Hardware
Can I use open source tools to develop for CodeBot?
As a matter of fact, you can use open source tools to develop for CodeBot. Moreover, CodeBot is built on open source.
And likely any other robot you purchase will not have open source hardware with full schematics published.
So in fact you have in your hands the best open source educational robotics platform around!
If my students accidently mix up or switch the CodeX or CodeBots, will this cause any issues?
No, mixing up devices won’t cause any issues. Students can use different CodeX or CodeBots each day without any problems since the access to the curriculum is managed by license. However, if students
download their own pictures or audio files, those files will remain on the specific device they used.
How do I use other micropython libraries on the CodeBot?
For the CB3 you can use CircuitPython libraries, and compatible MicroPython libraries. We briefly mention it here, https://docs.firialabs.com/overview/adding_libs.html. To copy files to your CodeBot, check out the Working With Files document.
Can I connect the CodeBot with other IDEs?
CodeBot runs CircuitPython, so you can use other development environments or editors (e.g. VS Code) to create Python programs and load them through the filesystem. Our library docs here will be useful in that instance: https://docs.firialabs.com/. We reference these docs also in the online lessons, to familiarize students with using online documentation like this - even though most concepts and APIs are explained inline in the lessons as well.
How do I load external modules onto CodeBot’s filesystem?
There are two ways to load external modules onto CodeBot’s filesystem:
- Inside CodeSpace, make a new file (example: “metered_motors.py”), copy the contents of above into it, and Run it. Using a proper Python filename with .py extension will trigger CodeSpace to persist the file as a module you can import later.
- Using the flash filesystem, drag-and-drop the .py files to the CodeBot “mass storage device”. You’ll need to wait a second after copying files and reboot CodeBot before it will actually recognize the new files and allow importing them.
Where can I find the CodeBot Schematics?
You can find both CB2 & CB3 schematics at CodeBot Specs.
Where can I find commands relating to GPIO or any other functions concerning the expansion breadboard?
Documentation for using GPIO and many of the internal STM32 hardware peripherals can be found here: http://docs.micropython.org/en/v1.10/library/machine.html
Expansion connector docs are here: https://docs.firialabs.com/codex/hardware_reference/Expansion.html
Does the CodeAIR require Wi-Fi or internet to code with Python, and do you have to use Firia Labs curriculum to program it?
The CodeAIR doesn’t rely on a Wi-Fi or internet connection. However, to use our CodeSpace learning platform you will need an internet connected
computer (Windows, Mac, Chromebook, etc). Our “Fly with Python” mission pack in CodeSpace is a great way to learn about all the features of CodeAIR, and the Python code to control it.
However, if you need to program CodeAIR when there is no internet connection available, it is also possible to use a text editor of your
choice, e.g. VS Code, and a serial terminal. You will of course not have all the tutorial lesson content you’d get in CodeSpace, but you have complete access to
programming CodeAIR, including all the features of the hardware and embedded software.