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    fischertechnik FAQ

    ROBOTICS AND PROGRAMMING RELATED QUESTIONS:

     

    The ROBO Pro computing software does not work properly. What can I do?

    Please find the download for the latest version of ROBO Pro (Update) under the heading "Robotics Resources", and scroll down to the section called "Downloads". Click on this link to access the updates and other information currently available.

    Error message "An unexpected situation has occurred" appears when using ROBO Pro computing software. What can I do?

    A software error/programming error is present: Please send the program which caused the error message with a short description to fischertechnik via email: [email protected]

    Error message "USB interface not found" appears when using ROBO Pro computing software. What can I do?

    Possibly no power supply: Check the display on the ROBO TX controller or LED on the ROBO interface. Possibly TX controller or interface not connected to a computer: Visual check. Possibly USB driver not installed.

    Does the ROBO Pro software offer a random function?

    Various subroutines for generating random numbers are located in the subroutine library "Random".

    Can I program fischertechnik with Java? I have a TX controller.

    Yes, the free software package required for this is available under unter "Downloads".

    Where I can get a manual for C programming for a ROBo interface ore TX controller?

    fischertechnik.de - Rubric Computing - Downloads.

    Does the ROBO Pro software also work with the Apple Mac?

    The ROBO Pro software will also run on the Mac platform if you follow a few simple directions. The complete instructions are available here:                          
    http://www.apple.com/de/macosx/what-is-macosx/compatibility.html
    http://www.apple.com/de/search/?q=bootcamp&sec=mac

    I cannot install the USB driver. I always get an error message.

    The USB driver can only be installed by a user with administrator rights for the PC. 

    How can I address a number of ROBO interfaces and ROBO TX controllers with ROBO Pro?

    Applicable information is given in the ROBO Pro help in Chapter 7 "Controlling several interfaces".

     

    HARDWARE RELATED:

     

    What is the maximum voltage I can use to operate the ROBO TX controller without damaging it?

    9V. We recommend using the fischertechnik Accu Set or Power Set.

    Can the sound module be connected to the ROBO TX controller?

    Yes, the ROBO TX controller and sound module can be connected to the same power source (important). Connect sound input A - B - C with an output (O1-O8) on the ROBO TX controller.

    How high is the conversion rate for the analog channels?

    An internal clock pulse of 10 ms is used in the entire Robo system. This means that the program receives a new analog value every 10 ms.

    How can I determine whether the Robo interface has recognized the connected I/O extension?

    When the I/O extension is connected, only the green "Ext" LED flashes.

    How many extension modules can be connected to the ROBO interface? 

    The ROBO iterface can control a maximum of 3 I/O extension modules.

     

    GENERAL QUESTIONS:

     

    Can the old gray parts be combined with the present parts?

    All fischertechnik parts can be combined completely with one another regardless of age – including electrical/electronic components. Only the color has changed from gray/red to black/red/yellow.

    Where can I still get old sets from the "gray era"?

    The factory offers only the current line of sets. The Online auction  www.ebay.de (search word "fischertechnik") has proven to be a good source for old fischertechnik sets and rare parts. Rarities are also sold there.

    What happens when fischertechnik parts come into contact with water?

    Nothing happens when plastic parts come into contact with water. However, electronic components should not be allowed to come into contact with water.

     

    TECHNICAL QUESTIONS:

     

    Can motors be damaged when they have to lift heavy loads?

    No, when the load is too heavy, the motor simply stops.

    Can sounds I have generated myself be uploaded on the PLUS Sound & Lights sound module?

    Yes. It is necessary to play the files as 22khz 8bit Mono .wav files.

    How can I measure the battery voltage on the TX controller?

    Connect the battery to a universal input (I1-I8) on the TX controller. Connect the negative pole of the battery to the input ground socket and the positive pole of the battery to the other input socket.

    The pneumatic cylinders in my model do not move correctly.What causes this?

