Maqueen Plus
Micro.Bit & MakeCode Robot
Micro.Bit & MakeCode Robot
These tutorials use the Maqueen Plus Advanced Programming Robot. To complete these modules it is assumed that you have already developed your ability to code and use the Micro.Bit.
The Maqueen Robot works best with a V2 Micro.bit.
The robot shown in the tutorial documents looks slightly different, but operates identically to the Maqueen Robot you are using.
Use the starter file linked to the left or here to open up the MakeCode IDE with the correct Maqueen Plus V2 extension already loaded. (Note: This extension is not pre-loaded into the MakeCode platform- this is the only way to access it currently)
Use your understanding of MakeCode, the Micro.bit, and block coding to figure out how to get the Maqueen robot to move forward and backward.
Need to Knows:
Keep the robot's power off to conserve AA battery power.
Plug the Micro.bit into the computer to code.
Once the code is loaded onto the Micro.bit, simple LED actions will automatically begin on the Micro.bit, but nothing additional. Now, disconnect the robot from the computer.
The robot's motors will only operate when the robot power switch is "ON". Turn on the robot to fully test the code.
Use: To make Maqueen move, use this code block along with others:
To earn points for this module, submit a screenshot of your final code AND a video showing the Maqueen robot moving forward for 1 second, then backward for another second, and finally coming to a complete stop.
Use the starter file linked to the left or here to open up the MakeCode IDE with the correct Maqueen Plus V2 extension already loaded.
For this module, use the code blocks you already know to do the following:
When powered on, Maqueen drives forward in a square shape with a sad face on its LED matrix. When it finishes the square it stops driving and shows a happy face for 2 seconds before going blank.
To earn points for this module, submit a screenshot of your final code AND a video showing the Maqueen robot meeting the requirements described above.
Use the starter file linked to the left or here to open up the MakeCode IDE with the correct Maqueen Plus V2 extension already loaded.
For this module, use the code blocks you already know AND the ones shown below to do the following:
When powered on, Maqueen drives forward in a square shape, stops, and then drives the same shape in reverse. While driving, Maqueen's buzzer is activated to play an ambulance sound, while it's two front red LEDs flash back and forth in an alternating pattern.
Use the blocks shown to the left and ones you already know.
To earn points for this module, submit a screenshot of your final code AND a video showing the Maqueen robot meeting the requirements described above.
Use the starter file linked to the left or here to open up the MakeCode IDE with the correct Maqueen Plus V2 extension already loaded.
For this module, use the code blocks you already know AND the ones shown below to do the following:
When powered on, Maqueen displays the current light level on its LED matrix. Maqueen drives forward when a light is shined on it's LED matrix and stops when it is dark. BONUS CHALLENGE: Make Maqueen's forward speed directly controlled by the brightness of the light. (Hint: use your cell phone flashlight to test)
Utilize LOGIC and VARIABLES in this module. Use the blocks shown to the left and ones you already know.
To earn points for this module, submit a screenshot of your final code AND a video showing the Maqueen robot meeting the requirements described above.
Use the starter file linked to the left or here to open up the MakeCode IDE with the correct Maqueen Plus V2 extension already loaded.
For this module, use the code blocks you already know AND the ones shown below to do the following:
Building on the Light Chaser module above, add the following behavior to the code you already made Maqueen does the following:
When powered on, Maqueen displays the current light level on its LED matrix. Maqueen drives forward when a light is shined on it's LED matrix and stops when it is dark. Every time it drives forward, it plays a face paced melody and its 4 underbody RGB LED light turn on in a rapidly changing animated pattern. When it stops moving, the music and underbody LEDs turn off.
Utilize LOGIC and VARIABLES in this module. Use the blocks shown to the left and ones you already know.
To earn points for this module, submit a screenshot of your final code AND a video showing the Maqueen robot meeting the requirements described above.
Use the starter file linked to the left or here to open up the MakeCode IDE with the correct Maqueen Plus V2 extension already loaded.
FIRST: READ THE ULTRASONIC DETECTOR BACKGROUND INFO BELOW.
For this module, use the code blocks you already know AND the ones shown below to do the following:
When powered on, Maqueen displays the current distance reading from the ultrasonic sensor (in cm) on its LED matrix. Maqueen will drive forward when the distance is greater than 30 cm. If the distance is less than 30 cm, it stops, turns on BOTH front red LEDs, turns left, and starts to drive forward again if the distance is greater than 30 cm. Whenever the distance is greater than 30 cm, the front LED lights are off.
Utilize LOGIC and VARIABLES in this module. Use the blocks shown below and ones you already know.
To earn points for this module, submit a screenshot of your final code AND a video showing the Maqueen robot meeting the requirements described above.
Use the starter file linked to the left or here to open up the MakeCode IDE with the correct Maqueen Plus V2 extension already loaded.
For this module, use the code blocks you already know AND the ones shown below to do the following:
MODIFY THE CODE BELOW TO DO THE FOLLOWING: When powered on, Maqueen displays the current sound level reading on its LED matrix. Maqueen will drive forward when the sound level increases due to you clapping. When Maqueen drives forward the underbody LEDs are BLUE. When you are NOT clapping, the underbody LEDS are red and Maqueen stops moving.
Utilize LOGIC and VARIABLES in this module. Use the blocks shown below and ones you already know.
