Fischertechnik TXT Operating Manual - EN
Fischertechnik TXT Operating Manual - EN
Fischertechnik TXT Operating Manual - EN
Operating manual
04
ROBOTICS TXT 4.0 CONTROLLER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview of connections 03
Safety information 04
Intended use 04
The ROBOTICS TXT 4.0 Controller 05
Connection options for the Controller 06
Software requirements 11
Supply the Controller with power 11
Switching the Controller on and off 11
Switch on process 11
Switch off process 12
Setting the Controller 12
Menu overview 12
Menu in detail 13
Status bar 13
Master or Extension 14
Time 14
Control elements 14
Menu 15
Main menu 15
01. Start program 15
02. File 15
03. Settings 18
04. Test 20
05. Info 21
Selecting and launching programs 22
Extensions (EXT connection) 23
Connect to the Controller 24
Updating the operating system 29
Faults 29
Technical data 30
Correct disposal 32
Warranty 32
Liability 32
OVERVIEW OF CONNECTIONS
1 01 0 0 0 0 0
USB1 SD USB2
S1
9V IN
1 S2
S3 TXT 4.0 Controller
EXT1
EXT2
0 12:30 0
Program1
I1 PROGRAMM M1
PROGRAM
NAME 01 01 02
I2 Program
STOPPEDRunning M2
03 04 0
I3 M3
05 06
I4 File Test M4
1 07 08
I5 C1
Settings Info
I6 C2
0
I7 C3
I8 9V 9V C4
OUT OUT
ON/OFF
10 1 11 10
SAFETY INFORMATION
› Inspect the charger regularly for damage.
› In case of damage, the charger may not be used until repairs are completed.
› Do not insert the wires into an outlet!
› Non-rechargeable batteries cannot be charged!
› Remove rechargeable batteries from the battery compartment before charging.
› Only charge rechargeable batteries with adult supervision.
› Insert batteries with the correct polarity.
› Connection terminals may not be short circuited.
› The ROBOTICS TXT 4.0 Controller may only be operated with a fischertechnik power supply, such as the Battery
Pack 35537 or Power Supply 9V DC, 2.3-2.5A.
› When connecting the Battery Pack to the Controller, observe the following:
› Connect the plus pole of the “9V IN” connection to the plus pole (+) of the Battery Pack.
› Connect the minus pole of the “9V IN” connection to the minus pole (-) of the Battery Pack.
› The maximum operating temperature is 40°C.
› Do not allow sharp or pointed objects to come into contact with the touch display, as this may cause damage!
INTENDED USE
The Controller may only be used to operate and control fischertechnik models.
The Bluetooth/Wi-Fi module offers a wireless interface that can be used in many different applications. A
USB Host port is also provided, and can be used to connect the fischertechnik USB camera or USB sticks, for
instance.
Up to nine additional controllers can be connected to a Controller as expansions. The Controller integrates
perfectly into the models thanks to its narrow housing.
Firmware updates are available to download from the cloud to ensure the device is always up to date, and the
Controller retains user-created programs following the download.
The ROBO Pro Coding software can be used for graphic programming or programming with Python. It is operating
system-independent, and can be used on mobile devices as well.
ACTUATORS
9V, 250 mA
› Motors / Servos
› Compressors
› LEDs
› Buzzers
SENSORS
Digital: 5 kO,10 V; Analog: 0 – 5 kO, 0 –10 V
› Buttons
› Ultrasound sensors
› Color sensors
› USB camera
› Combination sensors
› Environmental sensors
WIRELESS TRANSMISSION
The Controller can connect to other devices, such as a PC, tablet or smartphone, via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
1 01 0 0 0 0 0
1. USB-A port (USB1):
USB 2.0 host connection, for instance for fischertechnik
USB1 SD USB2
S1
9V IN
1
USB camera art. No. 152522 or USB stick.
