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    fischertechnik Scratch Programming

    Bring fischertechnik to Life with Scratch

    Scratch programming is specifically designed for students - ages 8 to 16. Its easy-to-understand, drag-and-drop interface helps students learn about programming without the complexity of coding. Scratch is free and easy to integrate into your fischertechnik LT Controller set!

    Students and educators use both Scratch and fischertechnik sets across multiple disciplines, as a cross-curricular addition to their STEM curriculum. With these incredible technologies, students can explore science, technology, engineering, math, language arts and so much more! Scratch does not replace the excellent fischertechnik ROBO Pro Software, but it does offer users an alternative approach to programming fischertechnik with less expertise required.

    How Scratch Programming Works

    Scratch Overview from ScratchEd on Vimeo.

    Follow these 5 easy steps to start programming your fischertechnik LT Controller set!

    1. Connect ROBO LT to the PC
    2. Download and install relevant drivers
    3. Download the  FTScratch program and run FTScratch
      (Note: This program requires .NET framework 4, usually installed on Windows PCs)
    4. Open ScratchX with the extension (Recommended for use in Firefox or Chrome)
    5. Start programming!

    Note: Experimental extensions to Scratch, like fischertechnik ROBO LT, use the development platform – ScratchX.

    Block Descriptions for FTScratch

    Take a look at the simple layout of some of the most commonly used FTScratch blocks. These descriptions can also be found on the FTScratch website in English and German.

    This block event triggers when a mini-switch input I1 (I2, I3) is pressed.

    This block event triggers as soon as a light barrier opens or closes. For instance, it may trigger when the light beam between an indicator light and a phototransitor on input I3 (I1 or I2) is disrupted, or not disrupted. The light source may be on output M1 or M2.

    This sensing block polls the status (pressed or released) of a mini-switch on input I1 (I2 or I3). It can be combined with blocks under headings "Operators" and "Control".

    This sensing block polls the status of a light barrier, closed or open, on input I3 (I1 or I2). This block can also be combined with blocks under the "Operators" and "Control" sections.

    This sensing block retrieves the current value of output M1 (or M2) that may then be used for calculations or conditional expressions in combination with blocks under the "Operators", "Control" or "Events" sections. The value retrieved is between -8 and +8, noting backward (-) and forward (+) motor function.

    This block sets output MI (M2) to a value from 0-8. Blocks like this are ideal for an indicator light.

    This block sets output MI (M2) to perform a backward or forward motion with a value of -/+ 0-8. This block is best used in conjunction with a motor.

    This block sets output M1 (or M2) to a forward or backward motion without changing the value. Used to change the rotational direction of a motor at a constant value.

    This block sets the output M1 (or M2) to a fixed value or variable value, which is used to in conjunction with the "Get Value" block previously mentioned. It can also be combined with blocks under the "Control", "Operators" and "Events" sections. This is ideal for programming more complex tasks.

    This block resets the LT Controller. All outputs are returned to zero.