To earn points for this module, submit a screenshot of your final code AND a video showing the Maqueen robot meeting the requirements described above.
Use the starter file linked to the left or here to open up the MakeCode IDE with the correct Maqueen Plus V2 extension already loaded.
For this module, create a code that builds on what you have done already to achieve the following:
When powered on, Maqueen begins to explore its surroundings and displays the following behaviors:
It does not hit objects as it moves.
It uses its LEDs (all) to let people know where it is and what it is doing. The LEDs change according to its motion.
Its plays sounds that help people know where it is and what it is doing. The sound changes according to its motion.
It starts and stops when a human supplies an input.
It shows emotion through its LED matrix.
It moves forward, backward, and turns both left and right.
Utilize LOGIC and VARIABLES in this module. Use the blocks you already know.
To earn points for this module, submit a screenshot of your final code AND a video showing the Maqueen robot meeting the requirements described above.
Use the starter file linked to the left or here to open up the MakeCode IDE with the correct Maqueen Plus V2 extension already loaded.
For this module, first you must mount the servo and build a STOP flag using a plastic straw or pipe cleaner and paper. Then, create a code that builds on what you have done already to achieve the following:
Mount the servo as you see in the photos below. WARNING: COLOR MATTERS- YOU MUST CONNECT THE SERVO WIRES EXACTLY AS SHOWN.
For this module, use the code blocks you already know AND the ones shown below to do the following:
When powered on, Maqueen displays the current distance reading from the ultrasonic sensor (in cm) on its LED matrix. Maqueen will
drive forward when the distance is greater than 20 cm.
If the distance is less than 40 cm, it raises a STOP flag using the servo.
If the distance is more than 40, it lowers the STOP flag using the servo.
If the distance is less than 20 cm, turns on BOTH front red LEDs, turns left, and starts to drive forward
If the distance is greater than 20 cm, the front LED lights are off.
Utilize LOGIC and VARIABLES in this module. Use the blocks you already know.
To earn points for this module, submit a screenshot of your final code AND a video showing the Maqueen robot meeting the requirements described above.
Use the starter file linked to the left or here to open up the MakeCode IDE with the correct Maqueen Plus V2 extension already loaded.
Use THIS TUTORIAL GUIDE to complete the module- SKIP STEP 1 on page 3 (also linked left)
For this module, you will use the Maqueen AND a second Micro.bit. This second Micro.bit will serve as your "remote", allowing you to control Maqueen's motion by moving the remote... like a Wii controller.
For this module, follow the tutorial AND modify the final code to do following:
When powered on, Maqueen will...
move according to the movement of the remote control Micro.bit (using the accelerometer)
Make a sound when Button A is pushed on the remote control
Flash its underbody LEDs when Button B is pushed
The remote will show arrows on its LED array to match its accelerometer readings and the message sent to Maqueen.
To earn points for this module, submit a screenshot of your final code AND a video showing the Maqueen robot meeting the requirements described above.
This module will utilize Bluetooth radio signals to allow the Game Controller to communicate with the Maqueen. Two Micro.bits will be needed for this module.
FIRST: Load and test the two programs provided.
Remote Controller Program: This code needs to be loaded onto the Micro.bit that is attached to the Game Controller.
Maqueen Car Program: This code needs to be loaded onto the Maqueen Micro.bit.
SECOND: Load and test the two programs provided.
Speed Control Remote Controller Program: Load this more advanced program onto the Game Controller. This should allow you to control the speed of the robot.
Maqueen Speed Car Program: This corresponds with the above program to control Maqueen's speed.
To earn points for this module, submit a video showing the Maqueen robot being controlled through the Game Controller.
This module will build off of the module before it. You should use the code from Module #11 to start.
Modify the code for both the Maqueen robot and the controller so the following can happen:
Use the controller to drive Maqueen around in a controlled manner.
Add to the programs so you can control the underbody LEDs.
To earn points for this module, submit a video showing the Maqueen robot being controlled through the Game Controller.
This module will build off of the module before it. You should use the code from Module #12 to start.
Modify the code for both the Maqueen robot and the controller so the following can happen:
Use the controller to drive Maqueen around in a controlled manner.
Add to the programs so you can control the underbody LEDs.
Add to the programs so you can control sound production with the robot.
To earn points for this module, submit a video showing the Maqueen robot being controlled through the Game Controller.
This module will build off of the module before it. You should use the code from Module #13 to start.
Modify the code for both the Maqueen robot and the controller so the following can happen:
Use the controller to drive Maqueen around in a controlled manner.
Add to the programs so you can control the underbody LEDs.
Add to the programs so you can control sound production with the robot.
Add to the programs so you can control the servo mounted on the robot.
To earn points for this module, submit a video showing the Maqueen robot being controlled through the Game Controller.
This module will build off of the module before it. You should use the code from Module #14 to start.
Modify the code for both the Maqueen robot and the controller so the following can happen:
Use the controller to drive Maqueen around in a controlled manner.
Add to the programs so you can control the underbody LEDs.
Add to the programs so you can control sound production with the robot.
Add to the programs so you can control the servo mounted on the robot.
Add to the Maqueen program so that the robot can use the ultrasonic detector to avoid hitting things AND will announce it's avoidance tactics using sound and light.
To earn points for this module, submit a video showing the Maqueen robot being controlled through the Game Controller.