Educational Robitics With Halocode- Summarised Edition.pdf (1) .PDF（副本）

Educational Robotics
with
Halocode
by
makeblock
Summarised Edition
3
Ernesto Martínez deCarvajal Hedrich
Management IT Advanced Technician

Internetande-Commerce Consultant(UAH)
Computer Science Judicial Expert
Computer Science Judicial Expert Spanish Association Member
First LEGO League Coach
Teacher Training in Obligatory Secondary and Upper Secondary School
Education and Vocational Training (UNIR)
Degree in Maritime Navigation and Transport (FNB)
Master ShippingBusiness
Merchant Navy Pilot
Maritime Surveyor (COMME)
Flight Crew Member ULM
Advanced RPAS Pilot
Civil RPAS Operator AESA
www.emchtechbooks.com
Educational Roboticswith
Halocode
by makeblock
Summarised Edition
5
PROLOGUE
Again, Makeblock surprised us pleasantly with a quality product

with very interesting features that clearly differentiate it from
other similar options.
Halocode is a programmable board with multitude of sensors,
which can be used for both “training in robotics”, from basic to the
most advanced levels, as well as for “training with robotics”, by
allowing the youngest membersto use it as a didactic resource for
all kinds of activities, including, of course, the introduction to
robotics.
Although other similar proposals already exist in market, the new
Halocode is notable for its ability to carry out extremely easily
projects related to voice recognition, for example, controlling
lights remotely, just like domestic assistants do, somuch in vogue
now, or send voice messages translated to text from a Halocode to
anywhere in theworld.
This functionality also allows to carry out activities for, for
example, learning English numbers. Its circular structure and the
ringLEDS arrangement, invites us to carry out IoTprojects, as the
watch from book cover, that we are sure will shake up the
wareable lovers.
Finally, I want to express my gratitude to all the people who have
helped me in this work and, as usual, I apologize for the possible
mistakes that might have been made. The only way to avoid them
would have been leaving blank paper and that, as my readers
know well, it is never an option.
The author.
7
Table of Contents
1.- Introduction................................................................................13
1.3.- What is Makeblock?......................................................................... 13
1.3.1.- Maker line....................................................................................13
1.3.2.- Neuron......................................................................................... 16
1.3.3.- Codey Rocky.............................................................................. 18
1.3.4.- Halocode..................................................................................... 22
1.4.- On line suppport................................................................................22
1.5.- Focus ofthe book..............................................................................23
1.5.1.- STEAM Philosophy.................................................................... 24
1.5.2.- Teaching in Robotics................................................................. 25
1.5.3.- Teaching with robotics...............................................................25
2.- Halocode components............................................................ 26
2.1.- Integrated sensors in Halocode...................................................... 26
2.1.1.- Button.......................................................................................... 26
2.1.2.- Touch sensor.............................................................................. 26
2.1.3.- Sound andvoice sensor............................................................ 27
2.1.4.- Gyroscopic and accelerometer sensor....................................27
2.1.5.- Connection pins..........................................................................28
2.2.- Additional sensors............................................................................ 29
2.2.1.- Potentiometer............................................................................. 31
2.2.2.- Light sensor................................................................................ 31
2.2.3.- Temperature sensor.................................................................. 32
2.2.4.- Soil moisture sensor.................................................................. 32
2.2.5.- PIR sensor.................................................................................. 33
2.2.6.- Flame sensor.............................................................................. 33
2.3.- Actuators integrated in Halocode....................................................34
2.3.1.- RGB LED.....................................................................................34
2.4.- Additional actuators..........................................................................34
2.4.1.- Buzzer..........................................................................................34
2.4.2.- Relay............................................................................................35
9
2.4.3.- Fluid pump.................................................................................. 36
2.5.- Comunication.................................................................................... 37
2.5.1.- USB connector........................................................................... 37
2.5.2.- WiFi module................................................................................ 37
2.5.3.- Bluetooth module....................................................................... 37
2.6.- Processor...........................................................................................37
2.6.1.- Firmware update........................................................................ 38
2.7.- Program............................................................................................. 38
2.7.1.- Algorithm..................................................................................... 39
2.7.2.- Pseudocode................................................................................39
2.7.3.- Programming.............................................................................. 40
2.7.4.- Programming by functions........................................................ 40
2.8.- Power supply..................................................................................... 41
2.9.- Structural parts..................................................................................42
2.9.1.- Modding Pc................................................................................. 42
2.9.2.- LEGO Technic parts.................................................................. 42
2.9.3.- Wareable technology.................................................................44
2.9.4.- Metallic metric3 screws............................................................ 45
2.9.5.- Nylon metric3 screws................................................................45
3.- Programming with mBlock5...................................................46
3.1.- Initial screenof mBlock5.................................................................. 46
3.2.- Board selectionand connection......................................................49
3.2.1.- USB connection..........................................................................51
3.2.2.- Bluetooth connection.................................................................52
3.3.- Stage.................................................................................................. 52
3.4.- Execution options menu...................................................................52
3.5.- MBlock5 program edition options menu.........................................53
3.6.- Programming block menu................................................................53
3.6.1.- Lighting........................................................................................ 53
3.6.2.- Sensing........................................................................................57
3.6.3.- Pins.............................................................................................. 61
10
3.6.4.- Wi-Fi.............................................................................................63
3.6.5.- LAN.............................................................................................. 66
3.6.6.- Events..........................................................................................68
3.6.7.- Control......................................................................................... 70
3.6.8.- Operators.................................................................................... 73
3.6.9.- Variables..................................................................................... 78
3.6.11.- My blocks.................................................................................. 79
3.2.12.- Extensions................................................................................ 81
3.7.- mBlock5 toPython translation.........................................................82
4.- STEAM projects with mBlock5...............................................83
4.1.- With the Halocode board alone....................................................... 84
4.1.1.- Flashlight.....................................................................................84
4.1.2.- Flashlight with brightness adjustment..................................... 85
4.1.3.- Flashlight with brightness, colour and blink adjustment..........89
4.1.4.- Emergency vehicle lighting....................................................... 89
4.1.5.- Rotating Emergency vehicle lighting........................................93
4.1.6.- SOS signal light.......................................................................... 94
4.1.7.- Kids night light.............................................................................97
4.1.8.- Metronome with light..................................................................98
4.1.9.- Sound meter with light indicator............................................... 98
4.1.10.- Noise classroom traffic light..................................................101
4.1.11.- Rhythm meter.........................................................................103
4.1.12.- Disco Light.............................................................................. 103
4.1.13.- Heads or tails..........................................................................109
4.1.14.- Dice..........................................................................................109
4.1.15.- Quiniela (Football Lottery).................................................... 112
4.1.16.- Rock-paper-scissors............................................................. 112
4.1.17.- Chronometer.......................................................................... 112
4.1.18.- Timer....................................................................................... 112
4.1.19.- Wristwatch.............................................................................. 112
4.1.20.- Pedometer.............................................................................. 112
11
4.1.21.- Drop.........................................................................................116
4.1.22.- Bubble level............................................................................ 116
4.2.- Halocode and speech recognition................................................ 116
4.2.1.- Turn LEDS on and off with voice............................................ 116
4.2.2.- Halocode shows the indicated color...................................... 117
4.2.3.- Control the lit LEDS number................................................... 121
4.2.4.- Control the LEDS from a remote Halocode........................... 127
4.2.5.- Send messages to mBlock5 stage.........................................127
4.3.- With Halocode board and one more component.........................127
4.3.1.- Doorbell.....................................................................................127
4.3.2.- Adjustable intensity light (with potentiometer)......................129
4.3.3.- Twilight light..............................................................................133
4.3.4.- Environmental thermometer...................................................136
4.3.5.- Alarm of presence....................................................................141
4.3.6.- Multi colour light with remote control..................................... 144
4.4.- With Halocode and two more components.................................. 144
4.4.1.- Sound presence alarm............................................................ 144
4.4.2.- Fire alarm.................................................................................. 147
4.4.3.- Motion andnoise alarm........................................................... 152
4.4.4.- Twilight courtesy light.............................................................. 152
4.4.5.- Automatic watering.................................................................. 157
4.4.6.- Alarm of presence with remote control.................................. 157
4.5.- Real home automation with Halocode......................................... 157
12
1.- Introduction
The purpose of this book is to provide theoretical and practical
knowledge of robotics to readers, using Halocode as the working
platform. It serves both for self-training and for educational support
material.
1.3.- What is Makeblock?

