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FAQs

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Our Programs

Technical / Hardware Support

 

All-In-One Solution (YOU Teach)

What is the All-In-One Solution?

Our All-In-One Solution is designed to be turn-key, meaning we provide you with everything you need to bring engaging STEM to your students including but not limited to Curriculum & Learning Portal Access, Equipment Kits, Professional Development, Technical Support, and Student Connection Materials

What is included in the All-In-One Solution?

The equipment and curriculum depends on the course, and you can check out our course catalog here. However, the All-In-Solution always includes Curriculum & Learning Portal Access, Equipment Kits, Professional Development, and Technical Support.

Here’s a sample of what would be provided for our Introduction to Robotics Course for K-2nd Grade Learners.

Online Learning Portal Access with:

  • 15 lesson plans, Course Overview and Scope and Sequence Guide
  • Teacher guides
  • Presentation slides
  • Student worksheets with answer keys
  • 24 Code and Go Robots (batteries included, manufacturer's warranty applies)
  • 1 Year of live technical support and access to self-paced Professional Development resources

How many students can learn from the All-In-One Solution?

The license is site wide, meaning any classroom in your school can use it. Classroom equipment bundles start with a classroom size of 24 students in mind. However, we can work with you to add more equipment as needed.

Is there any Professional Development included in the All-In-One solution?

We provide equipment, & instructional strategies • O“One year subscription to learning portal, including self-paced PD sessions, presentations, and additional implementation resources. Live PD sessions also available.• Year-round technical and implementation support

What additional resources are available for schools?

In our We Teach method, Our NextWaveSTEM educators teach in-person or virtually, during or after school. We also offer co-teaching models where our instructors can mentor your teachers or teach alongside them in any of our thirty courses.If you are interested in our We Teach option instead of All-In-One Solution, please read below to learn more.

What is the difference between the All-In-One (YOU Teach) and WE Teach Solutions?

With the All-In-One Solution, we provide you with the training as well as curriculum kits to teach the students yourself whereas with the WE Teach solution, we send a NextWaveSTEM trained and vetted mentor with the tools to teach your students.

Where can I find out more information about this solution?

You are able to contact us here or find out more information here.

 

WE Teach

What is the WE Teach Solution?

Our WeTeach solution brings STEM expertise right to your school. A NextWaveSTEM trained educator facilitates hands-on learning experiences for your students during school or as part of after-school programming. WeTeach programs can also be implemented in a co-teaching or gradual release model. We provide the equipment, lesson plans, and fun. You provide the classroom and students.

What courses are offered through the WE Teach Solution?

NextWaveSTEM trained and vetted mentors can teach any of our Emerging Technology courses. Check out our course catalog here.

How is WE Teach implemented?

We offer During School courses, After School & Summer courses as well as In-Person/Virtual courses.

Where can I find out more information about this solution?

You are able to contact us here or find out more information here.

 

Tello Drone

How do I control Tello?

You can control Tello directly via Tello app or with a supported Bluetooth remote controller connected to the Tello app.

What kind of interesting things can Tello do during flight?

Tello can perform eight different flips, fly up and down from your hand in Bounce mode, or automatically record short videos with EZ Shots.

Can Tello fly indoors?

Yes, Tello is safe to fly indoors. Tello can also fly outdoors, but it is only recommended to do so in windless conditions.

Is Tello waterproof?

No.

What does Tello's camera feature?

Tello's camera is capable of capturing photos and recording videos. With EZ Shots, users can fly in three specific patterns while recording short videos.

Where are my captured photos and video saved? How can I export them?

Photos and video will save to your smartphone. You can export files from your smartphone as needed.

Do I need to insert an SD card to store photos and video?

No.

What is Tello's flight range?

Tello's maximum flight range is approximately 100 m, but that range may vary according to your environment.

How do I charge Tello's battery?

You can either charge one battery via the Micro USB port on the aircraft or use the battery charging hub to charge three batteries in sequence.

Does Tello support battery hot-swapping?

No. If you do so, you may lose the photos or video taken during your last flight.

How do I replace propellers?

You can replace the propellers by detaching the old ones and mounting new ones using the tool in the packaging.

How can I differentiate clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) propellers? Do I have to mount different propellers in specific places?

