Gripper Test Script

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

Note: The script was created by entering the python script below and adding the cyberbot.py module to the Project Files as shown in Add modules to your micro:bit.  The project name was set to test_gripper_angles_buttons before saving it as a .hex file as shown in Save & Edit Scripts.

Script: test_gripper_angles_buttons

The script 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 script you can run while making mechanical adjustments.    

      # test_gripper_angles_buttons
      
      from cyberbot import *
      
      display.show(Image.ARROW_E)
      
      while True:
          if button_b.was_pressed():
              bot(16).servo_angle(30)     # close gripper & lift
              display.show(Image.ARROW_W)
          elif button_a.was_pressed():
              bot(16).servo_angle(150)    # Lower gripper & open
              display.show(Image.ARROW_E)    

      Tests

      The main purpose of these tests is to verify that the script 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.