Micro:bit Controlled Lego Ferris Wheel

Micro:bit Controlled Lego Ferris Wheel 

Here is the basics of what you need to create your own remote controlled Micro:bit Ferris Wheel. You will need:

• 2 x Micro:bits
• 1 x Lego Ferris Wheel
• 1 x 4.5 battery box
• 1 Kitronic motor controller link 
• 1 Lego motor

Here are photos of the set up.

Video of action

link

remote code link

motor controller code link

Over :)

If you like this blog check out all the others here

Harry Potter sorting

This code consolidates:

• Lists
• Count controlled loops
• Conditions 
• IF Then Else 
• Random and time libraries.

I've used this with year 9 who have just done basics with input, loops, basic conditions etc. This takes their learning a little deeper without killing it.

Here is the link to the code: link

Here is the code:

import random

import time

Students_List = ["Harry","Ron","Dave","Hermione"]

Slytherin_Students = [] # stores s students

Hufflepuff_Students = [] # stores hp students

Ravenclaw_Students = [] # stores rc students

Gryffindor_Students = [] # stores g students

House_Names = ["Gryffindor", "Ravenclaw", "Hufflepuff", "Slytherin"] # list of house names to randomly select.

#create a variable to store current position in student list

Current_Student = 0

while Current_Student < len(Students_List) :

#randomly choose a house for the 1st student

House = random.choice(House_Names)

time.sleep(5)

print("Your house is",House)

#add student to correct house list

if House == "Gryffindor":

Gryffindor_Students.append(Students_List[Current_Student])

print(Gryffindor_Students)#show house population

elif House == "Ravenclaw":

Ravenclaw_Students.append(Students_List[Current_Student])

print(Ravenclaw_Students)#show house population

elif House == "Hufflepuff":

Hufflepuff_Students.append(Students_List[Current_Student])

print(Hufflepuff_Students)#show house population

elif House == "Slytherin":

Slytherin_Students.append(Students_List[Current_Student])

print(Slytherin_Students)

else:

print("You have chosen a house that doesn't currently exist")

#add one to current position in student list

Current_Student = Current_Student + 1

If you like this blog check out all the others here

Python programming resources

Here are a links to any Python resources that do not involve any hardware such as Raspberry Pi or Micro:bit.


Blog 1 Harry Potter sorting
link

If you like this blog check out all the others here

Lego hacking: RaspPi Ferris Wheel

I bought my daughter a basic Lego Friends Ferris Wheel.

Insert image

I reused the code from Raspberry Express:

link

I have modified the GUI to include new speed range which is more in keeping with the speed a Ferris Wheel should go. Essentially the main speed scale is from 0.1-0.2. Due to the weight issues you have to run the Ferris Wheel at 0.3 speed to pick up enough momentum to get it to turn at all.

I have also cut down the bulky code from the Raspberry Express so that it is less hefty.

here is the code:

link

I will update this blog over the next few days with more detail.

Enjoy!

Chris

Lego + Code blog 3: The Raspberry Express

Lego + Code blog 3: The Raspberry Express

Here is a demo of 'turtle mode': Link

I have tried to recreate the Micro:bit express but simply swap in Raspberry Pi 3b+ currently. This is not a comprehensive blog just a few notes on how to get yourself started.

Raspberry Pi connected to the Lego Power functions motor:

Closer look at the train:

A few notes:

• I used a cheap £1 rechargable battery to run the Pi.
• I used a 4.5 volt battery and motor controller found in the Raspberry Robot kit which you can get here called EduKit 3. Link   
• Again I have used Python 3 to code the train.
• To create the remote I have used a GUI library for called GuiZero written by Laura Sachs and contributed by Martin O'Hanlon. Link
• To connect to the Pi attached to the train and use the remote I have used a free app called RealVNC. Link
• I think thats the nuts and bolts of it.
• Here is a screen grab of the really simple remote controller.  
•  I have managed to code it to use scalable speed both forward and back using GPIO zero. Link which is managed by Ben Nuttall.
• The turtle option allows you to code a 'coded path' if you look my code below it should be fairly clear.
• Finally here is the code in its current version: Link

Enjoy :)

If you like this blog check out all the others here

Lego Hacking: Lego + Code

Lego Hacking : Lego + Code

Blog 1: Lights on: Link

Blog 2: The Micro:bit Express V1 : Link

Blog 2a: Edublocks Micro:bit Express V1 version(simple motor control)  link

Blog 2b: Edublocks Micro:bit Express V1.5 Remote controlled link

Blog 3: Micro:bit Express 2.0 'adjustable speed' : Link 

Blog 4: The Raspberry Express : Link  

Blog 5 : Micro:bit controlled Lego Ferris Wheel : Link

Blog 6: Raspberry Pi powered Lego Ferris wheel : Link 

Blog 7: 3D printed Lego Christmas Tree / coded light : Link

Blog 8:Lego RC "car" with Raspberry Pi : Link

Blog 9: Blocks controlling blocks: 'Using Minecraft to control Lego motors' : Link

Blog 10: Raspberry Zero Express Link

Blog 11: Stop frame animation with Lego : Link

Blog 12:  Micro:bit controlled Rollercoaster Link

Blog 13: Micro:bit Express EduBlocks simple Link

Blog 14: Micro:bit Express EduBlocks remote controlled Link

If you like this blog check out all the others here

Micro:bit Express

Lego + Code blog 2: The Micro:bit Express 

I set myself the challenge of getting an old Lego train set and controlling it with code. Here are a few notes to get you started. 

I bought my son a 1980's train set.

Version 1: getting it to work

Then bought a Micro:bit compatible motor controller from Pimoroni: (Motor controller ) link

buy link

I already had two Micro:bits.

Then I downloaded and modified this code link 

This ended up being my final version of the code:

(code you will need)link 

Load this code onto one of the two Micro:bits using this site: link 

This well then create a hex file which will need to be loaded onto the Micro:bit by dragging and dropping.

I recycled the battery pack from the Cam Jam Edukit 3 buy here link any generic 4.5 battery pack will suffice. 

To connect the motor to the motor driver board you will need to unscrew the Lego metal pins to expose the two wires then connect them to the motor one sockets on the motor controller.

Insert picture

Now to create to create the remote control use this site:

link

Then create the code below and load it on to your Micro:bit. It should now work. 

Update 1 02/07/2018 Version 2: Remote controlled

Remote code

Edublocks screenshot to come...

Motor controller code

Edublocks screenshot to come...

Remote V1....

Remote V2... plugged into a Pi..

This now reliably works and doesn't require a laptop to power the remote. I have tried the battery pack provided with the Micro:bit and I havent found that it works. I have a suspicion I just may have a dodgey one.

Version 3: Code controlled movement and using power functions motors.

In t

Video of the power functions motor running

link

Power functions motor with Lego adapter removed and cables soldered

Picture of train with motor controller attached

Video of train running with power functions motor:

link 

Code for remote 3.0

Code for Motor controller 3.0

Over :)