Install Fable Blockly ....................................12 Install Fable Blockly on Windows ..............................13 Install Fable Blockly on Mac.................................14 Install Fable Blockly on iOS for iPad ..............................15 Install the Hub Driver (Windows 7 and 8)............................16 How to Write a Program ..................................18 Chapter 3: Basics ................................19 Turning the Joint Module On/Off ..............................19...
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.
CHAPTER 1: FABLE AT A GLANCE The Fable Hub provides wireless communication between the PC, tablet, or smartphone and one or several modules. PC: To use with a PC, the hub 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 hub. 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 joint module has a unique ID on its back. 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 joint module.
Spin Module The Fable Spin Module enables the system to drive around on wheels. This is accomplished with the help of two motors: A and B. It also uses 10 sensors: three light sensors, three color sensors, three proximity sensors, and an infrared sensor with a transmitter and receiver.
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ID: Each spin module has a unique ID on the back of the module. This ID is used to identify the module in the Fable programming app.
CHAPTER 1: FABLE AT A GLANCE 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.
CHAPTER 1: FABLE AT A GLANCE Interface of the PC Software The interface contains the following sections: The main menu contains buttons for: • Running or stopping a program. • Setting up a project – starting a new project and loading, saving, or opening an example.
• Mac OS starting with Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite • iOS for iPad Please note that: • On Windows 7 and 8: You need a driver for the Fable Hub. Please refer to the section Install the Hub Driver (Windows 7 and 8).
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.
2. Open the downloaded file to start the installation process. 3. Drag the Fable icon on top of Applications. This will install the app. 4. Plug in the hub to your Mac’s USB port. Fable Blockly can be started from the Launchpad or the list of applications.
CHAPTER 2: GET STARTED 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.
A driver for the hub only needs to be installed on 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 hub 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 hub with the module (make sure to match the light colors). Create a test program like this:...
CHAPTER 2: GET STARTED Turning the Joint Module On/Off An on/off switch 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 Turning the Spin Module On/Off The spin module can be put into sleep mode by pressing and holding the Fable logo button. Press and hold the button for three seconds to turn sleep mode on or off.
CHAPTER 3: BASICS Battery Management Both the joint and spin modules contain 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 (the joint module only) or the module’s button pressed (joint or spin modules).
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 users evenly on different channels.
CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING Hub Not Found Symptoms: The hub is not detected by the computer/software. The issue can be confirmed by inspecting the status window in the PC software. Possible issues and suggested solutions: • Hub is frozen – unplug the hub from the USB port and plug it back in. •...
• A servo has overheated – let the servo cool down. Unable to Connect Fable Face to Hub Symptoms: The Fable Face app is unable to find a hub or fails to connect to it. Possible issues and suggested solutions: •...
Repairing: Do not open any Fable modules, nor should you attempt to repair Fable yourself. Disassembling Fable may damage it or may cause injury to you. If Fable is damaged, malfunctions, or comes in contact with any liquids, contact Shape Robotics.
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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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