Founded in 2012, Makeblock is an
Educational Robotics Manufacturer that
offers STEAM products. The website of the
company iswww.makeblock.com.
1.3.1.- Maker line

Makeblock Maker line it’s composed of different robots with metallic
structure, like mBot or Ranger. It consists of different mechanical parts
and electronic modules, such as control boards, sensors, actuators,
wheels, axes, beams, cables, etc.
Its undoubted qualities have allowed it to reach more than 140 countries
in a very short time, making Makeblock one of the actually educational
robotics leading manufacturers.
13
Its structural parts, made of reinforced aluminum, are designed so that
they can be assembled easily, providing stability, which allows to build all
kinds of robots, 3D printers, CNC machines, etc.
The easy and solid union of the pieces makes assemblies very simple and
adapts to practically any project you can imagine.
These robots are based on the popular Arduino platform, so it can be

programmed and controlled from a PC, either through a USB or Bluetooth
connection.
Since current electronics are not simple (connections and circuit design
are the main barrier), Makeblock has designed its own electronic
modules called "Me", with a very simple way of interconnecting them
through RJ25 connectors, marked with codes of colors, so make any
robot become a simple "plug and play", focusing on robotics.
Makeblock has a wide range of Me sensors and actuators: bluetooth,
potentiometer, infrared receiver with remote control, proximity sensors,
motors, lights, smoke sensors, LED strips, etc.
In the following sections we describe the main Makeblock maker line

features.
14
1.3.1.1.- Open source
As the manufacturer states, Makeblock will be Open Source Hardware for
ever with CC-BY-SA3.0 licence, so that the diagrams, plans and firmware
will always bepublic.
1.3.1.2.-Simple and flexible assemblies

Connecting parts together is really simple
and fast: its threaded beams allow to
screw any other part along from the
beam without need from using nuts.
1.3.1.3.- Programmable with Scratch, mBlock5 and Bitbloq

The Makeblock electronics are compatible
with Scratch, a widespread graphic
environment with which you can learn to
program easily. mBlock5 is the Scratch 3
version developed by Makeblock for this
product line.
Since May 2017 some Makeblock products can also be programmed with
Bitbloq, an environment that, in our opinion, is much more powerful, but
also somewhat morecomplex.
1.3.1.4.- Lego compatible

Due the holes distance in the structural
parts of Makeblock and LEGO is the same,
structural and robotic elements can be
combined with both platforms, that we
think fits perfectly with the robotics
concept. In fact, in our books focused on
the Maker line (mBot and Ranger) we take
advantage of this feature to carry out some
of the projects.
15
1.3.1.5.- Easy connections
All of the Maker line products connections
are "plug and play" by means of RJ25
connectors, similar to those of LEGO, and
with colour codes, so that it is not necessary
to solder cables or use prototyping boards,
which allows focused on robotics.
1.3.1.6.- Arduinocompatible
Makeblock ME sensors and actuators are Arduino open source
compatibles.
1.3.1.7.- Other books by the same author

For “maker” line we offer these Spanish books by the same author:
Educational Robotics with mBot and Arduino (ISBN 978-8469749326)
Educational Robotics with Ranger and Arduino (ISBN 978-8469771709)
Domotics easy with Makeblock (ISBN 978-8409023752)
1.3.2.- Neuron
Neuron is an educational robotics platform based on interconnectable
blocks, with more than 30 different functionalities, that allows to carry
out in a very easy way all kinds of STEAM projects.
Precisely that simplicity makes it very suitable to introducing youngsters
in electronics and robotics, but its power and versatility allows it to be
used for all ages and levels.
16
1.3.2.1.- Neuron blocks
Each Neuron component

is assembled by a
compact design closed
block that provides
security and durability.
1.3.2.2.- Pogo connectors

The connections between the Neuron
components are made through Pogo
connectors, a connector type designed
specifically by the company Everett Charles
Technologies (ECT) to establish temporary
but safe connections between electronic
components.
1.3.2.3.- Neuron Kits

Neuron is available in kits (Inventor, Explorer, Artist and Creative),
although you can also buy single components. The updated prices of the
available components can be found on the Makeblock website:
17
https://store.makeblock.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=
neuron

For more information the reader has the
Spanish book “Educational Robotics with
NEURON” by the same author (ISBN 978-
8409046966).
1.3.3.- Codey Rocky

Codey Rocky is a programmable robot specifically designed to introduce
in the educational robotics and STEAM projects to children from six years
ofage. For this, it combines a simple and attractive robotic hardware with
two very simple and intuitive graphical programming environments, one
for tablets and smartphones and the other one, more powerful, for
computers.
As its name suggests, it is composed from two elements. One is Codey

and other one is Rocky.
Characteristics of Codey Rocky

Dimensions 102 x 95.4 x 103 mm (Codey and Rocky assembled)
Weight 290.5 grams (Codey and Rocky assembled)
18
1.3.3.1.- Codey
Codey is the brain of the robot that, in addition to the processor,
integrates more than 10 electronic modules that can be controlled by
program.
The processor, an ESP32, is a SoC (System on Chip) designed by the

Chinese company Espressif and manufactured by TSMC. Integrates a
Tensilica Xtensa dual-core 32bits at 160Mhz processor, WiFi and
Bluetooth connectivity in a single chip.
Since it has a processor, it allows the load of a program in its memory to
work autonomously. The loading of the program can be done either from
the Makeblock App or from mBlock5.
1.3.3.2.- Rocky
Rocky is the vehicle that gives Codey mobility. It has integrated, in
addition to the motors that move its tracks, other sensors and a
connector for Neuron modules, which further expands its possibilities.
19
1.3.3.3.- Makeblock App
The easiest way to use Codey Rocky is with the "Makeblock App",
available for both Android and Apple, which allows three modes.
1.3.3.3.1.- Drive
In this mode the tablet or
smartphone acts as a remote
control from Codey. In addition to
moving it in different directions
and at different speeds, user can
draw in its LEDS matrix or apply
different combinations of sounds,
expressions and movements.
It is therefore a way for the younger to have fun with Codey.
20
1.3.3.3.2.- Draw and Run
In this mode the user draws a path
on which sounds and colors can be
included.
Pressing "Play", Codey Rocky will
follow the path by executing the
instructions that he finds to emit
sounds or turn on lights.
It is a conceptual way to introduce
the younger in the programming.
1.3.3.3.3.- Code
This mode allows Codey Rocky programming using a block graphical
environment very similar to mBlock5.
1.3.3.4.- Programing Codey Rocky

Codey has its own processor, so we can load programs into its memory so
that it executes them autonomously. As usual in Arduino, the board can
only contain a program that is executed when starting the robot. It can be
programmed with the Makeblock App or with mBlock5.
21
For more information the reader has the
Spanish book “Educational Robotics with
Codey Rocky” by the same author (ISBN
978-8409067527).
1.3.4.- Halocode
HaloCode is a programmable small
board that integrates some
components:
Button
4 Contact sensors
Microphone
12 RGB LEDS
WiFimodule
In section 2 the Halocode is full detailed.

Halocode can be programmed from a computer (PC or Mac) with
mBlock5,agraphical programmingenvironment based on Scratch 3.
In section 3 of this book mBlock5 environment is detailed explained.
1.4.- On line suppport

Makeblock offers a website where users can find all kinds of resources
and didactic material for their products:
22
https://www.makeblock.com/support
1.5.- Focus of the book

The content of this book is structured as follows:
Explanation of Halocode sensors and actuators
Explanation of the mBlock5 programming environment
STEAM robotic projects using mBlock5
Many of the projects allow activities to promote "training in robotics",
taking advantage of the possibilities of Halocode, along with its graphical
programming environment, to bring the reader to robotics world and use
the completed projects to achieve the following objectives:
Access curricular contents from a different way.
Overcome daily challenges putting into practice concepts and
cognitive skills related to different curricular areas.
Improve in the programming languages in a natural and playful
way.
Develop learning by research. Learning by trial and error.
Consider the educational robotics as another learning resource.
Enlist interest in the world of robotics and home automation.
23
1.5.1.- STEAM Philosophy
STEM, without the A, is the acronym of the names of four academic
disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Educational initiatives or projects oriented towards the STEM philosophy
aim to combine these four subjects to develop an interdisciplinary
approach to the teaching and learning process, also incorporating
contexts and situations of daily life, and using the necessary technological
tools.
The European Commission bet decidedly by this methodology, as
evidenced by the more than 13 million euros that it planned to devote in
the period 2014-2020 to subsidize initiatives aimed to increasing the
attractiveness of scientific studies and the interest of young people in the
STEM philosophy.
However, despite the projection of this philosophy, the reality is that
since the beginning of the 2000s there has been a considerable decline in
the proportion of students in STEM disciplines, something that contrasts
with the growing demand for this type of profiles in the labor market.
More recently, there has been a change in trend in STEM actions, possibly
due to the rise of the maker philosophy and do-it-yourself (DIY)
movements, as well as the inclusion in the educational field of promotion
of creative thinking and work based on more competent and productive
activities.
On the other hand, it is evident that the combination of STEM disciplines

when carrying out projects, requires incorporating an original, attractive
and efficient design, as reflected in the rise of the "maker", DIY (do-it-
yourself) and DIWO (Do it with others) philosophies, that have shown
that only when artistic and creative skills are combined with STEM
education, aspects such as innovation and design, the development of
curiosity and imagination are valued, the search for diverse solutions to a
single problem.
All of which has led to the natural incorporation of the A of "Arts" to the
acronym STEM, giving rise to STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering,
Mathematics & Arts, a methodology that, without having assigned a
name or an acronym, many technological teachers already used for a long
time.
24
In 2003, matching up with the third generation
of the iPod presentation, the New York Times
include in an article the following sentence from
Steve Jobs:
Design is not just what it looks like and feels
like. Design is how it works.
1.5.2.- Teaching in Robotics

"Teaching in robotics" focuses on learning of robotics itself:
Specific robotics components
Programming (algorithm, program)
1.5.3.- Teaching with robotics

