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About Multicore
The Propeller chip is a multicore microcontroller - it has eight processor cores inside that can run different pieces of code at the same time, sort of like having eight different brains working on individual tasks for a project.
When creating a Blocklyprop project, the main code you build runs in one processor. The BlocklyProp Functions and Multicore tutorial explains more about how this works.
Remote Control Rock, Talk, and Roll ActivityBot
Show off your ActivityBot's multitasking skills with this IR remote control Propeller C project. Change directions or speed while playing music, or vice versa, without the need for coding interrupts. Just watch out for obstacles or your robot could develop a mind of its own!
Step 25: Calibrate the ESC Throttle Range
Before moving on, the ESCs (electronic speed controllers) will need to be calibrated. This process tells the ESCs the minimum and maximum throttle range sent from the flight controller to the ESCs. If this is not done before flight, your motors may not respond correctly – causing unstable or unpredictable flight.
Do More With This Project
Did You Know?
You can use your own WAV files for this project. Give your ActivityBot a vocabulary all its own, add different music tracks, or even sound effects. Our Sound Library features easy how-to’s for using the free Audacity software:
About Board Types
Why Board Types?
Animated Dracula Project
DIY your Halloween lawn decorations this year with the Parallax Animation Kit, some inexpensive holiday props, and a lot of hot glue.
PIR Motion Sensor
A PIR Sensor can tell when something nearby moves. The sensor detects the pattern of infrared energy in its surroundings. If the pattern changes, the sensor outputs a high signal. The Propeller microcontroller only needs to monitor this signal with an I/O pin to know if something is moving around nearby.
Circuit
Parts
(1) PIR Sensor Rev B (#555-28027)
(1) 220 ohm resistor
(3) jumper wires
About BlocklyProp Updates
BlocklyProp Updates 2020 - Transition to BlocklyProp Solo
BlocklyProp is transitioning from the original account-based system at blockly.parallax.com to the secure, no-login BlocklyProp Solo site where users store their projects on their computers. An updated Launcher (replaces Client) is needed for BlocklyProp Solo.
Beeps
Even though the Propeller chip can play WAV files and synthesize speech, sometimes a simple beep is all the noise you need to get the job done. Many devices beep to get your attention. Microwave ovens let you know your food is ready, alarm system keypads respond when you press a number key, and smoke alarms warn you something is burning. These devices often use piezospeakers because they are inexpensive, yet make clear, audible tones.
The first breadboard circuit we'll build for the ActivityBot is a simple piezo speaker.