S2
S3 TXT 4.0 Controller
EXT1
EXT2
0 12:30 0
I1
Program1
PROGRAMM M1
2. Touch display
PROGRAM
NAME 01 01 02
I2 Program
STOPPEDRunning M2 The color touch display shows the status of the Controller,
03 04 0
I3 M3 which programs are loaded, and where the user is in
I4 File Test
05 06
M4
the menu. Functions and programs can be selected,
1 07 08
activated or deactivated. The user can display the
I5 C1
Settings Info values of variables or values from analog sensors while a
I6 C2
0 program is running. A helpful menu overview is provided
I7 C3
in the “Settings (Menu overview)” section. Swipe gestures
I8 9V 9V C4
OUT
ON/OFF
OUT are supported.
10 1 11 10
9. Inputs C1– C4
1 01 0 0 0 0 0
Fast counting inputs, record counting pulses up to 1 kHz
S1
USB1 SD USB2
9V IN
(1000 pulses / sec.), for instance from fischertechnik
1 S2
encoder motors. These can also be used as digital inputs,
S3 TXT 4.0 Controller
for instance for buttons.
EXT1
EXT2
0 12:30 0
Program1
I1 PROGRAMM M1
I2
PROGRAM
NAME 01
Program
STOPPEDRunning
01 02 10. 9V Out
M2
03 04 0 Supplies sensors with the required operating voltage 9V+,
I3 M3
I4 File Test
05 06
M4
such as color sensors, track sensors, ultrasound sensors,
1
I5
07 08 magnetic encoders.
C1
Settings Info
I6 C2
0
11. On / off switch
I7 C3
Switches the Controller on or off, and indicates the
I8 9V 9V C4
OUT
ON/OFF
OUT
operating status via different colors.
10 1 11 10
12. Speaker
The speakers can be used to play sounds or noises stored on the Controller or the memory card.
SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
Software requirements for the ROBOTICS TXT 4.0 Controller:
› fischertechnik programming environment ROBO Pro Coding (Windows10 / Mac OS / Linux / iOS / Android)
available for free from relevant app stores.
› Python
› C/C++
› Connect the Battery Pack to the “9V IN” connections – see number 6 in the section “Overview of connections.”
This connection allows for a mobile power supply via the fischertechnik Battery Pack (not included in the scope
of delivery).
› Connect the 9V DC/2.3-2.5A power supply to the “9V IN” DC port – see number 5 in the section “Overview of
connections.”
In this case, the power supply from the Power Set is connected (not included in the scope of delivery).
SWITCH ON PROCESS
To activate the Controller, press the ON/OFF button (11) and hold it down for approx. 4 seconds until the display
lights up – see number 11 in the section “Overview of connections.” Once the boot process is completed (indicated
by a loading bar shown on the display), the main menu will appear.
After the initial boot process, the user must select their desired language using the touch screen (the default
setting is English):
To change languages:
After switching off the Controller, unplug the power supply from the outlet.
MENU OVERVIEW
MENU IN DETAIL
STATUS BAR
The status bar at the top of the display contains display elements. The first four symbols show the statuses of the
data connections. If the symbols are visible, the connection is active.
03 Bluetooth
02 Wi-Fi 05 SD card
07 Update 09 Boot Clock
12:30
01 Status: 04 USB 06 SSH 08 Battery
Master /Extension/Single
04. USB Host: connected / not connected / USB stick connected / camera connected
MASTER OR EXTENSION
This symbol indicates whether the Controller is set at the Master or Extension.
M = operated as the Master (LED of the ON/OFF button illuminated blue); E = operated as Extension (LED of the
ON/OFF button illuminated green).
Master:
The Controller set as the master receives control commands directly from the PC and transmits them to the
extensions.
Extension:
The Controller set as the extension receives control commands only from the master.
Up to 9 extensions are possible.
Single:
In this mode, using the CAN interface to connect additional TXT 4.0 Controllers as expansions is not supported.
This results in an energy savings of up to 10%, and therefore a longer battery life.
TIME
Displays the current set time. This can be changed using the Settings| Date and time menu.
CONTROL ELEMENTS
The user can navigate through the menu by touching the control elements.