Tello's propellers and motor casings are marked for differentiation. CW and CCW propellers must only be attached to CW and CCW motors, respectively. CCW propellers have notches near where they attach to the motors, and CCW motor casings are also marked with notches. CW propellers and motors both do not have notches.

How can I update my Tello's firmware?

You can update Tello's firmware via the Tello app.

What should I do if the update is interrupted or fails?

If the update fails, reconnect your Tello to the Tello app and try again.

Can I update my Tello on a computer?

Not at this time.

 

Makeblock mBot

After the USB cable is connected to the main board, my computer still can’t detect the serial port, why?

Several possible reasons that may cause this problem:

  • Your computer hasn’t installed the driver of the main board. Please download here, You can also find the driver in mBlock Software.123
  • The switch of the main board has not been turned ON. Check the switch and make sure it’s turned ON, otherwise the serial port won’t be available to be detected.
  • If none of the above solutions work, please try another USB port of your computer.

How do I upgrade firmware for mBot?

  1. Step 1: Download the latest mBlock software. Decompress the file after downloaded and installed mBock software on PC.
  2. Step 2: Use the USB cable to connect mBot to PC and power on the mBot.
  3. Step 3: Open mBlock, choose mBot under Board:
  4. Step 4: Choose the correct Serial Port for mBot under Connect->Serial Port: (Here my mBot’s serial port is COM 3, and you can check your mBot serial port under your computer’s Device Manager->Ports (COM&LPT))
  5. Step 5: Go to Connect->Upgrade Firmware, wait until it says Upload Finish.

Note: Above Steps take windows PC for example, if your PC is Mac, you need pay attention to two points below:

When I controlled the mBot to move forward, it moved backwards. How can I fix this?

The wiring of the motor is connected reversed. Disconnect and reverse the position of the motor cables connected to the mCore.

How to charge the main board after it’s installed with lithium batteries?

Use a USB cable to connect the main board to your PC, the charging will start automatically (no matter if the switch is turned on or off). If you turn the switch OFF, the battery can be charged with faster speed and higher efficiency. To see the status: if the red indicator on the left side of the main board is on, it indicates the charging is ongoing. If the green indicator on the right is on, it means the battery is fully charged.

What’s the working voltage of the main board?

3.7V to 6V.

Is mCore compatible with both Bluetooth and 2.4G?

Yes. And both Bluetooth and 2.4G modules use the same connector. Note: Bluetooth and 2.4G modules can’t be used simultaneously on one board.

Why won’t the Bluetooth of my mBot can’t connect to my computer?

Make sure your computer is equipped with Bluetooth. If so, make sure the Bluetooth is on. (The Bluetooth of some laptops are OFF by default. In this case, you need to turn on the Bluetooth and install the driver manually). Make sure the connection of the Bluetooth module and the main board is correct. Check the blue indicator for Bluetooth on the main board. If it is flashing, it means the Bluetooth has not been connected; if solid on, connected. Note: For Mac PC, it is normal that the Bluetooth option on mBlock is always grayed out, need connect the Bluetooth under Connect->Serial port, choose the serial port /dev.Makeblock-ELETSPP*. If there is any confusion, refer to FAQ: How to connect Bluetooth of my mBot to Mac.

How do I connect the bluetooth of Makeblock robot to my Mac?

To get Bluetooth working on the Mac: Go to the Bluetooth preferences on Mac to pair the mBot with OS X Open mBlock software Select /dev/tty.Makeblock-ELETSPP from the Serial Port submenu under the Connect menu Note: Just pairing will show the mBot as being disconnected because pairing will only make the serial port available.

While I am controlling the mBot moving forward, there is a very large speed difference between the 2 wheels. What should I do?

It is possible that a RJ25 cable or the motor cable is pressed against the wheel which increases friction and slows the wheel speed down. In this case, check where your cables are routed and adjust so they are no longer pressing against the wheel.

What kind of software can be used to program mBot?

mBlock (Graphic programming software) and Arduino. While the lithium battery of mBot is being charged, is there any protection? Yes. It has over-current and over-charge protection.

How do I turn on the Bluetooth of my computer?

Computer Management -> Services -> Bluetooth Support -> Click “Start the Service”.

Are there multiple modes of 2.4G Wifi?

