Is anyone interested in detailed solution videos or example code?
Is anyone interested in versions for other robots? Which robot do you have?
Is anyone interested in microPython versions?
That’s great, Don. You put a lot of effort and imagination into this educational project. I hope you get more response from the community than I get. Best Wishes.
Hi, my son has just been given a Maqueen v4.1, but I’m a little unsure what/how to use it, although I’m sure he’ll figure it out quicker than I will It would be great if he could try some of these projects. Would they work for the version he has? Thanks
Yes. All of the Maqueens have line sensors, range finder, and lights. Two of the projects require 2 micro:bits so those would require a second controller.
I am starting the playlist now. I have the first two projects up. The first one is a repeat of the robot Pet project. After that there will be 5 projects that build on each other to a maze solver based on the micro-mouse competition.
Hi Don,
Kindly give me a feedback about this kit micro:bit with robotics chassis (e.g., Maqueen)
Is it easy to use?
Does it come with lesson plans and teacher guides?
Is it cost effective?
Does it connect to a desktop, tablet and laptop?
It is easy to use given one reality: Robots live in the real world. What I mean when I tell that to the students is that each robot produced is slightly different. (They are cheap.) It is also the case that sometimes the robots do unexpected things one time and never repeat it again. It can also be a challenge to debug without putting some thought into it.
Most of the big brands do come with projects of some sort. Given that most of the robots are very similar you can even use projects from other brands or find projects on the web. You just need to figure out how to incorporate them into your curriculum. I don’t usually give solutions to my projects so that students cannot just cut and paste, but most do give out the code.
There are several versions of the DFRobot Maqueen robots at different prices. Depending on how flexible you want the robot to be the higher the price usually. I use the Maqueen Plus V2 which is about $50. The Maqueen Plus V3 is new and costs $70. There is also a Maqueen Lite at $32. I am right now evaluating the Elecfreaks Cutebot Pro which is also $50 but has more functionality compared to the Maqueen Plus V2.
So cost effective? With a micro:bit and rechargeable batteries I paid about $80 per robot. We have had them for 2 school years so far with one broken bot that cost about $30 to repair. I would say it is cost effective.
One thing that DFRobot has done to make me want to switch products is they produced a bunch of Maqueen Plus V2 robots that didn’t work properly. They obviously didn’t bother to test them after making some manufacturing changes. I have 9 of them with this bug. When I opened a bug report it was ignored by DFRobot for over a year. When they finally replied they told me they were sorry but I would need to fix it myself. I can do that, but not everyone can.
To program a robot you plug it in via USB cable. You use a web based development language. MakeCode or microPython are available easily, other more esoteric languages with some effort. My school gives all the kids Chromebooks and it works great. Laptop, desktop, tablet, and phone are all supposed to work, though I would not recommend a phone. The micro:bit themselves can connect to a tablet with Bluetooth so you don’t need to plug it in. I have not tried that yet because I don’t need to do that.
In the classroom I use the robots to offer an alternative to a MakeCode Arcade project. Some of the kids prefer to do that. Oddly, the girls seem more attracted to the robots than the boys. I was not expecting that.
Hi Don,
Thank you for your time in sharing detailed information. It makes things easier for me to decide and come closer to my decision on micro: Maqueen Lite (with micro:bit V2). So the cost should be $54.40 (price from the DFRobot website-https://www.dfrobot.com/product-1872.html). What would be the cost of the rechargeable battery, You said you paid $80 including the battery. So is the cost of the battery $30 approx.?
Thank you once again for your time and support.
I add $30 to cover the cost of a micro:bit and batteries. Rechargeable batteries bundled with a charger will cost at least $10 and a micro:bit will cost at least $20.
The DFRobot stuff often sells out at the beginning of the school year. So if you find that to be the case you will be looking for someone that even has it.
I have gotten things from DFRobot itself, digikey, robotshop and amazon. More often than not the robots come direct from China anyway so ordering from a Chinese company doesn’t slow delivery. It is often the case that the deciding factor will be the cost of shipping.
Amazon seems to have Elecfreaks stuff more often than DFrobot stuff. If you are a school ordering from Amazon makes the tax process easier. That could be a factor in choosing between a Maqueen or Cutebot product.
It would be great if he could try some of these projects. Would they work for the version he has? Thanks