"Teaching with robotics" focuses on any subject, whether technological
or not, using robotics as an educational technological resource. In this
case, robotics, instead the aim, it is the medium.
In this book we will see projects made with Halocode that can then be
used to carry out educational activities. An example of this would be the
project"4.2.3.- Control the lit LEDS number " that allows to use Halocode
as a didactic resource for learning numbers in English.
25
2.- Halocode components
In the same way that the brain of living beings receives information
through the senses and coordinates and moves the limbs, robots can
interact in different ways with the environment, depending on the
sensors and actuatorsused.
2.1.- Integrated sensors in Halocode

Sensors are the elements that give the robot "senses", such as touch,
sight, hearing, balance, etc. In the following sections we will see the
sensors that will be used in this book, starting with those that incorporate
the Halocode board.
2.1.1.- Button
Halocode has a single blue button, located in
the center of the board.
A button is a sensor which returns a logical
value based on its state:
 True (logical 1) if pressed
 False (logical 0) if not pressed
When the button is used to select options or toggle states (such as

turning an LED on or off) it is convenient to include a waiting time of
about 0.3 seconds since, being the processor much faster than user, as
long as the user believes that performs a single press, the processor may
have checked the status of the button tens or hundreds of times.
Another, more efficient option is to wait for the button to be released.
2.1.2.- Touch sensor

The four golden colored connection Halocode
pins are also touch sensors.
Conceptually this type of sensor, also known
as a capacitive sensor, is very similar to a
push button but, unlike this one, it does not
need to be pressed, since it is enough to
touch it to activate it.
26
2.1.3.-Soundandvoicesensor
Halocode integrates a sound sensor and
voice sensor.
This sensor gives Halocode a sense similar to
the sense of hearing capable, not only of
measuring the intensity of sound, but also of
interpreting it, which allows interesting
applications, such as for example that the
user can turn on or off the LEDS with the
voice.
By means of this type of sensor it is possible to carry out a multitude of
devices such as a sound level meter (instrument that measures the
ambient sound), sonic alarms or a fun light noise for the classroom.
2.1.4.- Gyroscopic and accelerometer sensor

Halocode has a gyroscopic sensor and
accelerometer, which allow to measure the
angular movement and acceleration in the 3
axes. The gyroscope range is + -180° on the X
axis and + -90° on the Y axis, while the
accelerometer range is + -8g.
With this component we can detect board
rotation and accelerations as well as its
position in its 3 axes.
27
2.1.5.- Connection pins
Halocode board has 6 connection pins identifiable by its golden color:
GND Ground. Never connect directly to the power pin.

3V Input or output 3 volt power.
WIDE PINS
Ifthe boardis powered eitherthrough theUSB connection

or the battery, this pin works as output power. Otherwise,
it can be used for power input.
Never connect directly to the “GND” pin.
0, 1, 2 and Input or output signal, both analog and digital.
3
2.1.5.1.- Input and output pins

The four large pins allow the connection of components through cables
equipped with crocodileclips.
Although crocodile clips hold the cable
tightly, they can easily rotate, making
contact with adjacent pins, which could
damage the board. The structure proposed
in section 2.9.2 reduces the risk of causing a
short circuit by clamping the clamp on a
metal screw fixed to each pin.
The 4 pins can be used for digital (ie: binary) inputs and outputs and for
analog outputs (ie: values between 0 and 1023).
28
On the contrary for analog inputs (values between 0 and 1023) only pins
2 and 3 can be used.
2.1.5.2.- Power pin

The pin labeled "3.3 V" provides power to the
additional sensors or actuators connected to
the Halocode board.
If crocodile clips are used, it must be avoided
that these makes contact with other
components or pins of the board, since this
could be damaged.
2.1.5.3.- Ground pin

The pin labeled "GND" is the ground
connector for the additional sensors or
actuators that we connected to the Halocode
board.
If crocodile clips are used, it must be avoided
that these makes contact with other
components or pins of the board, since this
could be damaged.
2.2.- Additional sensors

The Halocode board has connector pins for additional Arduino sensors
and actuators. You can connect to Halocode without the need for
protoboards or resistors, which makes mounts much easier and allows to
focus in robotics.
The connection of the free protoboard components to the Halocode
board is very easy.
Simply slightly modify the supplied wire, changing the connectors from
the board side by three crocodile clips,for which welding is not required.
29
Once this change is made, the component can be directly connected to
the Halocode board (G with GND, V with 3V and S with 0, 1, 2 or 3), as
shown in the image.
It is important to keep in mind that the crocodile clips do not make

contact with each other or with other components of the board since;
otherwise, it could be damaged.
Although mBlock5 programming environment does not have a specific
block to manage these components, generic blocks are available for
reading and writing, both analog and digital values, on the board pins.
In the following sections we discuss the sensors and actuators of other

manufacturers that are used in the projects in this book.
30
2.2.1.- Potentiometer
A potentiometer is a variable resistor. That is, an
electronic component that makes it possible to regulate
the intensity of the current (the amount of electricity)
circulating in a circuit. A clear example are the controls
that allow adjusting the volume in the music equipment.
It is a very useful robotic sensor since it serves to select values, regulate

speeds, light intensities,etc.
In the following diagram we show how to connect it to the Halocode
board:
Signal wire (yellow): pin 3 (could also connect on pin 2)
Power wire (red): pin 3.3 Volts
Ground wire (black): Ground pin (GND)
2.2.2.- Light sensor

The light sensor allows Halocode to measure the intensity
of light, which gives it a certain capacity for monochrome
vision, not to see images as a whole, but rather the level
of ambient light.
This functionality opens the door to the development of
projects such as photometers, twilight switches, etc.
31
It is an analog digital component, so it must be connected in one of the
analog digital pins (2 or 3) in a similar way as described in section 2.2.1.
2.2.3.- Temperature sensor

The temperature is a magnitude referred to the
common notions of hot, warm or cold that people can
perceive through thermo receptors, located in the
skin, of cold and heat, called Krause corpuscles and
Ruffini corpuscles respectively.
We can determine the numerical value of this
magnitude by means of the analog temperature
sensor TMP36 of Elecfreaks, capable of measuring
temperatures in a range between -55 and 125
degrees centigrade with an accuracy of +/- 0.5.
analog digital pins (2 or 3) in a similar way as described in section 2.2.1.
2.2.4.-Soilmoisturesensor
This sensor determines the soil moisture by
measuring the conductivity between the two
probes and returning an analog value between 0
and 1023. Since water is a good conductor of
electricity, the higher the humidity, the greater the
measured current.
With this type of sensor you can, for example, control the humidity of a
plant or, even, proceed to its irrigation when necessary.
The mBlock5 programming environment does not have a specific block to
manage it, so we will use the direct reading block of the pin to which it is
connected.
analog digital pins (2 or 3) in a similar way as described in section 2.2.1
32
2.2.5.- PIR sensor
The acronym PIR corresponds to "Passive InfRared", a type of sensor that
measures the infrared (IR) light emitted by the objects that are in its
vision field. One of the most common applications of this type of sensors
is motion detectors, either in alarm systems or in automatic lighting
systems.
The term passive refers to the fact that PIR devices do not
generate or radiate energy to achieve detection, but
operate exclusively on the basis of the energy emitted by
the objects.
On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind that PIR

sensors do not detect or measure "heat", but the infrared
radiation emitted by an object, although this is usually
proportional to the temperature of the object. For this
reason, detectors based on PIR sensors can also be
activated by the movement of hot objects.
It can be used for the detection of people and animals, within a range of
action of about 5 meters and a beam of 90° opening. If something hot
moves within that range the sensor activates the digital output to 1. Once
activated it takes a few seconds to return to 0.
It is a binary digital component so it can be connected to any of the pins
on the Halocode board, similar as described in section 2.2.1.
2.2.6.- Flame sensor

The flame sensor is based on an infrared light
receiver that is extremely sensitive to the specific
wavelength that flames emit (around 760nm),
although they can give false positives with certain
lights.
Although it is intended to detect flames, it must be taken into account
that it only supports temperatures of up to 85 degrees Celsius, so it must
be kept at an adequate distance from the flame.
It is a binary digital component so it can be connected to any of the pins
on the Halocode board, similar as described in section 2.2.1
33
2.3.- Actuators integrated in Halocode
An actuator is a device capable of transforming hydraulic, pneumatic or
electric energy in the activation of a process with the purpose of
generating an effect on an automated process.
The actuator receives the order of a regulator or controller and
accordingly generates the order to activate a final control element, such
as a valve.
2.3.1.- RGB LED

Halocode has integrated 12 RGB LEDS
forming a ring. Each RGB LED is made up of
three monochrome LEDS, one of each
primary color: red, green and blue.
The acronym RGB stands for red, green and
blue colors. By combining these three
primary colors you can get any colour from
the spectrum.
In mBlock5 LED RGB it is controlled with several specific blocks that allow
to indicate a colour name or the value of each component colour (red,
green and blue).
2.4.- Additional actuators

