RoboPro Software for

fischertechnik®

RoboPro Screen

ElementWindow

Set to Level 1:Beginners

ProgramWindow

Toolbar

Setting up the Interface

Select the type of interface and port to connect to.

Checking the Interface

Inputs

Outputs

Analog Inputs

Interface Status

Checking the Interface

The Element Window

Function blocks are Icons that, when selected, access Instruction Sets in the RoboPro software to perform the operations identified by the icons. They are located on the left-hand side of the screen.

The Flowchart

When function blocks are placed on the screen and connected, a Flowchart is created.

530 CALL M1 On

BASIC Programming Graphic Programming

500 INIT

510 If E1 = 1 THEN GOTO 530 520 GOTO 510

540 END

Sample Instruction Sets Icons

Programming

Motor Outputs provide power to devices. The image of the function block can be changed from a motor to an electromagnet, lamp, solenoid, or buzzer to match the physical component that it controls.

Motor Output

Select InterfaceConnection

Select Speed,Brightness, or Intensity

Choose Image

Choose Action

Motor Outputs

Output Images

Start & End

The Start and End function blocks begin and end a program.

The program to control two output devices might look like this.

Start Program

M1 Output On

M2 Output On

End Program

Outputs

The Time Delay is used to introduce a delay in a program.

Time Delay

A time step can be set for seconds, minutes, or hours.

Digital Inputs

InputsThe Input function block queries the state of a digital input I1-I8 on the interface. A digital input can only have one of two states, 0 or 1.

Examples Pushbutton Switch Pushed or not pushedPhototransistor Light or darkReed Switch Switched or not switched

Digital Inputs

Phototransistor(light sensor)

Switch (pressure sensor)

Reed Switch(magnetic sensor)

Input Images

Digital Inputs can represent a variety of switch mechanisms, including a pushbutton switch, phototransistor, or reed switch.

Digital Inputs

Digital Inputs connect to I1-I8 on the interface.

Text

The Text tool is used to display information on the program page.

Wait for Input

Wait for Input responds to a digital signal change.

Wait for Input

Wait for Input is simpler and easier than using the digital input icon for some applications.

Counter Loop

With the Counter Loop, you can execute a specific part of the program several times.

Counter Loop

This Counter Loopallows a light toflash on for 2 seconds,then off for 2 seconds. The sequence will occur 10 times before the program ends.

Analog Branch

With the Analog Branch, you can comparethe value of an analoginput with a fixednumber. You can branch tothe Yes (Y) or No (N)exit based upon the comparison.

Set the condition and entera comparison value.

This Analog Branchuses a photocellsensor to determinewhether the reading (value of AX) is greater than 800. When it is, the light is turned off and the program ends.

Analog Branch

Additional Programming Options

At times more program options are necessary.

Level 4 provides additional programming options.

Variables

Variables are accessed from the element window.

Variables

A Variable will store a value for use by the program.

It is best to be descriptive when naming the variable so that its function is clear.

Commands

Commands are used to change the value of variables.

Branch and Wait

Branch and Wait functions make decisions using values entering through the branch or branches on the left.

Variables

A Variable can be used to count, as in this example. The variable Dogs is increased by one each time through the loop until its value is greater than 3. The program then ends. The variable blocks are named the same so that the values always match.

Inputs and Outputs

Inputs and Outputs are used to provide information to affect variables and to display values.

Variables

A Variable can be used to store a value. In this example the value of a photocell is reflected in the variable by means of an Analog Input and is used to determine which way a motor will turn.

Operators

Operators allow combining or comparing two variables using mathematics or logic.

Panel Elements

Panel Elements are used to build a display or control board to interact with a fischertechnik® model.

Displays

Values can be displayed on the screen.

Setting up a Display

Text Displays can be customized.

Displays

Panel Displays are used to assign the output device.

SubprogramsSubprograms are pieces of a program that can be used many times in different places. They can also allow the programmer to isolate different portions of a complex program.

Subprograms

Subprograms utilize the Entry and Exit commands.

Subprograms

Once saved, the subprogram can be selected from available Loaded Programs.