Innovation First, Inc.
EDU-RC & Motherboard Reference Guide
11.8.2002
www.InnovationFirst.com
Page 3
The Isaac16 EDU Robot Controller takes the collected data from both the Operator Interface and the on-
board sensors and then forwards it to the PBASIC program processor. The program, (PBASIC Code),
takes the data, determines what to do with the outputs to make the robot behave as desired, and sets the
PWM and Relay outputs to the appropriate states. The EDU Robot Controller comes with a default
program that will handle most robot control needs. If more sophisticated control of the robot is desired,
then the default program can quickly be modified to provide the required functions from the robot.
The PBASIC source code is available at www.innovationfirst.com.
Programming tools and manuals are available at www.parallaxinc.com.
The Isaac16 EDU Robot Controller has 8 PWM outputs and 4 Relay outputs. The PWM and Relay
outputs are use to drive the EDU Multi Speed Motor. The PWM outputs give variable speed control of
the Multi Speed Motors. The Relay outputs drive the Multi Speed Motors in full forward or reverse
only. The Isaac16 EDU Robot Controller can also drive Victor 883 speed controllers and Spike relay
modules.
The Motherboard provides connectors for power, external devices, switches, and sensors. The
Motherboard also has a combination Tether/Program connector for connecting to an Operator Interface
(Tether) or a Computer (Program). Tether is used to communicate to an Operator Interface over a
“hard” wire connection instead of using a wireless radio link. A connection to a Computer is only used
to download/re-program the PBASIC program.
The Isaac16 EDU Robot Controller and Motherboard are keyed and can only be connected in one
orientation.
CAUTION: Do not apply power unless the EDU-RC and Motherboard are firmly connected and
in the proper orientation or damage may result.
The Isaac16 EDU Robot Controller has an Autonomous Mode. When in autonomous mode, the
Operator Interface is not needed. The EDU RC will run as normal in Autonomous Mode, except there is
no user input required from the Operator Interface. The use of Autonomous Mode requires that custom
software be written to command the robot. All available inputs from on board the robot can also be
used. These inputs along with the custom software are combined in the PBASIC processor to create the
desired functions of the robot. Autonomous Mode can be turned “ON” by 1) turning the RC OFF, 2)
setting the team number to Zero, and 3) turning the RC back ON.