A pull-down resistor keeps the Hall sensor’s signal at zero when no magnet is near. Without it, the sensor could get confused and give random on/off signals. It makes sure the circuit can clearly tell when a magnet is present or not.
Probably the robot I like the most from this series of five robots. See the video to understand why and what is interesting and special about this robot.
A Hall effect sensor is basically a tiny magnet detector. When a magnet comes near it, the sensor can “feel” the magnetic field and tell the circuit, usually by turning its output on or off. We can use it to detect things moving, like wheels spinning or doors opening.
Some microcontroller pins can act like tiny batteries (power) or tiny paths to ground. By setting a pin HIGH, it gives a little voltage to power something. By setting it LOW, it acts like ground, letting current flow back. This is useful for testing or powering small sensors,
In short: Hall sensors feel magnets, and digital pins can sometimes act like tiny power sources or grounds to help run them.
This is the first Active Pinless Attachment for the Box competition robot. The attachment is placed on the top of the robot and is controlled by one of the motors.
Some LED strips have a sticky backing covered by a thin plastic layer. You can peel it off and stick the strip directly. If your strip is different from the one we suggested in the shopping section, you might need to get a little creative.
You think that you can quickly change the attachments of your LEGO Mindstorms EV3 competition robot? Are you sure? In this first episode of the series you will see how to create and attach attachments without using pins and how faster and easier this could be. You will see the design logic of a few attachments and how they work on the field.
While we can pass the cables around the PCB, we decided that it would look more appealing if they were to pass from underneath the PCB. While this is an easy way to do so, those more tech-savvy can solder 3 terminal blocks to the PCB, as a way to bypass the drilling task and create an easy way to replace the LED strip in the future.
One more example for an active attachment with a system of gear wheels. This time the system is constructed so that the attachment could lift heavy objects.
On our LED strip, there are two extra wires for power and ground. We don't need them, so we cut them off. There is also an extra connector on the remaining cables. As we will be soldering them to the board, we don't really need this connector, so we remove it as well.
Without the use of any motor, you can still accomplish a number of missions using passive attachments. You can still pull/push on different levers using only a beam or two connected to the frame.
You’ll attach the lights to this stick, so choose its position carefully. Once the lights are attached, you can check where the center of weight is - that’s where you’ll mount the motor.
The Gyro sensor in LEGO Mindstorms EV3 sets is new for the sets and we answer basic questions about its usage. The sensor detect when the whole constructions turns at a particular angle, but there are a number of gotchas in using it.
A capacitor acts like a small energy buffer. It stores a little electricity and releases it when needed. When the controller or LED strip suddenly turns on or changes brightness, it can briefly pull a lot of current. The capacitor helps by smoothing out these quick changes, keeping the voltage steady. This protects the controller and LEDs from sudden voltage drops or spikes and helps everything run more reliably. In simple terms, the capacitor helps keep the power smooth and protects the electronics.
Tasks for the Gyro sensor that you can use in STEM classes, while preparing for a competition or just to explore how the sensor works.
If everything is connected correctly, the Arduino microcontroller will light up, powered with 5V from the 9V battery!
Gears could be a powerful tool for those who know how to use them appropriately. In this episode we introduce some of the basic terms and concepts behind using gears in your construction.
In a circuit, ground is the common reference point for voltage and the return path for electric current. After electricity flows through components, it needs a clear way to get back to the power source. All ground connections are tied together, so every part of the circuit shares the same reference point, and the current can flow in a complete loop. This helps signals stay consistent, and components work correctly. If the grounds were not connected, parts of the circuit could act unpredictably or not work at all. In simple terms, connecting all grounds keeps current flowing properly and the circuit working reliably.
In this episode, we introduce a LEGO Mindstorms EV3 version of competition robot construction. It is a modular construction, with medium motor for additional attachments and two light or colour sensors for orientating on the field.
Don't connect the voltage regulator to just any 5V pin of the controller. There must be a VIN pin, which is a dedicated powering pin for the controller. That is the pin through which you can power it with 5V, as it passes the power through a voltage regulator and other protections, which make sure the power is delivered safely.
Turning with the Gyro Sensor on a specified angle and stopping there have never been easy. It is not going to get any better. However, this is not a problem of the Gyro sensor. The problem is in the way we develop our programs.
If the battery holder already has such a cable attached to it, feel free to use it.
Continuing with the Proportional algorithm for following lines. Smooth and stable this is the first part of the PID.
Be careful not to connect any other red power cables to the one leading to the battery, as it transmits higher voltage, which, while harmless to us, can still fry your controller and LED lights. Once you solder the connection between the battery and the voltage regulator input 9V terminal, connect everything else in this project to the regulator's 5V output pin.
This tutorial in an animated demonstration of how a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime moves forward. To download the program check out the courses in which the tutorial is used.
The position of the voltage regulator won’t affect the balance much, so it’s best to place it near the DIP switch.
Rubber bands in the LEGO Mindstorms sets are very handy when it comes to collecting objects, especially loops. The mechanism most of the time could work like this - an axle is pushed, a rubber band is released and a lever collects the loop.
If the battery holder already has a cable attached, you can use that one.