Robotbit Edu
Robotbit Edu is the latest version of KittenBot’s popular extension board, Robotbit. Robotbit Edu combines the powerful driving capabilities of Robotbit with the ease of wiring of the Armorbit. By switching to 3Pin PH2.0 connectors, wiring various sensors and modules becomes easier. At the same time, the 8 servo ports and 4 motor ports are preserved to provide Robotbit Edu with abundant drving capabilities.
Target Users
School-based STEM Education
Teaching Institutes
Users of Micro:bit, Meowbit or FutureBoard
Makers
Special Features
Powerful
Up to 8 servos and 4 DC motors or 2 stepper motors can be driven simultaneously
Easy Wiring
GPIO Ports have been adapted into PH2.0 connectors to prevent incorrect wiring
Base Shell
Provides protection and compatibility with plastic building bricks or M3 nuts
All-in-one Power
Stable power to all connectors
Uses 18650 Lithium battery to provide abundant power
USB charging port with power indicator LEDs
Can also be connected to external power for a maximum of 6V
Safety Circuits
Onboard circuit prevents over discharge or charge for Lithium batteries with protection during short circuits
Built-in Light Feature
An RGB LED has been built-in
Supports multiple controllers
Supports Micro:bit, Meowbit or FutureBoard
Product Specifications
Dimensions: 78 x 57 x 23 mm
Weight: 37.5g
Hole(Small) Diameter: 3.0mm
Hole(Large) Diameter: 4.8mm
Power: 5V USB \ 3.7~4.2V Lithium Battery
Vin External Input: Maximum 6V3A
Operating Voltage: 3V/5V, 18650 battery outputs 1A maximum
Exploring the Details
PH2.0 GPIO Ports x8
PH2.0 to Dupont cables are available for purchase for use with conventional sensor/modules
I2C Port x1
Serial Connection Port x1
Motor Ports x4(Maximum 2 stepper motors)
Servo Ports x8
RGB LED x1
18650 Battery Compartment
VIN External Power Input Connector
USB Charging Port
18650 Battery Compartment
Install the battery according to the polarity shown inside the battery compartment.
After installing the battery for the first time, Robotbit would not power on because the battery hasn’t been activated. Please press the battery activating button to activate the battery to resume normal operation.(This procedure may be required after reinstalling the battery)
Power Switch
Power on Robotbit by pushing the switch towards the green Vin port, the power LED will light up.
Micro USB Charging Port
Robotbit is able to charge the 18650 Lithium battery when using USB chargers with at least a 5V 1A output. 18650 takes approximately 2.5 hours to be fully charged, the charging indicator LED will turn green when fully charged, although Robotbit has overcharging protection, it is recommended to unplug the charger after the battery is fully charged. Please also take some time to read the included Lithium Battery Usage Tips included with the Robobit.
Attention: For charging only, not for data communication
Power Indicator LEDs
Led(3): Power LED, lights up when power is switched on Led(2): Charging indicator, lights up when charging a 18650 battery Led(1): Lights up when 18650 battery is fully charged
Main Controller Slot
Install the Main Controller with the back side facing the battery compartment.
Robotbit Edu has support for Micro:bit, Meowbit and Futureboard.
RGB LED
A programmable RGB LED connected to Pin 16 of the Robotbit Edu.
8 Servo Ports
The Robotbit Edu has a servo driver chip to drive 8 servo motors simultaneously connected to the I2C port.
``` Attention: The servo ports are for connecting servos only and not for GPIO purposes. ```
When powered by 18650 batteries, a maximum of 8 9G servos can be driven with a total current of less than 2A. Using large servos such as MG995 maybe have adverse effects like burning out the Robotbit.
When powered by Vin External Power, servos with a total current of less than 3A can be driven.
DC Motor ports x4 OR Stepper Motor Ports x2
When powered by 18650 batteries, 4 TT Motors or 2 stepper motors can be simultaneously driven(Total current < 2A). Large current motors such as 540 motors should not be used with Robotbit to avoid burning out.
DC motors and stepper motor can be used at the same time.(2 DC motors and 1 stepper motor)
3Pin GPIO Ports
The unoccupied Micro:bit pins P0-P2, P8, P12-P15 are adapted to PH2.0 ports to make wiring to different modules and sensors easier.
3Pin PH2.0 to Dupont wires are available to purchase for use with conventional modules and sensors.
I2C and Serial Ports
I2C Port is adapted to a 4Pin PH2.0 port to allow easy connection with I2C modules.
Serial Port is adaped to Dupont connectors for connection with modules needing 2 GPIO pins, the pin out is arranged to align with KOI or WifiBrick.
2PIN External Power Input Port
Be careful of the polarity when connecting a power source.
The external port supports a maximum of 6V 3A, power with at least 5V 2A is recommended to satisfy the needs for high torque servos.
MakeCode Programming Tutorial
Robotbit Edu is programmed the same way as Robotbit V2.2, please refer to the following chapter to learn more about MakeCode programming with Robotbit Edu.
Kittenblock Programming Tutorial
Robotbit Edu is programmed the same way as Robotbit V2.2, please refer to the following chapter to learn more about KittenBlock programming with Robotbit Edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Robotbit does not turn on after installing battery and switching on the power.
Please check if the battery has been activated via the activator button.Please check if the battery has been installed correctly.Please check if the battery is charged.
What is the function of the battery activator?
The battery activator serves as a protection mechanism. In case of accidents such as over current or short circuit, the protection circuit will be activated to cut off the power to prevent damage. Pressing the activator will reset the circuit to its working state.
I can’t find my Micro:bit or Robotbit when connecting it to my computer.
The USB port on the Robotbit is only for charging the battery, not for communicating with a computer.
Will I destroy the Robotbit if I install the battery in the wrong way?
No, Robotbit was designed to prevent damage in this case. However please still be careful when installing the battery.
Will I destroy the Robotbit by inserting the Micro:bit in the wrong way?
No because Micro:bit will not be powered in this case.
How do I use Pin 0?
Pin 0 is used by the buzzer by default, remove the buzzer jumper to use Pin 0 as normal.
Micro:bit has more than 8 IO pins, where are the other ones on the Micro:bit?
Although Micro:bit has close to 20 IO pins, a lot of them are used by the Micro:bit’s built-in devices such as the LED matrix.
Although these occupied pins can in fact be used, it may be confusing and difficult for beginners. The 8 remaining free pins accessible with the Robotbit is more than enough for most projects.
If more IO pins are required, consider using IOBit, another expansion board made by Kittenbot.
Can the Servo Ports be used as IO Ports?
No, because the 8 servo ports are controlled by a servo driver, they are not IO pins.
What is the use of VM port on the Motor ports?
The VM port is only used by stepper motors, DC motors only need to use A+A- or B+B-者B+B-.
Can the board be placed on a metal or wet surface?
No, doing so will cause a short circuit and damage the board. Please install a Base to prevent short circuit.
What kind of current is supported by the external power input?
The external input supports a maximum current of 6V3A.
I can’t reproduce the results from the tutorials.
There may be slight mistakes in your wiring or your program, check each carefully.
The Robotbit seems to be broken, is there a warranty?
Each Robotbit has been tested to be in working order before they are packaged. Please check if the problem is caused by your program or your wiring, if you are certain that the Robotbit is damaged, please contact the supplier.
If the board is evaluated to be damaged by not man-made damage, the supplier will offer a replacement for boards that are within 1 year of their purchase according to the receipt.