As we saw in section 2.1.5, the Halocode board has pins in which
additional sensors and actuators can be connected.
The additional actuators that we will use in this book will be, like the
sensors, compatible with Arduino and prototyping board free.
2.4.1.-Buzzer
A buzzer is a passive electro acoustic transducer (there are
also active transducers) that produces a mono tonal
continuous sound (usually sharp). It serves as a signaling or
warning mechanism and is used in multiple systems, such
as household appliances, vehicles, etc.
34
The quality and power are what you can expect from this type of device,
much lower than a speaker. Even so they are apt for infinity of
applications, even musical, for which it is relevant to know the relation
between the notes and their frequencies.
It is a binary digital actuator so it can be only connected on Halocode
board pins 0 or 1, in similar way as described in section 2.2.1
mBlock5 current version does not have any specific block to manage this
type of component, so you have to use the direct write blocks to the
digital pins.
To make a buzzer sound, it is necessary to quickly change its status
between "on" (1) and "off" (0). The faster the state changes, the higher
the frequency.
2.4.2.- Relay
A relay is a device similar to a switch but, instead of manually-operated, it
is operated by a digital signal to turn it on or off.
In this way, with a low voltage signal, you can control the operation of
equipment that works at 220 volts.
It is therefore the key element to use robotics in home automation
projects (domotic).
Presently they are solid type, known as "SSR"
(solid state relay), and the element that makes
the switch is an optotransistor formed by an LED
that when the control signal is set to 1 emits
light that, when received by a photoresist, allows
electrical courrent passes through the controlled
circuit.
A relay completely isolates the control circuit (robotics) from the power
circuit (controlled equipment), thus protecting the board and control
elements.
The relays can have one or several channels. Each channel is used to
control the operation of a device. In this book we use single-channel
relays.
35
Each channel has 3 terminals to connect the circuit you want to control.
One of the cables is connected to the central terminal, which is common
to the other two, and the other cable will be connected to the NO
(Normally Open) or NC (Normally Close) terminal depending on whether
you want the idle state to be open (disconnected) or closed (connected) .
The most common is to connect it to the NO (Normally Open) so the
normal state of the controlled equipment is turned off.
The pins associated to each channel of the relay are connected directly to
a digital pin of the Arduino board (we use only free prototyping boards)
and the terminals to the positive and negative cables of the electrical
circuit that we want to control. By writing a 1 (high value) on the digital
pin to which we have connected the relay, it will be activated, closing the
circuit and, in this example, turning on the light LED. Writing a 0 (low
value) the relay will deactivate and open the circuit, turning off the LED.
In section 4.5 of the full book a domotic project is carried out using safe
currents of maximum 25 volts.
2.4.3.- Fluid pump

It is a 3V vertical submersible pump that can
be used for all types of projects.
Optionally you can use the Makeblock pump,
with similar characteristics (see project 4.4.5
of the full book), although it is not
submersible.
Both are controlled indirectly through a relay
(see previous section).
36
2.5.- Comunication
Halocode has several components for communication, both wired and
wireless.
2.5.1.- USB connector

Halocode has a mini USB connector that
serves both to load the programs in your
memory and to power it.
2.5.2.- WiFi module

The WiFi module allows Halocode to connect to a network to use, for
example, the IoT functions or to communicate several boards with each
other.
2.5.3.- Bluetooth module

The Bluetooth module is used to connect Halocode to a tablet,
smartphone or PC. In the case of the PC it is advisable to use the
Makeblock Bluetooth dongle. In section 3.2.2 we explain how to connect
the Halocode board via Bluetooth.
2.6.- Processor
The processor is the brain of the robots. It is
usually located on the "control board" which,
in addition to the processor, usually includes
memory, input and output ports, USB
connection to the computer, a reset button,
the on / off switch and, optionally, some
additional elements as sensors, actuators and
Bluetooth connection.
37
2.6.1.- Firmware update
The firmware is the non-volatile software (it is not erased when the
Halocode is turned off) that controls the basic functions of an integrated
circuit (chip). Sometimes the firmware has to be updated, either to solve
operating problems or to add new functionalities.
2.6.1.1.- Halocode firmware update

By connecting a Halocode board to the computer and accessing the
mBlock5 programming environment, it automatically checks if a firmware
update is available, in which case it offers the user the possibility to
update it.
Once the update process is started, it must be avoided that it can be
interrupted.
2.7.- Program
A computer program is a set of instructions
for a processor to perform a series of
specific tasks. Without programs,
computers are not capable of any action.
The general set of programs is called
software.
When talking about programs differentiation should be made between
the source and the executable code.
It is called source program or source code to the written by the
programmer in a particular programming language, more or less close to
human language.
Halocode has its own graphical programming environment for PC and
Mac called mBlock5, very friendly and intuitive.
As soon as the program load is finished, its execution begins. Since, just
like the Arduino boards, Halocode can only contain one program in its
memory, when it is loaded, it replaces the one that had previously.
38
2.7.1.- Algorithm
An algorithm is a set of well-defined, ordered and finite instructions or
rules that allows to carry out an activity following the steps indicated.
They must be complete and should not generate doubts about the
purpose of each of these steps, regardless of whether the reader may not
know how to put it into practice.
In daily life, algorithms are used
constantly, most of the time
unconsciously, to solve problems or
execute actions.
A typical example is to solve a problem
with a light bulb.
It is highly recommended to be clear
about the algorithm before starting to
create the program.
2.7.2.- Pseudocode
The pseudocode is an informal, although accurate, high-level description
of an algorithm, which essentially uses natural language together with
some syntactic conventions of programming languages, such as
assignments, cycles and conditional, although it is not governed by any
standard.
It is used to describe algorithms and as an intermediate element during
development, with the great advantage that it requires little extension.
The pseudocode is designed to make it easier for people to understand
an algorithm, and therefore can omit irrelevant details that, nevertheless,
are necessary in the later development of the program.
The main characteristics of this language are:
It is a simple form of representation to use and understand.
It facilitates the passage of the program to the programming
language.
It is independent of the programming language that will be used.
39
Facilitates the further development of the program.
A typical example of commonly used pseudocode is a food recipe, but it
can be applied in any activity or process.
This would be the pseudocode for the subsequent development of a
program that is able to calculate the area of any rectangle:
While not pressing the X key
Ask the user the base length
Ask the user the height length
Rectangle area = Base length x length height
Display Rectangle area
Ask the user to press any key to continue
or X to end
All the projects in this book include the pseudocode of the algorithm that
is then programmed in mBlock5 although the pseudocode could be used
to develop the program in any other platform.
2.7.3.- Programming
Finally, it remains to write the program from the pseudocode, for which
the programmer must know the specific programming language to be
used.
In section 3 the programming resources available in mBlock5 are
described.
2.7.4.-Programmingbyfunctions
When solving a problem, it is always better to divide it into smaller
problems, which will be easier to solve.
In programming, the same thing happens, so regardless of the
programming environment or language used, it is always better (if
possible) to split the program into functions that perform simple and
specific tasks. We will touch on this question later.
40
2.8.- Power supply
To operate, the Halocode board needs power, either through the USB
connector or the side connector.
In the case of the USB connector, the power supply can be the computer
to which we have connected it or an external battery equipped with this
type of connector:
If batteries are used, they should be between 3 and 5 volts. In the market
there are batteries of all sizes and capacities. For certain projects, such as
41
the watch, the ideal thing is to feed the Halocode board with a small
battery that we can fix to its back side by means of velcro:
Halocode board powered by 3.7 volt LIPO batteries
Just after receiving power, the Halocode board will start and run the
program that has loaded in its memory.
2.9.- Structural parts

At the moment the Halocode board does not have additional structural
components. However, as we will see it is very easy to combine it with
LEGO pieces.
2.9.1.- ModdingPc
As usual in the books of this author, a faithful follower of the STEAM
philosophy, the A (Arts) will be taken into account, which, in this
occasion, will be oriented towards the so-called "Modding Pc", a design
style that takes into account the strength, originality and functionality,
that when applied to the PCs, and in this case the Halocode board will
derive in models that leave the components exposed.
2.9.2.- LEGO Technic parts

As in other literary works by this author, we have chosen to use LEGO
pieces from the Technic series to quickly and easily create very modding
designs.
42
Frontal view
Back view
The result considers that, besides being functional, it contributes the
artistic component required in the STEAM projects, offering absolute
freedom to the user to quickly adapt the structures to their liking and to
43
fix additional components, such as the PIR sensor that appears in the
image.
On the other hand this structure offers an adequate grip of the crocodile
clips of power and ground, preventing them from making contact with
other pins or components of the board, which could cause a short circuit
and damage it.
Likewise, the metal screws with which
the board is fixed to the structure also
serve to fasten the crocodile clips of the
signal cables simply and safely.
To fix the components we propose this
simple and practical solution that also
prevents it from moving or turning. As
you can see, we use nylon 3 metric
screws to avoid false contacts.
2.9.3.- Wareabletechnology
The term wareable refers to the set of devices and electronic devices that
are incorporated in any part of the body or clothing, interacting
continuously with the user and with other devices in order to perform a
specific function.
44
Examples of wearable technology are smart watches, sneakers with built-
in GPS, or wristbands that control our state of health, all of them
increasingly present in our lives.
In that sense we also make use of a proposal that we consider fits both
the design and the concept of the Halocode, a wristwatch entirely made
with LEGO pieces:
2.9.4.- Metallic metric 3 screws

