Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

Use educational affordances of robotics to create CS-STEM opportunities for all learners

Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy  ›  Training  ›  Live Online Training  ›  Arduino Welcome Letter
  1. Curriculum Access
    You will need to set up your account to access the course's curriculum materials - videos, quizzes, and other assignments - through CS2N, the Computer Science STEM Network.
    1. Go here and create a username and password:
      1. https://www.cs2n.org/signup
      2. CHECK YOUR EMAIL for the activation link!
    2.  Join the CS2N Group for the Class:
      1. Click here to join your class's Group: [link changes with each training cohort]
      2. You are now added to the Group.
    3. To view the Course Materials
      1. Go to the CS2N Groups tab
      2. Select [name changes with each training cohort]

  2. Check your other things
    There are some other things recommended for you to participate in the class.
    1. Parallax Shield-Bot - To get your free Parallax Shield-Bot, complete Parallax's Free Robot Claim Form after registering for the training. Please allow one week for Parallax to ship your Shield-Bot in time for training.
    2. Pixy2 (CMUcam5), which can be purchased at https://pixycam.com/buy/. 
      1. (NOTE: Pixy2 for Lego Mindstorms EV3 is NOT compatible with the  Arduino Uno and Parallax Shield-Bot)
    3. 5 AA Batteries – We recommend rechargeable AA batteries - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FKPQC3K/?coliid=I2VQJVU1SS37CI&colid=1J00OG5QCVUXR&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
    4. Arduino IDE 1.8.10 (or later). Arduino IDE can be downloaded from https://www.arduino.cc/en/main/software
    5. PixyMon V2 3.0.24 (or later). PixyMon v2 can be downloaded from: https://pixycam.com/downloads-pixy2/
    6. PC with Windows 7, or 10 installed or Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or newer
    7. Supported Web browsers:
      1. Internet Explorer 10 or higher
      2. Microsoft Edge 38.14393.0.0 or higher
      3. Google Chrome 53.0.2785 or higher
      4. Safari 10.0.602.1.50 or higher
      5. Firefox 49.0 or higher
      6. Adobe Reader 9 or later.
    8. At least one free USB port on your computer (two would be best) for the Arduino Uno and Pixy2 Camera
    9. Broadband Internet connection
    10. A clear workspace of approximately 4'x4' (1.2m x 1.2m) with a uniformly-colored surface (e.g., white table or floor)
    11. 1-2 rolls of black electrical tape
    12. A ruler, meter stick, or tape measure
    13. A few hardcover books or other free-standing vertical obstacles
    14. Colored items (to use with Pixy2 camera) tape, brightly colored paper, etc.
  3. Community/Questions Platform (through Discord app)
    We utilize a chat community software called Discord that you could use to communicate with us and fellow former and current classmates. To get access to it, you will be given the following link. [link provided with training]

    Once you gain access, you will see a "Welcome" post that has emojis on it. Select the orange circle icon to get access to the specific SMART Software Foundations with the Arduino channel.

    To login to the Discord after joining, go to https://discord.com/login
  4. Assignment Zero
    This course's first assignment is simple: install the various software you need for the course and verify your Shield-Bot Kit contents. [link provided with training]

  5. Recordings & Powerpoints
    The class recordings and powerpoints are available at: [link provided with training]

  6. Test Zoom Meeting (Optional but recommended)
    The online training utilizes the Zoom Web Conferencing software. If you'd like to test out if your computer is compatible with the Zoom Web Conferencing software, please use this link to join a Test Meeting: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/115002262083-Joining-a-Test-Meeting

  7. Connecting to Class:
    1. Go to: [link changes with each training cohort]
    2. To use your computer audio, select "Join using Computer Audio."
    3. To call in, click on "Phone Call" and dial the given numbers.