    This can have various causes. For this reason, a troubleshooting chart is present in the last chapter of the activity booklets for the "Profi Pneumatic II" and "ROBO PneuVac" sets.

    What can I use to drive a differential?

    31414 differential drive gear Z14, 137196 differential gear XM motor, 35143 differential gear Power-Motor. See also instructions for XM Motor Set and Power Motor Set.

    The solar motor from the PROFI Oeco Tech does not run. What can cause this?

    It could be that the model is not assembled correctly and the motor cannot turn easily. However, the light may also not be strong enough. This can be checked with direct sunlight, a halogen spot lamp or desk lamp (do not use LED light).

    The LED on the PROFI Oeco Tech does not illuminate. What can cause this?

    Please check the polarity (assembly instructions, Page 4). Ensure that the turbine/water wheel/windmill turn in the proper direction (assembly instructions P. 9). The water wheel/windmill may turn too slowly.

    The fuel cell from the PROFI Hydro cell kit generates hydrogen extremely slowly or not at all. What can cause this?

    Connection between solar modules and fuel cell incorrect – check on P. 3 (Fig. 2) of instruction manual. The light intensity may be too low. This can be checked with direct sunlight, a halogen spot lamp or desk lamp (do not use LED light). Other possible sources of error: Fuel cell diaphragm too dry; fill fuel cell with distilled water and allow to stand for 30 minutes with plugs facing up.

    The compressor in the PROFI Pneumatic II runs very slowly or stops completely. What can cause this?
    See P. 8 in activity booklet

    The motor for the compressor in the PROFI Pneumatic II runs, however the flywheel does not turn. What can cause this?

    See P. 8 in activity booklet

    The pneumatic cylinder in the PROFI Pneumatic II moves very slowly or not at all. What can cause this?

    See P. 8 in activity booklet

    Model from PROFI E-Tech does not function. What can cause this?

    Incorrect wiring. Circuit diagram in assembly instructions. Slide switch (DIP switch) on E-Tech module incorrectly set. Circuit diagram in assembly instructions.

    Light barrier from PROFI E Tech does not function. What can cause this?

    Incorrect bulb lamp used instead of lens tip lamp: The bulb lamp has a white base/the lens tip lamp a gray base. Phototransistor connected with polarity reversed: Circuit diagram in assembly instructions/red = +.   Light not aimed correctly: Phototransistor defective.

    E-Tech module from PROFI E-Tech set does not work. What can cause this?

    Possibly incorrect or no power supply: Rechargeable battery pack charged? 9V block battery charged? Correct polarity (red = +/green =-).

    The servo lever on the PLUS Control set swings back and forth uncontrolled. What can cause this?

    Power supply too low. Use fischertechnik rechargeable battery set for power supply.

    The servo from the PLUS Control set does not work. What can cause this?

    Servo plug connected incorrectly: Check according to instruction manual, Page 1, Fig. 2

    The receiver from the PLUS Control set does not work. What can cause this?

    Power supply incorrect. LED should flash twice per second. Power supply polarity reversed: red="+/green=-." See Instruction manual, P. 8 for further tests.

    What is the precise data for the ft motors?

    35481 Power Motor 8:1, idle speed: approx. 725 rpm, maximum current consumption: approx. 1 A, max. torque approx. 9.5 Ncm

    104589 Power Motor 20:1, idle speed: approx. 290 rpm, maximum current consumption: approx. 1 A, max. torque approx. 24 Ncm

    104574 Power Motor 50:1, idle speed: approx. 115 rpm, maximum current consumption: approx. 1 A, max. torque approx. 60 Ncm

    32293 Mini Motor, idle speed: approx. 9,500 rpm, maximum current consumption: approx. 0.65 A, max. torque approx. 0.4 Ncm

    153485 XM Motor, data at maximum output, speed: 338 rpm, current consumption: 0.95 A, torque: 8.4 Ncm

    137096 XS Motor, data at maximum output, speed: 5995 rpm, current consumption: 0.265 A, torque: 0.15 Ncm