Yes. There are two. Slow-flashing mode: When the 2.4G indicator is flashing slowly, it means it’s in slow-flashing mode. In this mode, the 2.4G module has a memory function that will remember the 2.4G adapter it connected before and won’t connect to any new adapter automatically. Fast-flashing mode: When the 2.4G indicator flashes with fast speed, it means it’s in fast-flashing mode. In this mode, the 2.4G module will automatically connect to the 2.4G adapter which is powered on. There is no memory function in this mode.

How do I switch between the two 2.4G modes?

Press the button on the 2.4G module to switch mode.

I can’t control my mBot via my phone to start, why?

mBot is set to be controlled by IR remote control by default. To enable remote control by phone, upgrade firmware in mBlock or reset default program through mBlock.

The Ultrasonic Obstacle Avoidance Mode of my mBot fails to work. How to fix it?

Check the following:

  1. Make sure the ultrasonic module is connected to Port 3 (required). Double check the wiring of the ultrasonic module and make sure the connection is firm and well.
  2. Check whether the red indicator of the ultrasonic module is on. If not, the problem is caused by wiring.
  3. Press B on the IR remote control to enter Ultrasonic Obstacle Avoidance Mode
  4. If the previous steps do not work, you may have a program for the mBot running from before. Reset to default program.

Why can’t I control my mBot with the IR remote control?

Check the following:

  1. Make sure the program of the main board is the “factory setting”. If it isn’t, restore to the default program.
  2. Make sure the correct number and the correct type of battery has been loaded in the remote controller.
  3. Press A to enter IR Remote Control Mode.

How do I know if my IR remote controller is operational?

Follow these instructions:

  1. First, make sure the IR controller has the correct number and the correct type of batteries.
  2. Second, open the camera application on a smartphone.
  3. Third, point the Infrared head on the IR remote controller toward the camera on the smartphone.
  4. Forth, press the key on the IR remote controller. Meanwhile, through the camera on the smartphone, check if you can see the red light from the Infrared head. If there is red light, it means the IR remote controller is functioning normally.

How to adjust the speed of mBot?

The 1-9 keys on the IR remote control are set to adjust the speed of mBot. 1 for slowest and 9 for fastest.

Where can I download mBlock graphical programming software?

Please download. Note: The v3.4.11 is official version. For the latest version v3.4.11, please download the beta software.

Can I use mBot with a Chromebook?

Yes, mBot™ can be programmed with a Chromebook using the online mBlock editor in the Chrome browser, found at https://ide.mblock.cc/.

The online mBlock editor is nearly identical to the mBlock 5 software for PC/Mac.

Before you can upload a program to your mBot from your Chromebook, you will need to install the mLink extension, available in the Chrome Web Store: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/mlink/jmmkbcfakiendpnceenfanaebjenjene.

 

Makeblock Halocode

No device is detected when connecting Halocode

  • When Halocode is connected to the USB port of PC via a USB cable and the "Click" button clicked in mBlock 5, yet the Connect Device window says "No device can be detected to connect", (see picture below):

halocode no device connected

  • There are two possible reasons: USB cable, or driver. Following are corresponding solutions:
    1. USB cable - Some USB cables are charge-only and cannot be used for data transmission. When a charge-only USB cable is used to connect Halocode, mBlock 5 PC might not detect Halocode properly.If you have other USB cables, please try using another one.
    2. The driver is not correctly installed
      • Due to PC protection software (system built-in or third-party), the driver might not be correctly installed during the installation process. Thus, mBlock 5 PC is unable to detect Halocode.
      • Disconnect Halocode, and then download and install the driver for Halocode:
      • After the installation is complete, connect Halocode to PC via a USB cable. Click "Connect", and check whether the connection port is detected (see picture below):

halocode connect

How to power Halocode

  • The voltage range of Halocode's power supply is DC 3-5V. Voltage exceeding this range will cause a malfunction. The following two methods are recommended:
    • Use an external battery connected via the battery interface
    • Use a Micro-USB cable to connect to your PC, external battery, or power adapter (5V 1A recommended). Do not use a fast-charging power adapter for mobile phones (the voltage is usually greater than 5V).

Apart from mBlock 5 PC, can I use my phone or tablet to program with Halocode?

Currently, only mBlock 5 PC or Web is supported. We'll keep you updated if mBlock 5 Mobile supports Halocode.

Apart from mBlock 5 for PC, can I use other software to program with Halocode?

