In this tutorial you will learn all details about the most important block in the RW kit - the Main Block.
1. Key Info
2. Inside the Main Block
3. Turning On & Off
4. Connecting to the App
5. Battery Charging
6. Updating the Firmware
7. Recovering a Malfunctioning Main Block
1. Key Info
Functionality
- Battery power source for all connected modules
- Wifi and BLE connections
- Speaker for in-app sounds
Battery Life
Approximately 6 hours. This will vary depending on how many blocks are connected and what functions are used. Using the motors to drive around non-stop for hours will drain the battery more quickly, for example.
Charging
Will reach full charge using the provided micro USB cable in 1-2 hours. We recommend charging the battery anytime it is below 20% charge.
Control
Use the Robo Wunderkind app to control your Main Block and attached modules. Requirements for downloading the app:
Apple iOS 11+
Google Android 4.4+
Windows 8+
macOS 10.13.6
Bluetooth 4.0
Make sure you have the Bluetooth and Location Services turned on and
give permission for the app to use them. This is required for the Bluetooth (BLE)
connection to work.
2. Inside the Main Block
The Main Block is essential for your build because it’s “Robo’s brain”. It provides power, connects to your device via Bluetooth and controls the modules you attach. Always start building your robot with the Main Block!
3. Turning On & Off
There are two versions of the Main Block - push button and slide button.
Push Button - Hold the Power Button for about 2 seconds to turn on the Main Block. Once it’s on, you will hear the startup sound and see the four LED flashing one by one, indicating that it‘s ready to pair with your Bluetooth device. Hold the Power Button for about 2 seconds to turn it off.
Slide Button - Slide the Power Button to the "I" symbol to turn on the Main Block. Once it’s on, you will hear the startup sound and see the four LED flashing one by one, indicating that it‘s ready to pair with your Bluetooth device. Slide the Power Button to the "o" symbol to turn it off.
4. Connecting to the Robo Wunderkind app
Download Robo Wunderkind app.
It is available in:
- App Store/Apple: download here
- Google Play Store: download here
- Windows Apps/Microsoft Store: download here
- Amazon Appstore: download here
In the app you will be able to switch between different interfaces:
Open Robo Wunderkind app and connect.
On the screen, you will see the "Connect Robo" button. Tap this button and a list of available Main Blocks will appear. Press Connect for the desired Main Block and a connection beep will be played by the Main Block to let you know that it is connected to the app.
5. Battery Charging
To charge your Main Block, connect the Main Block to power via the Micro-USB port. It will take about 2-3 hours to fully charge the Main Block. The Main Block LEDs indicate battery status in a number of ways:
Battery is charging
Battery is fully charged
To check the battery percentage, connect to the Main Block to the Robo Wunderkind app.
PLEASE NOTE: It’s not possible to use the robot while charging.
Battery Protection
Special flashing lights (see GIF below) and beeps occurs when a Main Block has been left on but has not been used for 45 minutes.
This reminder will repeat every 10 minutes until the switch is moved to the off position. At the 45 minute mark, the Main Block will transition into a "deep sleep" state to prevent the battery from draining to an unrecoverable level.
6. Updating the firmware
For Main Blocks with a Push Button:
If a firmware update is available, the app will update your Main Block when you tap the purple "Update" button in two minutes or less.
Once you have firmware version 3.4.1, all future firmware updates will occur through the app using a Bluetooth update. To check which firmware version you have, tap the three dots beneath you Robo name to view this screen. The number on the right is your current Main Block firmware version.
Older update methods (Hotspot and WiFi updates) are discontinued after firmware version 3.4.1. If you are attempting to update a Main Block with earlier firmware, please follow the firmware update steps provided in-app. If your update is still stuck, please reach out to us at support@robowunderkind.com and we will help you to troubleshoot and complete the update process.
For Main Blocks with a Slide Button:
If a firmware update is available, the app will update your Main Block when you tap the purple "Update" button in two minutes or less.
Once you have firmware version 4.3.5, all future firmware updates will occur through the app using a Bluetooth update. Older update methods (Hotspot and WiFi updates) are discontinued.
If you connect a Main Block with a Slide Button to the app with a firmware version before 4.3.5, you will see the following message redirecting you to the Wired Update. Read more about the Wired Update below.
Wired Update
Main Blocks with a Slide Button can always be updated to the latest firmware through a Wired Update. Visit the Wired Update page on a laptop or desktop computer, connect your Main Block using the provided USB cord, and follow the directions on the page.
Some users may need a driver in order to see and connect Robo Wunderkind devices to this page via USB cord. If you cannot see a “USB Serial” device in the connection box and have tried a different USB port and/or cord, please download the correct CH340 driver from the list below. Install the driver, then return to the Wired Update page to update your devices.
• More information about these drivers
6. Recovering a Malfunctioning Main Block
Battery Recovery
If your Main Block battery will not charge, try using a 6 Volt charger (example). Temporarily increasing the charge voltage can recover the battery in certain instances. Do not use a 6V charger on a regular basis.
Functionality Recovery
If your Slide Button Main Block is not functioning correctly - issues connecting to the app, issues with modules working inconsistently or not at all - please visit the Wired Update page. Connect your Slide Button Main Block to the page via USB cord, check the "Erase device before updating" box, then click "Update" to get a clean installation of the latest firmware. It is not necessary to erase your Main Block every time you update the firmware.
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