update firmware. Every time we switch from mDraw to Benbox, we need to do firmware update in the later software; 2. Adjust the subdivision. When use mDraw, it should be HHH, and it should be HLL for Benbox. 3.

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