Program Hardware Linkbot: Chromebook
In this lesson, you will learn how to build a Linkbot, connect it to your Chromebook using a wireless Dongle, and start using it in RoboBlocky. The lesson shows how to turn on the robot, open the Linkbot Manager, and connect your robot by typing its ID. It also explains how to test the connection, run code with your robot, and add or remove more robots. If you have any problems, the lesson includes tips for fixing connection issues and updating the robot's firmware.  

 

 

Note: These instructions are only for Chromebooks. If you are using a Windows or MacOS machine, view this lesson.

 

1. Build the Linkbot and Connect the Wireless Dongle

The image on the left below shows the parts to build the basic Linkbot: a Linkbot-I robot body (which has the joints opposite each other), two 3.5" Blue Wheels, a Ball Caster, and three orange Snap Connectors to attach the wheels and the Ball Caster to the robot body. For a step by step breakdown of how to build a Linkbot, view this lesson.

The middle images show what the robot should look like once it is built. Make sure the side with the "Linkbot" label and buttons is facing up.

The image on the right shows the Linkbot Dongle plugged into a USB port. The Dongle lets the computer talk to the Linkbot wirelessly. A small blue light should turn on after a few seconds. You can also connect the robot using a short or long micro USB cable if needed. If the Dongle is new or has not been used in a while, you may need to update the firmware. Instructions for updating firmware are included later in this lesson.

         

 

2. Turn On the Linkbot

To turn on the Linkbot, press and hold the power button on top until the red LED light flashes three times and you hear a beep. After a few seconds, the LED should turn light blue, showing the robot is ready.

 

3. Launch Linkbot Manager

In RoboBlocky, open the Linkbot Labs sidebar by selecting the "Linkbot" button near the top left of the screen (just under the RoboBlocky logo).

 

The Linkbot Labs sidebar will open. Click on the orange  Launch Linkbot Manager  button.

A new browser tab named "Linkbot Manager" will open. Make sure the Dongle is still plugged in. In the new tab, click the blue  Connect  button in the lower right corner.

A pop-up will appear. Select "Barobo USB-Serial Adapter" and then click "Connect." If you are reconnecting the robot, the pop-up might not appear. This is okay and you can continue to the next step.

 

After a few seconds, you should see the "Status: connected" message with a green dot.

 

 

Then return to the RoboBlocky tab. Do not close the "Linkbot Manager" tab or click the  Disconnect  button. If you accidentally close it, go back to RoboBlocky and click the  Launch Linkbot Manager  button to go through the connection process again.

 

4. Connect a Linkbot

Make sure the Linkbot is turned on. Then enter the robot's ID code (found on top of the robot, such as "W46P") into the Linkbot ID box and click "Add."

After a few seconds, the robot's name and ID will appear in the sidebar. The LED on the robot will change color to match the color shown next to the name in the sidebar. To test the connection, click the "Beep" button. The robot should make a beeping sound.

 

If you see an error message or the robot does not connect, check the troubleshooting section at the end of this lesson.

5. Code the Linkbot

To test the robot, drag a block like driveDistance to the Workspace. Click  Run  or  Step  to see both the virtual Linkbot and your hardware Linkbot move.

Speed limits: The hardware Linkbot works best at speeds between 1 and 5 inches per second (about 2.5 to 12.5 cm/sec). The maximum speed is 6 inches per second when using 3.5-inch blue wheels. More precisely, the maximum joint speed is 200 degrees/second. The on-screen virtual robots can move much faster.

 

6. Remove a Linkbot

To remove a Linkbot, click the white triangle next to the "Beep" button.

Then click "delete." The virtual robot will still appear on the grid, but it will no longer be connected to a physical robot.

Clicking the white triangle button opens the Control Panel for the Linkbot. You can find more information about the Control Panel in this lesson. 

 

7. Connecting Multiple Linkbots

You can connect more than one Linkbot at a time. Use the same steps to add each one. In the sidebar, each Linkbot will be labeled "Linkbot 1," "Linkbot 2," and so on.

 

You can change the order of the robots by clicking and dragging their names up or down in the sidebar. This will also change their colors. For example, if you move "Linkbot 2" above "Linkbot 1," then Linkbot 2 will become Linkbot 1 and turn red.

For more information on coding multiple Linkbots, see the lessons on Control Multiple Robots One at a Time and Move Multiple Robots at Same Time.

8. Troubleshooting

If the robot does not connect, turn it off and click the "Delete" button in the sidebar. Then try the connection steps again. If it still does not work, see the lesson on Tips for Debugging Linkbot Connection Issues.

9. Update Firmware
If the Dongle or Linkbot has not been used recently (in the last five years), the firmware may need to be updated. Firmware is the special software inside the Dongle and Linkbot that helps them work properly. Firmware cannot be updated on a Chromebook. You will need a Windows or Mac computer to update it. See this lesson for more information.

Note: If your robots HAVE been in used in the past 5 years, there is no need to update the firmware. Any connection issue is not related to firmware updates.