To fix the Halocode board to the
structure we propose to pass
through the holes of the contact
sensors metric 3 metal screws
which, in addition, will serve to
securely and securely grip the
crocodile clips of the signal cables.
2.9.5.- Nylon metric 3 screws

On the contrary, in the
additional sensors it is
advisable to use nylon screws
to avoid false contacts.
On the other hand, nylon
fasteners are more suitable
for fixing components to
LEGO plastic parts without
damaging them.
45
3.- Programming with mBlock5
Halocode can be programmed with mBlock5, available for PC and Mac, a
tool developed byMakeblock.
It is based on Scratch3, so it uses blocks that fit together, as if it were a
puzzle, to buildprograms.
This helps to make programming accessible to children, because they do
not have to worry about syntax (they do not need to learn how to write
code in a literal programming language such as Processing, C ++ or Java).
Being a product developed by Makeblock, it is constantly updated and

allows to use the full range of sensors and actuators of the brand.
At the time of writing this book (February 2019) version 5.0.1 of mBlock5
had just been released, both for Windows and for Mac, which can be
downloaded for free from the URL:
https://www.makeblock.com/software
The Web version is also available, which makes it possible to use mBlock5
from any site and with any device through a browser (provisionally at
https://ide.makeblock.com/#/)
3.1.- Initial screen of mBlock5

When launching mBlock5, the following screen appears:
46
Option Description
Option menu:
My Projects Shows the user's projects. From this screen
you can manage existing projects (open,
share, rename, copy, save to the computer,
delete) or openit.
New Project Start a new project
Open from your Open a project from the local computer.
computer
Example
(See same section of )
programs
Help Help User manual
Check for updates
Send comments to Makeblock
About mBlock5
Exit Exit mBlock5

Language Language selection
Update translation
47
My Projects Shows the user's projects. From this screen
you can manage existing projects (open,
share, rename, copy, save to the computer,
delete) or openit.
Start a new project
Search projects
Open recently worked
projects.
Sample programs Codey Codey Rocky projects
Rocky samples
Stage Stage samples
AI AI Samples
IoT IoT samples
Project name To change Project name
Save Save Save in the same place
and with the same name
Save as Save with other name
Save to Save to computer with
computer other name
Log in mBlock5 community. Once
Identify identified, the projects are saved in the
cloud. You can also use the IoT
functionalities and see data in the cloud.
Selecting a specific language translates the entire environment, including

the programming blocks.
Sometimes, especially for those who have experience programming, it is
better to use the English language, since in this way the functionality of
each programming block is better identified.
When you open an existing project or start a new one, you access the
graphical programming environment, made up of different areas that we
have marked with different colors.
48
Area Description
Top menu
Stage
Execution menu
Submenu
Board selection and connection
Edition comands
Programming command groups
Programming commands of the selected group
Programming area
The following sections describe the different areas of the graphic
environment mBlock5, although we will start with the selection and
connection of the board since the environment is adjusted to the
selected plate.
3.2.- Board selection and connection

In the lower left corner of the mBlock5 environment appears a box with
three options (Devices, Objects and Background).
By clicking on Devices, the selected ones are shown:
49
By default Codey is marked, but if you wish you can work with other
Makeblock robots, such as mBot, Ranger or Halocode, or even with other
manufacturers' boards such as micro:bit. By clicking on the box that
contains the plus sign, a new screen appears with the available robots
and boards:
In this case, click on the Halocode icon to select this device.

Next, in order to load a program, Halocode must be connected to the PC,
either through the USB port or the Bluetooth module.
50
3.2.1.- USB connection
Halocode can be connected
to a PC through the mini
USB connector on top.
After connecting the USB
cable, click on mBlock5 in
"Connect", opening a
window to select the port.
Just select the COM port to

which the Halocode board
has been connected and
click on "Connection". As
indicated, there can not be
more than one device
connected simultaneously,
so when a new device is
connected, the one that
was previously connected
is disconnected.
Once the connection is successful, this window closes and in the Devices
section the option to load the program appears (upload).
The USB connection itself provides power to Halocode.
51
3.2.2.- Bluetooth connection
To connect the PC with Halocode via

Bluetooth (BT4.0), the following steps must
be followed:
Concect the Makeblock Bluetooth dongle to a PC USB port.

Switch on Halocode.
Press the button on the Bluetooth dongle. Once the pairing is
achieved, the blue light of both components will remain fixed.
In mBlock5 connect Halocode following the same process as
described for USB port connection.
3.3.- Stage
In the upper left mBlock5 environment, appears the stage window.
In this book it is used only to visualize the values of the different
variables, which is very useful to check the operation of the program and
debug possible errors, especially if we take into account that Halocode
doesnothaveascreenthatallows ustoshowthevaluesofthevariables.
To display the value from a variable in the
stage, simply check the box next to its
name in the variable section.
To be able to show the values of the
variables (in the sample image is “Dice”);
you must work with the board in
peripheral mode, that is, with the "upload
mode" disabled.
3.4.- Execution options menu

Below the stage window appears the execution options menu:
52
Execution options menu
Expand the stage
Stops program execution
Startprogram execution(inperipheral modethatis,with"upmode"

disconnected)
3.5.- MBlock5 program edition options menu

This menu includes the edition options.
Edition menu
Undo the last action Recover the undo
It allows selecting theprogramming language available forthe platform:

by blocks, Python,...
Zoom ("-" to reduce, "+" to increase)
3.6.- Programming block menu

In the programming environment, each resource is a block. These blocks
are grouped by type of functionality.
Lighting Sensing Variables
Pins Wi-Fi LAN
Events My Blocks
Control
Operators + Extension center
3.6.1.- Lighting
This group includes the blocks used to manage the RGB LEDS ring that
Halocode has on its front.
3.6.1.1.- Play LED animation with different effects

This block shows a certain pattern of lights in the RGB LEDS ring.
53
The block itself allows access to a drop-down menu to select one of the
available patterns:
Rainbow All the LEDs light up and a transition of the colors of the
rainbow occurs.
Spindrift All LEDs turn blue and then a group of white LEDs rotates until
the circle iscompleted.
Meteor Similar to the previous one but at a higher speed and two
rounds are completed.
Firefly At random, the LEDs are switched on and off progressively.
The execution of the program stops until the pattern is completed.
Since it is a very specific Halocode block, we do not use it in the projects
in this book. Instead we use more usual programming blocks.
3.6.1.2.- Shows a pattern of colors

With this block a colour pattern will be permanently displayed.
Each position of the block corresponds to one of the 12 LEDS.

3.6.1.3.- Show a colour pattern from a position

With this block a colour pattern will be permanently displayed from the
LED indicated in the parameter.
Each position of the block corresponds to one of the 12 LEDS.

54
3.6.1.4.- Turn on all LEDs with a certain colour
This block allows you to turn on all the LEDS
by specifying a certain color, saturation and
brightness.
Clicking on the colour opens a drop-down that

allows selecting each parameter.
It also has a tool in the lower part to take the
colour sample from the mBlock5 stage.
3.6.1.5.- Turn on all LEDs (brightness parameter)

This block allows you to turn on all the LEDs by specifying a certain color,
saturation and brightness, but you can also set the brightness, either with
a constant value or with a variable.
3.6.1.6.- Turn off all LEDS

This block allows you to turn off all
RGB LEDS.
3.6.1.7.-TurnonallLEDsbyspecifyingRGBvalues
This block allows you to turn on all the LEDs by specifying the value of
each of the three component colors (red, green or blue). Indicating the
values 0 the LEDS turn off.
Instead of the values, variables can be used.
55
In the projects of this book it is usual to use this block in the following
way:
3.6.1.8.- Turn on a specific LED specifying RGB values

This block allows you to turn on a specific LED by specifying the value of
each of the three component colors (red, green or blue). Indicating the
values 0 the LEDS turn off.
Instead of the values, variables can be used.

In the projects of this book it is usual to use this block in the following
way:
3.6.1.9.- Turn off a specific LED

This block allows you to turn off a certain RGB LED. A variable can be used
instead of the LED number.
3.6.1.10.- LED ring shows a percentage value

This block allows you to use the Halocode LEDS ring as if it were an analog
indicator to show percentage values.
56
It allows to indicate a fixed value or,
what is more useful, a variable. A
value of 50 lights turn on half of the
LEDS, while a value of 100 lights all
of them. On the other hand the LEDS
are going on in a scale of colors.
3.6.2.- Sensing
This group includes the blocks used to manage the sensors integrated in
the Halocode board.
3.6.2.1.- Check the button status

This block is used to check if the button
is pressed. It is usually used to condition
actions.
3.6.2.2.- Get the volume value of the ambient sound

This block is used to obtain the
value of the sound sensor. It is
usually used to assign this value to
a variable or to condition actions.
3.6.2.3.- Check the contact sensor status

This block is used to check the status of one of the 4 Halocode contact
sensors.
It is usually used to condition actions.
3.6.2.4.- Get the value of a contact sensor

This block is used to obtain the value of the specified contact sensor. It is
usually used to assign this value to a variable or condition actions.
57
3.6.2.5.- Check the position of Halocode
This block is used to check the position of Halocode.

