Microcontroller

A microcontroller is a small computer mounted on a printed circuit board

containing the processor, memory and programmable input/output ports. The
microcontroller of mBot Ranger is called Me Auriga Microcontroller.
 PARTS OF THE ME AURIGA MICROCONTROLLER
1. The POWER JACK on an Auriga microcontroller serves as an external power
input connector, allowing the device to be powered from an external power
source such as a battery or an external power supply.
2. The USB CONNECTOR on an Auriga microcontroller serves as a data and
power interface, allowing the microcontroller to communicate with other devices
and receive power from a USB source, such as a computer or USB charger.
3. The RESET BUTTON on an Auriga microcontroller is used to initiate a system
reset, allowing the microcontroller to return to its initial state and restart its
operation.
4. The BLUETOOTH MODULE enables wireless communication capabilities,
allowing the microcontroller to connect to and exchange data with other
Bluetooth-enabled devices.
5. 5. The 5V LED INDICATOR serves as a visual indicator to show the presence of
a 5-volt power supply to the microcontroller.
6. 6. The BUZZER produces audible sounds or alerts based on program
instructions or sensor inputs.
7. 7. LIGHT SENSOR 1 and LIGHT SENSOR 2 are sensors used to detect ambient
light levels and provide analog or digital feedback based on the intensity of light.
8. 8. The RGB LED RING is a ring of LEDs capable of displaying various colors,
often used for visual feedback or status indication.
9. The ENCODER MOTOR PORT is a connection point for controlling and receiving
feedback from an encoder-equipped motor.
10. 10. The POWER SWITCH allows for the manual control of the microcontroller's
power supply.
11. 11. The RJ25 PORT is a versatile interface that can be used for connecting
various sensors and modules to the microcontroller.
12. 12. The SOUND SENSOR detects sound levels in the environment and provides
feedback based on audio input.
13. 13. The POWER LED INDICATOR serves as a visual indicator to show the
microcontroller's power status.
14. Like humans who has brain, the robot also has its brain. This brain works like a
CPU that manages to decode, understand and perform data given to it.
15. And like human, we also need to take care to the brain of the Robot.
16. It needs to be updated all the time, it needs to be handled with care and most
importantly it needs to be maintained to function properly.
SENSORS
Sensors are devices that detect and measure physical or environmental properties,
such as distance, temperature, light, sound, pressure, and more.
They provide valuable feedback to the robot about its surroundings and its own state.
In robotics, sensors are used to gather information from the robot's environment,
allowing it to perceive and respond to changes in its surroundings.
Light sensor
The Me Auriga has two on-board light sensors which measure the
intensity (brightness) of the light that these sensors absorb; the
brighter the light, the higher the signal.
The light sensors can be used to make an intelligent dimming
lamp, a light-avoiding robot, and a light-following robot.

Sound sensor
The Me Auriga sound sensor is designed to detect the intensity of
sound in the surrounding environment. It can deliver output
analog values ranging from 0 to 1023 and can be used in sound
interactive projects such as a voice operated switch.

Gyroscope sensor
It can be used together with the encoder motor to build a self-
balancing car.

Temperature sensor
The on-board temperature sensor of the Ranger contains a
tiny thermometer that detects the temperature of the
surroundings.

Ultrasonic sensor
The Me Ultrasonic Sensor is an electronic module that sends out an ultrasonic wave,
listens to the return signal and then determines the distance between the sensor and an
object based on the time it took for the signal to be sent out and then to be detected.
Ultrasonic sensors have numerous applications in the real world, such as proximity
alarms and parking assistance sensors for cars. This Me Ultrasonic Sensor can be
attached to the port with yellow tags on Me Auriga.
Line-follower sensor
The module has two sensors, each of which consists of an IR
emitting LED and an IR sensitive phototransistor.
By measuring the amount of reflected infrared light, the
module can detect transitions from light to dark, particularly
lines, as well as objects directly in front of it. This module can
be connected to the port with blue tags on Me Auriga.

Battery Basic Information

A battery is a device which converts the chemical energy stored in its cells into
electrical energy. Batteries are used to power devices such as flashlights, smartphones,
and electric cars.

Battery Sizes

Types of Batteries

❑ Nickel cadmium (NiCd) – used in cordless phones and for electric vehicles.
❑ Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) – used for flashlights and in electric plug-in vehicles.
❑ Lead-acid – used in cars, backup power supplies, and diesel-electric submarines.
❑ Lithium-ion – used in mobile phones, power tools, and electric vehicles.
❑ Lithium polymer – used in mobile devices and radio-controlled aircraft.
❑ Alkaline – used in some toys, television remote controls, and compact flashlights.

Using Batteries Safely

Important Battery Information
❑ Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type.
❑ Do not mix old and new batteries or different types of batteries.
❑ Do not short-circuit the battery terminals.
❑ Replace all batteries of the same type or brand at the same time.
❑ Remove exhausted batteries from the robot.
❑ Remove batteries if the robot is not going to be operated for a long period of
time.
LOW BATTERY INDICATORS
The following phenomena are indications that the mBot Ranger batteries have
become weak.
Land Raider and Dashing Raptor
1. Moves very slowly. Can automatically restart while turning or when bumping onto
things.
2. Does not move when the motor speed is set to the highest setting.
Nervous Bird
1. Balance is unsteady; falls down easily when moving or turning