Gripper Test Project

Hardware Setup

• Set the cyber:bot board’s power (PWR) switch to Position 0.
• Make sure the battery holder is loaded with 5 AA batteries.
• Make sure the battery holder’s barrel plug is firmly plugged into the cyber:bot board’s barrel jack. 
• Connect your micro:bit module to your computer with a USB cable.

Software Setup

• In a browser, go to makecode.microbit.org to open the micro:bit Makecode Editor.
• Copy the following blocks into a new project named test_gripper_angles_buttons.

Project: test_gripper_angles_buttons

The project will turn the Gripper’s standard servo to its 30° position. This will make the Gripper close and lift its paddles. Then it will turn the standard servo to its 150° position to make the Gripper paddles lower and open. If your Gripper does not properly complete both motions, the troubleshooting section on the next page has a project you can run while making mechanical adjustments. 

• Make sure that you have completed the Hardware Setup and Software Setup tasks.
• Click Download.
  (See Flash Projects with MakeCode Editor.)

Tests

The main purpose of these tests is to verify that the project makes the Gripper complete both the close/lift and lower/open motions. If it doesn’t do both correctly, try the Troubleshooting section on the next page.

• Set the PWR switch to 2.
• Press/release the micro:bit module’s B button and verify that the Gripper closes and lifts its paddles.

• Press/release the micro:bit module’s A button and verify that the Gripper lowers and opens its paddles.

• If the Gripper does not complete both the close-lift and the lower-open maneuvers, check the Troubleshooting section on the next page.
• When you are done, set the cyber:bot board’s PWR switch to 0. To extend battery life, make sure to do this whenever the cyber:bot with Gripper is not in use.