Scroll/swipe
One step back To scroll through longer menus (appears only if the menu requires).
in menu
MENU
MAIN MENU
The selected program is started. If no program is selected, a blue bar appears. After the program is started, the
display switches to green. If the program is stopped, the bar is red.
02. FILE
If program files have been transferred to the Controller via download from a PC, they are listed here. They can be
selected, assigned start functions, or deleted (see Main menu | File | File name).
If the user selects the example object, they will access the directory containing the executable Python file (name.py).
If the user clicks the file name, the “Load” button will turn green and the program can be loaded.
If the user presses the arrow beside the program name, they will see the following options:
Load
If this function is activated, the program is loaded into the program memory and can be
launched by pressing the Start button in the main menu.
Auto load
If this function is activated, the program loads automatically into the program memory once
the power supply is switched on, and can be launched by pressing the Start button in the main
menu.
Auto start
If this function is activated, the selected program will start automatically once the power sup-
ply to the Controller is switched on.
Delete project
The project is deleted (a security question will appear first).
03. SETTINGS
Role
Here, the Controller is assigned the role of Master or Extension. For more information on Mas-
ters and Extensions, see the section “Extensions”.
Single / Master / Extension: 1…9
After a new Extension is connected, the Controller must be restarted to detect all extensions
during the boot process.
Language
The menu language can be changed here.
Network
Wireless connections can be activated and deactivated here. In addition, the pairing code for
Bluetooth and the network security key for Wi-Fi required to connect to the PC are displayed
here.
Wi-Fi: On / Off
Switch Wi-Fi on or off and connect to a router.
Bluetooth: On / Off
Switch Bluetooth functions on or off. The pairing code is displayed.
API key
Display the API key that must e entered to connect to the Controller.
fischertechnik Cloud
Link to the fischertechnik Cloud. A pairing code is displayed that must be entered in the fisch-
ertechnik Cloud (www.fischertechnik-cloud.com).
Updates
Complete operating system updates for the Controller if necessary, when connected to the
internet. The status bar indicates whether there are updates available (see the Status bar sec-
tion).
Energy management
Start the Controller up automatically when connected to the power supply, and adjust the dis-
play brightness.
Remote access
Switch the SSH connection on or off.
04. TEST
Touch
Test the touch function.
Sound Test
Calls up a display where available sound files can be selected and played.
05. INFO
Calls up an info window with data on the Controller, such as its serial number, Wi-Fi address and Bluetooth
identification code.
Details on the individual functions are described in the “Menu in detail” section.
When an Extension is connected to the Master, the Master must be rebooted before it will detect the Extension.
I2C PORT
This standard port is designed for components available on the market that use this port, such as specialized
sensors like the fischertechnik environmental, combination or RGB gesture sensor.
Due to the limited bandwidth, restricted data processing should be expected when using a Bluetooth connection.
The available bandwidth is significantly higher via Wi-Fi, and therefore the image transmission quality is better.
The highest bandwidth, and therefore the best quality for image data transmission, is provided via a USB cable.
› Select the appropriate SSID / Wi-Fi network in Settings / Network / Wi-Fi. Then, enter the network key and
“Connect.”
› To connect from a PC to the Controller in the same Wi-Fi network, enter the IP address of the Controller (INFO/
WI-FI/IP ADDRESS) and the API key (SETTINGS/API KEY) in the Robo Pro Coding software.
- AS AN ACCESS POINT
The ROBOTICS TXT 4.0 Controller must be switched on and Access Point must be active in the Settings menu
under Network (see the section “Menu in detail”).
To connect to the ROBOTICS TXT 4.0 Controller, click the network symbol shown in the symbol bar at the bottom
right of the PC screen:
Then, the network security key must be entered. This can be read off from the Controller display under Settings
– Network/Access Point/Passphrase.
Press < Next > to confirm, and the connection will be completed.
If the user then clicks the network symbol once again, the following window will show the connection is complete
and the device can be used.