The possible positions that can be checked are:
Left-tilted (Roll left)
Right-tilted (Roll right)
Arrow up (Tilted up)
Arrow down (Tilteddown)
Face up (LEDS rind up)
Face down (LEDS ring down)
3.6.2.6.- Check if Halocode is shaken

This block is used to know if the Halocode gyro
sensor detects that it is being shaken.
3.6.2.7.- Get the value of the shaking strength

This block allows you to obtain the value with which Halocode is shaking.
It is usually used to assign it to
variables or condition actions.
3.6.2.8.- Obtain the acceleration from an axis (X, Y, Z)

This block allows obtaining the acceleration with respect to one of the
axes, X, Y or Z, in m / sec2. This value allows, for example, determining
precisely the degree of inclination of Halocode with respect to any of the
axes.
58
When Halocode is fully leveled in the horizontal plane, the acceleration
values on the X and Y axes will be 0. When perfectly vertical, the
acceleration value of the Z axis will be 0.
3.6.2.9.- Obtain the angle of lateral inclination (roll)

This block allows to obtain the lateral
rotation angle of Halocode.
Returns values between 0 and 90 degrees,
negative to the left and positive to the right.
It is usually used to assign it to variables or
condition actions.
3.6.2.10.- Obtain the elevation angle (pitch)

This block allows to obtain the inclination angle of
Halocode.
Returns values between 0 and 180, negative
forward and positive backward. It is usually used
to assign it to variables or condition actions.
3.6.2.11.-Obtaintherotation anglewith respecttotheXaxis

This block allows to obtain the rotation angle of the Halocode internal
gyroscope with respect to the X axis, which corresponds to the angle of
inclination of the board forward or backward. It is usually used to assign it
to variables or condition actions.
59
The gyroscopes sensors are suitable for determining instantaneous and
small magnitude turning angles, but they are not suitable for determining
angles of rotation over time or of great magnitude.
3.6.2.12.- Obtain the rotation angle with respect to the Y axis

This block allows to obtain the rotation angle of the internal gyroscope of
Halocode with respect to the Y axis, which corresponds to the angle of
inclination of the board to the left or right. It is usually used to assign it to
variables or conditionactions.

3.6.2.13.- Obtain the rotation angle with respect to the Z axis

This block allows obtaining the rotation angle of the Halocode internal
gyroscope with respect to the Z axis, which corresponds to the rotation
angle of the board on itself. Towards the left the values grow, while to
the right they decrease. It is usually used to assign it to variables or
condition actions.

3.6.2.14.- Reset the rotation angle of an axis

This block allows you to reset the rotation angle of the internal Halocode
gyroscope with respect to an axis or all of them.
The Halocode gyroscopic sensor presents the errors of this type of
sensors. With this block the value of the angle of rotation is reset to zero,
although this does not mean that Halocode recovers its initial orientation.
60
3.6.2.15.- Read the value of the internal timer
All the processors have an internal timer with which it synchronizes all
the components and the operations that are carried out. When starting
Halocode, the timer is reset to zero.
This block allows you to read the value of the
internal timer, either to assign it to variables or to
condition actions.
As we will see, in programs you can use the value of this stopwatch to
control precisely the passage of time.
3.6.2.16.- Restart the timer

This block allows you to reset the internal Halocode
timer.
3.6.3.- Pins
This group includes the blocks used to manage the four connection pins
(0, 1, 2 and 3) of the Halocode board.
3.6.3.1.-Checkthevalueofapinin digitalmode
This block allows you to check
the digital (binary) value of any
of the 4 pins. It is usually used to
condition actions.
Pins 0 and 1 are identified as digital (D), while pins 2 and 3 are identified
as analog (A). However, all analog pin can be read as digital, since values
61
higher than 512 will be identified as 1 and lower values as 0, as shown in
the example in the next section.
3.6.3.2.- Read the value of a pin in digital mode

This block allows you to check the
digital (binary) value of any of the 4
pins. It is usually used to assign this
value to avariable.
Pins 0 and 1 are identified as digital (D), while pins 2 and 3 are identified
as analog (A).
However, all analog pin
can be read as digital,
since values higher than
512 will be identified as 1
and lower ones as 0, as
shown in the example
executed in "no upload"
mode to display the values
of the variables.
If, for example, we connect a button on pin 3 (which in principle is an
analog pin), when we press it D3 will be 1 and, otherwise, it will be 0.
3.6.3.3.-Read the valueofa pin in analog mode

This block allows you to check the
analog value of any of the 2 analog
pins (2 and 3). It is usually used to
assign this value to a variable.
3.6.3.4.- Write a binary value in a pin

This block allows you to write a binary value (0, 1) in any of the 4
Halocode pins. Writing a binary 1 is equivalent to writing the value 1023
in analog mode.
62
3.6.3.5.- Write an analog value in a pin
This block allows you to write an analog value (between 0 and 1023) in
any of the 4Halocode pins.Writing the analog 1023 value is equivalent to
writing the value 1 in binary mode.
3.6.3.6.- Move a servo

This block allows to move a servo, connected to the pin indicated in the
block, to a certain position, indicating an angle between 0 and 180.
3.6.4.- Wi-Fi
This group includes blocks destined to manage WiFi communication,
either to make use of voice recognition or to communicate two or more
Halocodeboards.Theseblockscanonlybeusedin"UploadOn"mode.
Voice recognition is based on Microsoft Cognitive Services, that is, the
Halocode board records the voice message and sends it to the Microsoft
server so that it translates the voice file into text.
Therefore, it will only be possible to use voice recognition if Halocode is
first connected to a WiFi access point that also has an Internet
connection,and theuser has logged in to his makeblock.com account.
The communication between boards is done at the level of "user code",
that is, any board with Internet access connected in the same user
account can exchange messages with each other, regardless of their
physical location.
3.6.4.1.- Connect Halocode to a WiFi hotspot

This block allows to connect the Halocode board to a WiFi access point,
indicating the name (SSID) and the access key WPA / PSK of the access
point.
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Once the connection is established, the rest of the mBlock5 blocks
related to WiFi communication can be used.
3.6.4.2.-Check WiFiconnection
This block allows you to check if the WiFi connection between Halocode
and the WiFi access point has been established.
Normally this block usually follows the one seen in the previous section,
so that the execution of the program will wait until the connection has
been established:
3.6.4.3.- Text recognition

This block performs the following actions:
Record a voice file during the indicated seconds.
Send the voice file to the Microsoft server so that it is translated
into text based on the selected language (currently only Chinese
and English areavailable).
Wait to receive the text.
The normal thing is that the voice recognition is executed based on a user
action, such as pressing the button:
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3.6.4.4.- Use the voice recognition text result
This block allows you to use the result of speech recognition to, for
example, assign it to a variable:
It is important to keep in mind that voice recognition is able to translate

any word or phrase into a text, either in Chinese or English, correctly
pronounced. The returned text always ends with a period.
Later this data can be used to condition actions, such as turning on the
LEDs if "lights on" has been said:
3.6.4.5.- Send a message to the user's cloud

This block allows you to send a message to the user's cloud. This message
will be received by all Halocode boards connected to the same user
account, regardless of their location.
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3.6.4.6.- Send a message with a value to the user's cloud
This block allows sending a message with a value to the user's cloud. This
message, along with its value, will be received by all the Halocode boards
connected to the same cloud.
3.6.4.7.- Event receive message from the user's cloud (WiFi)

This block allows grouping a set of actions to be performed when a
message is received from the user's cloud.
3.6.4.8.- Use the value associated with a message

This block allows you to use the value associated with a message, as if it
were a variable:
3.6.5.- LAN
This group includes the blocks destined to manage a WiFi wireless local
network between Halocode boards to exchange messages and data
between them.
3.6.5.1.- Activate the local network

The first step to be able to use a local network is to activate it, either as
root (master) or node (slave). In a local network there can only be one
root board, while there is no limit in terms of node boards.
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3.6.5.2.- Send a message to the local network
This block allows you to send a message to the local network. For
example, the message "Detected noise" can be sent when the root board
detects a highvolume:
3.6.5.3.- Send a message with a value to the local network

This block allows sending a message with a value to the local network. For
example you can send the message "Detected Noise", along with the
volume, when the root board detects a high volume:
3.6.5.4.- Event receive message from the user's cloud (LAN)

This block allows grouping a set of actions to be performed when a
message is received from the user's cloud.
3.6.5.5.- Use the value associated with a message

This block allows you to use the value associated with a message, as if it
were a variable.
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3.6.6.-Events
This group includes blocks associated with events.
3.6.6.1.- When pressing the green flag

This block is placed at the beginning of the main loop of the program in
NO UPLOAD mode. Pressing the green flag starts the execution of said
loop.
If you put more than one block of this
type, all will run in parallel when you
start up Halocode.
Since Halocode does not have a screen, we recommend working in "no

upload" mode to check the values of the variables and to debug the
programs, since in this way we can visualize the variables in mBlock5
stage.
3.6.6.2.- When Halocode turning on

This block is placed at the beginning of the main loop of the program.
When Halocode is started, the execution of said loop begins.
If you put more than one block of
this type, all will run in parallel when
you start up Halocode.
3.6.6.3.- When button is pressed

Pressing the button starts the execution of
the block.
3.6.6.4.- When Halocode is shaking