Halocode currently only supports mBlock 5. Programming is as easy as building blocks. You can also switch to Python coding.

Apart from Scratch, can I use Python or Arduino to program with Halocode?

Halocode currently only supports mBlock 5, which provides both Scratch-3.0-based programming and micro-python textual programming.

How to use the Wi-Fi with Halocode

  • You can use the “connect to Wi-Fi () password ()” block from the Wi-Fi category to connect Halocode to the internet. Both the name and password of the Wi-Fi should be correctly input to ensure successful connection.

halocode wifi

  • Note: Some public Wi-Fi may not work, like those provided hotels, which usually require extra authentication via your phone or other methods.

Why are some Wi-Fi blocks grayed out (disabled) in mBlock 5?

When using mBlock 5, if you do not sign in/up to mBlock 5, some Wi-Fi blocks will be grayed out (disabled):

halocode wifi blocks

In this case, please find the sign in/up entry in the upper-right corner, and then sign in/up to mBlock 5. All Wi-Fi blocks should be available when you finish.

halocode wifi blocks

How to use the Speech Recognition function

  • You can use the “recognize () for () seconds” block from the Wi-Fi category.

halocode speech recognition

  • Notes:
    1. Before using the Speech Recognition block, you need to connect Halocode to the internet;
    2. The recognition process may take some time, depending on internet speed; the next block will not execute until Halocode receives the recognition results;
    3. So far, only two languages are supported, Chinese and English.

Unable to upload program to Halocode or run program

Due to some incorrect operations orsome unexpected conditions, programs may sometimes be unable to be uploaded or fail to run. Try the following steps:

  1. Is Halocode normally powered?

halocode power

  • An incorrect power supply can also cause the Halocode to malfunction. There are two ways to power Halocode:
    1. Use external battery pack connected via the battery interface
    2. Use a Micro-USB cable to connect to your PC, mobile power, or power adapter.
  • The voltage range of Halocode's power supply is DC 3-5V. Voltage exceeding this range will also cause a malfunction. Some fast charging power adapters for mobile phones can not be used.

Is the program buggy?

Your program may be bugged. You can try uploading a simple program, such as lighting up the LED ring, to check if the problem lies in the program itself.

Is the USB cable a data cable? Is the connection stable?

Some USB cables are charge-only and can not be used for data transmission. If a charge-only cable is used, the program won't be uploaded. Loose connection to the USB port of your PC is also one possible cause.

Does the firmware version match the block version?

  • The programming blocks will keep updating. If there are new blocks, the firmware of supported device will also need to be upgraded. If your Halocode uses the older-version firmware, but new-version blocks are used, the program can not be uploaded, or won't run properly even though the program is uploaded. When there is new firmware available, there will be a corresponding prompt in the interface of mBlock 5.

    • Note: if you get an unofficial firmware version through some channels, these firmware versions will not be prompted for update in the interface of mBlock 5.

  • When there is a new version, firmware update prompt will be displayed as follows: halocode updates

Is the firmware damaged?

In some rare situations, unstable power supply voltage will affect the FLASH of Halocode, damaging the firmware. Damaged firmware is not always detected by mBlock 5. Users are not prompted to fix the problem. Follow the following steps to re-update and fix the firmware: halocode updates halocode updates halocode updates

Live mode doesn't work properly

Due to technical limitations, user experience of Halocode under Live mode can be affected in these particular areas:

  • Mode switching is slow - Each time you switch modes, Halocode must pause to restart (approximately 5 seconds). During the restarting process, Halocode can not be controlled through programming. When the restart is finished, the LED ring of Halocode will light up green and then go off. Uploading a MESH related program requires restarting Halocode two twice.

  • Limited speed in Live mode - In Live mode, the program runs on the host computer, so the speed is limited by the communication delay between the host and the hardware. The program will run more slowly than does in Upload mode. The speed difference will become greater when Halocode is connected through Bluetooth.

  • Limited multi-threading - In Live mode, programs run on the host computer. Some multithreaded programs might not run properly.

    *Note: Upload mode is recommended for multi-threaded programs.

  • Wi-Fi MESH program conflicts with Bluetooth function - If a MESH related program is uploaded, Live mode will be disabled if Halocode is connected via Bluetooth. To restore Live mode, try uploading a piece of blank code.