Robot Calculator Version 1.5 Help
Help Topics:
Installation:
If you are installing an update, first uninstall the program.
Save the folder to your computer, unzip the folder, and double
click
"setup.exe". Follow the on-screen instructions. You
might get a alert that says "Publisher could not be verified.
Do you want to continue?" or something similar. Click yes.
Interface:
Gear Ratios:
If your robot does not use gear ratios, then you can hide the controls relating to gear ratios. If you are not sure, then you probably aren't using them.
To hide these controls, click on "Options > Gear Ratios > Don't Use". If you want to show them again, click "Options > Gear Ratios > Use".
English/Metric:
Depending on your preference, you can choose between the English and Metric systems. To do so, select the radio button with the system of your choice next to it.
One note about units...
If you measure the diameter in inches, you must measure the distance you want to travel in inches. Same for if you measure the distance between the wheels in centimeters, you must make the rest of your measurements in centimeters, etc.
Turning:
When you click on the "Turn" tab, it will ask for the diameter and the distance between the wheels. The distance between the wheels should be measured from the center of the wheels.
The Robot Calculator can calculate both swing turns (one wheel moves forward and one is stationary) and point turns (the two wheels move opposite directions). When you click the "Turn" tab, there are two output boxes, instead of only one. Steps are given below to program each kind of turn.
Swing Turn
- Drop a "Move" block on the sequence beam
- Make sure only one motor is selected to be powered
- Copy the number of degrees in the "Swing Turn Motor Degrees" box
- Paste that number in the "Duration" text box, with the duration type set to "Degrees"
Point Turn
- Drop a "Move" block on the sequence beam
- Make sure only one motor is selected to be powered
- Copy the number of degrees in the "Point Turn Motor Degrees" box
- Paste that number in the "Duration" text box, with the duration type set to "Degrees"
- Drop a second "Move" block on the sequence beam
- Make sure the opposite motor is selected to be powered
- Set that motor to go backwards
- Copy the number of degrees in the "Point Turn Motor Degrees" box
- Paste that number in the "Duration" text box, with the duration type set to "Degrees"
Gear Ratios:
The Robot Calculator has the ability to calculate gear ratios. Unfortunately, it can calculate gear ratios only if there are two gears in the gear train. If you have more, you will have to calculate it yourself.
If your robot uses gear ratios, the Robot Calculator will adjust its calculation according to your gear ratio. If there is no gear ratio, type 1 in the Gear Ratio text box. Otherwise, please type the gear ratio into the "Gear Ratio" exactly like it appears when you calculate it with this calculator, or in a decimal form. The "Driving" gear is the gear connected to a power source. The "Driven" gear is the gear at the end of the gear train.
Uninstall
To uninstall the Robot Calculator, follow these steps:
- Click on "Start"
- Click "Control Panel"
- Double-Click "Add or Remove Programs"
- Once the list is populated, select "Robot Calculator Version 1.5"
- Click "Change/Remove"
- Select "Remove the application from this computer"
- Click "OK"
Troubleshooting:
We have found that momentum plays a large role in the accuracy of this calculator. Decreasing the power level of the motors greatly increases the accuracy.
If this calculator does not work at all with your robot, make sure your robot's wheels are straight, and you have entered all the information in correctly. If all else fails, email info@robodesigners.com.