When shaking Halocode starts the execution of the block.
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3.6.6.5.- When Halocode istilted
When Halocode is tilted to the indicated side starts the execution of this
block.
3.6.6.6.- When the timer exceeds a value

This block will be executed when the internal timer exceeds the indicated
value.
3.6.6.7.- When microphone loudness greater than a value

This block will be executed when the intensity sound detected will
greater than the indicated value.
3.6.6.8.- When receiving a message

This block will be executed when
receiving a message.
3.6.6.9.- Send a message

This block allows you to send a
message or a "new message".
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3.6.7.- Control
This group includes all the blocks that allow controlling the execution
flow of the program.
3.6.7.1.- Waits for a time

This block allows waiting times to be included in the program, whether
fixed or variable.
Wait 1 second Wait for the second contents

in the variable Time
3.6.7.2.- Repeat a certain number of times

Withthis block we can make a setof instructions run repeatedly a certain
number of times.
In the following example the LED will flash 10 times in red.
3.6.7.3.- Forever loop

Withthis block we canmakeaset ofinstructions run indefinitely.
Normally it is only used in the main program loop.
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3.6.7.4.- Condition actions (If)
This block allows to condition the execution of a group of instructions.
Precisely in the previous section we saw an example that included a
conditional block "If".
Thecondition can bethe state of a sensor, suchas a button. You can also
combine operators to check if the value returned by a sensor is equal,
less or greater than a certain value. In the next program, when the
volume measured by the microphone is greater than 50, LED 1 will light
red.
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In section 3.6.8 (Operators), all the operators that can be used to
determine the condition are detailed.
3.6.7.5.- Condition actions to a condition and to the opposite

This block allows to condition the execution of a group of instructions to a
condition (If) and a second block of instructions to the opposite condition
(Else).
The condition can be the state of a sensor, such as a button. In the
following program, if the volume measured by the microphone is greater
than 50, LED 1 will light red and, else, green.
In section 3.6.8 (Operators), all the operators that can be used to

determine the condition are detailed.
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3.6.7.6.- Wait until a condition is met
With this block the execution of the program stops until the expected
event occurs.
In the following example, the program waits for the button to be pressed,
after which LED 1 will light up in green:
3.6.7.7.- Repeat until a condition is met

This block repeats the execution of a group of instructions until a
condition is met.
In the following example LED 1 will flash green until the button is pressed:
3.6.8.- Operators
This group includes all the blocks that allow to perform mathematical
operations,logicaloperations,comparisons,arithmeticfunctions,etc.
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3.6.8.1.- Arithmetic operations
These four blocks allow performing arithmetic operations (addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division) between variables and constants.
Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division

Blocks can be combined:
Equivalent to
Average=(A +B) / 2
3.6.8.2.- Random number

A random number is a number chosen randomly. They are used mostly in
games to make it look like an unpredictable operation of the program. In
the case of robots, it allows to give him apparently random behavior.
The random numbers generated by the computer can not really be
considered random since they follow a sequence determined from an
initial number called “random seed”.
3.6.8.3.- Comparison
Thesethree blocksallowyou to comparetwovariables ofthe sametype.
If the comparison is true, the result is true. Otherwise it is false.
Assuming that the variables to be compared are A and B, the possible
comparisons are:
Logical
What does Equivalent to
Operation
Check if A value equals the
A=B A is equal to B?
B value
Check if A vaule is greater A is greater
A>B
than B value than B?
Check if A vaule is lower A is lower than
A<B
than B value B?
This block can be combined, for example, with the "No" block, which
allows to increase the variants:
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Logical
What does Equivalent to
Op.
Check if it is not true A not equal to
Not (A =
that the value of A is B?
B)
equal to the value of B
Normally the comparison block is usually used in combination with

control blocks:
3.6.8.4.-Logical operators AND, OR

With these two blocks you
can perform logical
operations AND and OR.
In logical operations, 1 equals "true", while 0 equals "false".
The operator AND allows combining two conditions. For the overall result
to be true, both conditions must also be true.
The operator OR allows combining two conditions but, unlike the
operator AND, it is enough that one of them is true so that the global is
true.
Logical operation Result Logical operation Result

AND OR
1 AND 1 = 1 1 1 OR 1 = 1 1
1 AND 0 = 0 0 1 OR 0 = 1 1
0 AND 1 = 0 0 0 OR 1 = 1 1
0 AND 0 = 0 0 0 OR 0 = 0 0
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3.6.8.5.- Contrary (Not)
This block allows you to invert the resulting
value of a condition. It correspondsto the
"Not" operation of the Boolean algebra.
Not(1) = 0 Not(0) = 1
3.6.8.6.- Join texts

This block concatenates texts. In the
example, the result would be "Hello
world!"
3.6.8.7.- Extract a character from a text (Letter)

This block extracts a character from a
text. In the example, the result would be
"u".
3.6.8.8.-Length of atext
This block returns the length of a text. In
the example, the result would be 4.
3.6.8.9.- Check if a text contains a string

This block allows you to check if a
text contains a string of characters.
In the example, the result is 1 (True).
This block will be used together with the result of speech recognition to
condition instructions:
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3.6.8.10.- Get the remainder of a division (modulo)
Modulo operation finds the remainder after division of one number by
another (sometimes calledmodulus).
In the example, the value of A
would be 1.
3.6.8.11.- Round
This block rounds a value. In the
example, the value of A would be
2.
3.6.8.12.-Diversefunctions
This block allows to perform
different functions.
Function Sample
ABS Returns the absolute value of a number, that ABS(-1) = 1
is, without the sign.
Floor Round down FLOOR(1,8)=1
Ceiling Round up CEILING(1,2)=2
SQRT Square root SQRT(4)=2
SIN Trigonometric function sine SIN(90º)=1
COS Cosine trigonometric function COS(90º)=0
TAN Trigonometric tangent function TAN(45º)=1
ARC SIN Arcsine = Inverse function of sine ASIN(1)=90°
ARC COS Arccosine = Inverse function of cosine ACOS(0)=90°
ARC TAN Arctangent = Inverse function of tangent ATAN(1)=45°
Ln Naperian logarithm function Ln 2.71828 = 1
LOG Logarithm to base 10 function Log 10 = 1
e^ Exponentiation function e^1 = 2.71828
10^ Powers of ten 10^2 = 100
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3.6.9.- Variables
This group contains the programming blocks that allow creating and
managing variables.
A variable is a container to which we give a name
to identify it and in which we can store a data.
There are different types of containers to store
different types of data:
 Integernumbers  Text
 Decimal numbers  Logical vaules (true or false)
In the mBlock5 environment, the types of variables are not differentiated,
soa variable can contain any type of data, be it numeric,literal or logical.
The group "Variables" has the option "Make a variable", which is used to
create a new variable.
In the stage area appear the variables created, as well as their value,
which is very useful to check and debug programs.
3.6.9.1.-Make avariable
This option is used to create
variables. Once created, they can
be assigned a numerical, literal or
logical value. Variable names can
contain any character except these:
(& <> ")
Here you can select if the variable
is only for the current project or for
all the projects.
3.6.9.2.- Show a variable on the stage

For a variable to be displayed in the stage, simply check
the box next to its name in the variable section.
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3.6.9.3.- Assign a value to a variable (Set)
Once a variable is created, it can be assigned a numerical, text or logical
value.
Assign a numeric
Assign a text Assign a logical value
value
3.6.9.4.- Increase the value of a variable (Change)

This instruction allows you to increase
the value of a variable. In the image the
increment is 1unit.
It is equivalent to writing A = A + 1. Since
it is much easier to understand this
second form, it is the only one that we
use in all of our books.
3.6.11.- My blocks
This group contains the programming blocks that allow creating and
managing the blocks created by the user. It is the equivalent of the
functions that we can find in other programming environments. The use
of blocks (functions) allows to structure the programs better.
A function is a set of instructions that perform a specific task, usually
returning a result. They are, therefore, small programs within programs.
They serve to avoid having to repeat the same instructions throughout
the program.
When solving a problem, it is always better to divide it into smaller
problems, which will be easier to solve. In programming, the same thing
happens, so regardless of the programming environment or language
used, it is always better (if possible) to split the program into functions
that perform simple and specific tasks.
Another alternative is to create a loop for each task to be performed.
These loops will all be executed in parallel when the program is launched.
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When selecting this group, the
option to create a new block
appears, as well as the list of
blocks that you have already
created for the program that is
being edited.
The next function waits for the
user to press and release the
button, confirming the
pulsation with a flash of the
LEDS.
3.6.11.1.- Create a Block