Notes:
The window in which the Wi-Fi connection is completed can also be accessed via the:
The windows and symbols may look slightly different in different operating systems. This manual uses the display
in Windows 10.
To complete the Bluetooth connection to the ROBOTICS TXT 4.0 Controller, select the Windows start button on
the PC screen and then select Bluetooth & other devices.
In this window, click Add Bluetooth or other devices. Then, select Bluetooth.
All visible devices will be displayed, including the ROBOTICS TXT 4.0 Controller.
Double click the TXT 4.0 Controller to select it.
In the Windows menu, click “Connect using”: and then “Access points” to activate the Bluetooth connection.
This last step must be completed each time the PC or the TXT Controller are switched off and back on.
Now, Bluetooth can be selected as the connection in the Connection menu of the Robo Pro Coding software (see
Wi-Fi connection).
To complete an update, the TXT 4.0 Controller must be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi. To do so, select the
appropriate SSID / Wi-Fi network in Settings / Network / Wi-Fi. Then, enter the network key and connect.
The status bar indicates whether the Controller is connected to the internet, and whether an update is available
(see the section “Menu in detail” / Status bar).
If an update is available, the newest available version is displayed (such as Release 3.1.0) in Settings / Updates
under “Online updates.” Select the newest version and press “Installation.” The installation will be completed. This
process will take several minutes. Then, the Controller must be switched off and back on again manually.
An update can also be completed via a USB stick or SD card (not included in the scope of delivery), even if the
Controller is not connected to the internet. The file required for this process and instructions are available for
download from the internet at www.fischertechnik.de/TXT40Controller
FAULTS
ELECTROMAGNETIC DISRUPTION
If the Controller is disrupted by external electromagnetic influences, it may be used as intended again after the
end of the disruption. It may be possible to briefly interrupt the power supply and restart the Controller.
TECHNICAL DATA
ARM(R) dual Cortex-A7, 650 MHz + Cortex(R)-M4; programmable with ROBO Pro Coding Software, Python or
C-Compiler (not included)
OPERATING SYSTEM
Linux-based, open source incl. Linux camera driver, image processing software integrated into Robo Pro Coding.
PORTS
USB 2.0 Device: Mini USB port USB 2.0 Host: USB-A port
Wireless port (2.4 GHz / range approx. 10 m)
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi: 5.0 (BR, LE & EDR) / Dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz, 802.11 a/b/g/n
Expansion ports: EXT header 6-pole; I2C
Pin Belegung
1 2 1
2
+3,3V
GND
3 4 3 CANL
4 CANH
5 6 5 SCL
6 SDA
TOUCH DISPLAY
2.4” TFT, 320x240 Pixel, 65536 colors
Note:
Do not allow sharp or pointed objects to come into contact with the touch screen, as this may cause damage!
CORRECT DISPOSAL
WARRANTY
fischertechnik GmbH guarantees that the Controller will be free from errors in accordance with current state of
the art technology. We reserve the right to make modifications to the design or implementation of the device as
long as these neither restrict its function or its quality, and such modifications will not entitle the user to submit
any complaints.
Obvious defects must be asserted in writing within 14 days after delivery; otherwise, any warranty claims due to
obvious defects will be excluded.
Warranty claims cannot be asserted due to an insignificant defect in the Controller. Furthermore, the customer
can only request supplementary performance, such as a repair or replacement delivery.
The customer is entitled to either withdraw from the agreement or request a reduction in the purchase price, at
its discretion, if supplementary performance fails. This applies in particular if it is not possible for us to provide
supplementary performance within a reasonable time period, or if we deny or culpably delay such performance.
The warranty term is 24 months from the time of delivery. We cannot be held liable for any material defects in
the Controller resulting from improper handling, normal wear and tear, or incorrect or negligent use, nor can we
be held liable for the consequences of improper modifications or repairs undertaken by the customer or a third
party without our approval. The warranty is governed by German law.
LIABILITY
fischertechnik GmbH shall not be held liable for any damages resulting from the Controller being used in a
manner other than its intended use.