This is particularly useful if you want to build a robot that runs on its own or you what to build a device (such as Christmas decoration) that works without always having a computer at its side.

Its functions include but not limited to: Write your program by dragging and dropping blocks Draw pictures, tell stories, write interactive projects and make games with code Control your Ranger, Makeblock Starter Kit, Makeblock Ultimate Kit, and more projects built upon Makeblocks RJ-25 Wiring System Upload programs to your Makeblock robots so they can run by themselves Convert your block-based program to full Arduino program and learn advanced programming skills Express creativity with software-hardware combined projects such as games using human bodies as controllers.

Step 1: Download mBlock The first steps are downloading and installing mBlock.

Scratch Coding Mbot Drivers Otherwise USB

Step 2: Install USB Drivers If it is the first time you install and open mBlock, you need to install USB drivers otherwise USB cables wont work on robots.

Select Connect, Install Arduino Driver as the picture shown below.

The latest driver appears to be signed, and should work out the box.

The new driver is here CH34xInstall.zip Step 3: Connect Your Robot mBlock provides three ways to connect your robot to the computer.

Scratch Coding Mbot Update Firmwarereset Default

USB cables are recommended for first time users and you can update firmwarereset default program only through USB cables; if you have a 2.4G model of Ranger, you can also connect through 2.4G Serial.

Finally, if your computer support Bluetooth and you have a Bluetooth module, you can try Bluetooth connection.

Connect Your Robot Through USB Cables Here are the steps: use a USB cable to connect between your robotcontroller board and your computer make sure the robot is powered on (using the power switch) select Connect, Serial Port, then the option corresponding to your robot.

If you are using Windows, it should be something like COM and a number; if you are using a Mac, it starts like devtty.wchusbserial.

You may try different options if it does not works.

Connect Your Robot Through 2.4G Modules The 2.4G module set comes with a electronic module and a USB dongle.

If you are using the dongle first time, you need to connect the 2.4G electronic module to your robot; power up your robot; press the button on top of the 2.4G module, and then plug the dongle to your computer.

When the LED light on the module turns from blinking to steady lighting, it means the 2.4G module is paired with the dongle.

On the software side, after pairing the dongle you need to select Connect-2.4G Serial-Connect in the software menu.

Connect Your Robot Through Bluetooth If your computer supports Bluetooth and you have Bluetooth Modules for Ranger or Auriga, you can control and program your robot wirelessly.

For Windows Operating system, just power up your robot, select Connect-Bluetooth-Discover, select your device discovered in the list, then you are free to go.

For Mac OS X, you need to pair and connect to Makeblock in the Bluetooth menu of your system, then you can find you robot in the Serial Port menu.

Step 4: Select the type of your productcontroller board For Ranger users, select Boards-Auriga; for StartUltimate users or DIY users using Auriga Controller Board, select Boards-Auriga as the picture shown below.

Step 5: Upgrade Firmware Before controlling your robot with mBlock, you need to uploadupdate the firmware of your Ranger or Auriga controller board.

It includes all the command blocks from Scratch and it can run Scratch programs.

Robot-related commands are located on Robots section.

You can drag a block from this section and double click it to run.

See if you own a Ranger, you may drag then double click a run forward at speed 100 block to let the robot run (at speed 100).

Feel free to explore different command blocks and combinations in mBlock endless possibilities awaits you Step 7: Upload your Program to your Robots What truly amazed me is that programs written in mBlock may be uploaded into robots and run without a computer.