Innovation First, Inc.
EDU-RC & Motherboard Reference Guide
11.8.2002
www.InnovationFirst.com
Page 5
3. POWER Input
The Power connector on the Isaac16 EDU Motherboard is intended to accept power from a 7.2V battery.
The current draw for the EDU Robot Controller is typically between 0.20A to 3.0A. The maximum
voltage allowable is 9.0V. Exceeding the 9.0V limit will damage voltage regulators in the EDU Robot
Controller and will void the warranty. The minimum required voltage is 5.2V.
Caution: Exceeding 9.0V on the Input Power connection may permanently damage any EDU
Multi-Speed Motor connected to the EDU Motherboard.
A 7.2V Battery with the proper mating connector is available from www.InnovationFirst.com.
Replacement connectors are also available at www.InnovationFirst.com. Use a minimum of 16GA wire
to minimize voltage drop to the Robot Controller. Fuses prior to the Motherboard are not required.
CBattery to the corner contact and Ground to the inside contact (see Page 4). The EDU Robot
Controller is internally protected from reverse polarity.
4. TETHER / PROGRAM Port
The Isaac16 EDU Motherboard uses a combination TETHER and PROGRAM port. When connecting a
tether cable to the Motherboard, be sure the TETHER/PROGRAM switch is in the down position
towards the Team Number switch to select “TETHER”. Use a DB9 Male-Female Pin-to-Pin cable
(maximum length 6 ft.) to connect the TETHER port on the Motherboard to the TETHER port on the
Operator Interface.
The PROGRAM port on the Motherboard is used to change the PBASIC program. The PBASIC
program is stored on the PBASIC program memory chip located on the bottom side of the motherboard.
When connecting a Program cable to the Motherboard, be sure the TETHER/PROGRAM switch is in
the up position away from the Team Number switch to select “PROGRAM”. This port is intended to
connect to a PC’s serial port. Use a DB9 Male-Female Pin-to-Pin cable (maximum length 6 ft.) to
connect the PROGRAM port on the Motherboard to a PC serial port.
5. Radio
The EDU Robot Controller does not need an external radio or radio cable. The 900Mhz radio that the
EDU Robot Controller uses is internal to the EDU-RC unit. The internal radio module is design to only
“talk” with the Operator Interface radio. Any attempt to modify the radio output or antenna will void
your warranty and may subject you to FCC violations.