A function is a set of instructions that perform a specific task, usually
returning a result. They are, therefore, small programs within programs.
They serve to avoid having to repeat the same instructions throughout
the program.
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This option allows you to create a new block. When selecting a window
opens to indicate the name. Many programming languages do not allow a
function and a variable with the same namein the sameprogram. A good
way to avoid this situation is to have all the functions start with the letter
F, as can be seen in the image of the previous point where we created the
function FWaitForKeyPress.
The functions can have input parameters, which allows to pass data to
said function. These input parameters are indicated when creating or
editing the function and can be of different types: numeric (Number),
text (Text) or logical (Boolean).
3.2.12.- Extensions
At the bottom of the programming block palette
appears an option that allows you to manage the
extensions available for mBlock5.
At the time of writing this book in mBlock5 there were no extensions
available for Halocode. Accessing to the extension manager only appears
the text “ComingSoon…”
Oncethere are extensions available, to add any ofthem, it will be enough
to click on the plus sign that will be below each extension. Once an
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extension has been added, a trash can appears instead of the plus sign in
case you want to delete the mBlock5 extension.
3.7.- mBlock5 to Python translation

mBlock5 environment allows the automatic translation of the program in
blocks to Python. To do this, simply click on the "</>" symbol that
appears in the right margin of the programming area, dividing it into two
areas:
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4.- STEAM projects with mBlock5
This section deals with STEAM projects programmed with mBlock5.
Section 3 details how to obtain the mBlock5 program and its operation.
For all projects, it includes:
Explanation, where appropriate, of the element to be
reproduced.
Approach of the project, proposed solution, time required and
levels of difficulty (in relative terms with respect to the rest of
the projects of the chapter).
Required components
Pseudocode
Program in mBlock5
Some of the projects can be used to carry out teaching activities for
"Learning WITH Robotics".
The reader can request to the author the collection of all the programs of
the projects and activities in this section in mBlock5 format (see last page
of the book).
On this summarised edition we include some of the projects from the
full book “Educational Robotics with Halocode” from the same author.
To keep the same projects numbering, an empty section is included for
the projects not included in this summary edition.
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4.1.- With the Halocode board alone
In this section several projects are carried out only with the Halocode
board, without additional components.
4.1.1.- Flashlight
A Flashlight or torch is a portable hand-held electric lightdevice that
works with batteries, rechargeable batteries or even small dynamos.
Objetive Complexity
Carry out with Halocode a flashlight with a Time 10’
button to turn it on and off. Program: very low
Components used
84
Proposed pseudocode
Forever
Wait until button pressed
Turn on all RGB LEDS in white color
Wait until button released
Wait for pressed button
Turn off all RGB LEDS
Program developed with mBlock5
4.1.2.- Flashlight with brightness adjustment

Starting from the previous project, we will add the possibility of adjusting
the brightness.
Objetive Complexity
Carry out a flashlight with a button to turn it on
Time 20’
and off with Halocode.
Starting from the previous project, add the
possibility of adjusting the brightness using touch Program: low
sensor 0 and 1.
85
Components used
Proposed pseudocode
Brightness = 100
On = -1
Forever
Execute function FBrightnessInc
Execute function FBrightnessDec
If On = 1
Turn On all LEDS in white with intensity = Brightness
Else
Turn Off all LEDS
Wait for 0.2 seconds
Forever
If button pressed, On = On * (-1)
Function FBrightnessInc
If touch sensor 0 touched
If Brightness less than 250
Brightness = Brightness + 5
Turn On LED 10 in green
Function FBrightnessDec
If touch sensor 1 touched
If Brightness greater than 5
Brightness = Brightness - 5
Turn On LED 8 in red
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4.1.3.- Flashlight with brightness, colour and blink
adjustment
See the full book “Educational Robotics with Halocode” from the same
author.
4.1.4.- Emergency vehicle lighting

Emergency vehicles, such as
ambulances, fire engines, patrol cars,
snowplows or cranes are equipped
with intense blinking lights that warn
of their presence.
The colour of the light identifies the
type of vehicle. In most countries,
police, fire and medical services carry,
respectively, blue, red and yellow
lights.
Objetive Complexity
Carry out an emergency light with Halocode with Time 20’
the following functionalities:
 Long press = Turn on or off Program: medium
 Short press = Change color
89
Components used
In this project we will see how to use the same component, in this case
the button, to control two parameters, the status (on or off) and the
color, depending on the time that is kept pressed.
To control the on and off state, the normal thing in robotics is to use a
logical variable, for example "OnOff", which contains 1 for the on state
and 0 for the off state. To change the states, simply execute the
operation "OnOff = opposite that(OnOff)" every time the button is
pressed. Although in mBlock5 it is possible to use logical variables,
another option is to use a numeric variable whose values will be 1 for on
and -1 for off. To change the states, simply multiply the variable by -1
each time the button is pressed.
Proposed pseudocode
Execute function FInit
Forever
Execute function FButton
Execute function FOn
Function FInit
Brightness = 100, On = -1, Colour = 1, Time = 0.1
Function FOn
If On = 1
Execute function FLEDSOn
Wait seconds = Time
Execute function FLEDOff
Wait seconds = Time
Function FButton
If button pressed
TimeButton = Execution time
Wait for the button not pressed
TimeButton = Execution time – TimeButton
If TimeButton greater than 1
On = On * (-1)
Else
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Execute function FColourChange
Function FColourChange
Colour = Colour + 1
If Colour greater than 5, then Colour = 1
Function FLEDSOn
If Color=1 turn on all LEDS in red
If Color=2 turn on all LEDS in yellow
If Color=3 turn on all LEDS in green
If Color=4 turn on all LEDS in blue
If Color=5 turn on all LEDS in magenta
Function FLEDOff
Turn off all LEDS
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4.1.5.- Rotating Emergency vehicle lighting
author.
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4.1.6.- SOS signal light
SOS is the most widely used international distress signal since it was
approved during an international conference in Berlin in 1906, to replace
the previously used "CQD" in telegraphic transmissions in Morse Code.
Although Morse code is no longer used today, the SOS signal remains in
effect.
This representation was chosen because it could be easily remembered

and broadcast, whether by sound, visual, radio, etc. It consists of a
sequence of three short pulses (S), three long (O) and three short (S),
although it is transmitted continuously, without separating each letter.
Popularly it is assigned different meanings like "Save Our Ship", "Save Our
Souls", or "Send Out Succour", but the reality is that is not the acronym of
anything.
Objetive Complexity
Make Halocode emit the visual signal Time 15’
corresponding to the Morse SOS code.
The button will be used to alternately activate and Program: medium
deactivate it.
94
Components used
Proposed pseudocode
On = -1
Forever
If On = 1
Execute function FLetterS
Execute function FLetterO
Execute function FLetterS
Wait 2 seconds
Else
Turn off all LEDS
Forever
If button pressed
On = On * (-1)
If On = 1
Brightness = 100
Turn on LED 12 in green
Else
Brightness = 0
Turn on LED 12 in red
Wait for button not pressed
Function FLetterS
Repeat 3 times
Turn on all LEDS in white with Brightness = Brightness
Wait 0.3 seconds
Turn off all LEDS
Wait 0.3 seconds
Function FLetterO
Repeat 3 times
Turn on all LEDS in white with Brightness = Brightness
Wait 0.6 seconds
Turn off all LEDS
Wait 0.3 seconds
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4.1.7.- Kids night light
author.
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4.1.8.-Metronome with light
author.
4.1.9.- Sound meter with light indicator
A sound level meter is a measuring

instrument used to measure the level of
ambient noise, displaying the value in
decibels on the screen.
To carry out this project a sound sensor
is required. In the market there are
sensors that return the value of ambient
sound and others that function as a
sound switch, returning a 1 when the
sound exceeds a threshold. Only the first
ones serve to carry out this project.
Objetive Complexity
Make a light sound meter with Halocode. Time 20’
The number of LEDs lit will be proportional to the
sound level. Program: medium
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Components used
Proposed pseudocode
Forever
SoundLevel = Microphone volume
Execute function FLEDS
Function FLEDS
LED = Round (12 * Level / 100)
Execute function FLEDSOff
Function FLEDSOn
I =1
Repeat until I > LED
Turn on LED = I in white
I =I +1
Function FLEDSOff
I = 12
Repeat while I less than LED
Turn off LED = I
I =I - 1
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4.1.10.- Noise classroom traffic light
A noise classroom traffic light is a effective way
to control the acceptable noise level in the
classroom, that will depend on the activity to
be developed.
Once this level is set, when the noise in the
classroom exceeds it, the traffic light will warn
students to lower their voice.
Objetive Complexity
Carry out with Halocode a classroom noise traffic Time 15’
light. Program: medium
Components used
Proposed pseudocode
OrangeLevel = 50
RedLevel = 70
Forever
101
SoundLevel = Microphone volume
If SoundLevel less than OrangeLevel
Turn on all LEDS in green
Else
If SoundLevel greater than RedLevel
Turn on all LEDS in red
Else
Turn on all LEDS in orange
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4.1.11.- Rhythm meter
author.
4.1.12.- Disco Light

The disco lights show different
patterns of lights and colors that
follow the rhythm of the music
through a microphone that
measures both the volume and
the frequency of the sound. The
simplest ones work with LED
lights and have a series of
selectable patterns, while the
most sophisticated ones work
with laser light and allow to
create and personalize the
patterns.
Objetive Complexity
Carry out a disco light with Halocode, making the
Time 15’
lights turn and change colour to the rhythm of the
music. With the contact sensors 0 and 1, the
Program: high
sensitivity of the microphone can be adjusted.
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Components used
Proposed pseudocode
Forever
Execute function FTouch0
Execute function FTouch1
Execute function FSoundLevel
If SoundLevel greater than LevelMin
Execute function FColour
Wait 0.1 seconds
Turn off all LEDS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FInit
LED = 0, LevelMin = 20
Turn off all LEDS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FTouch0
If contact sensor 0 touched
Repeat until contact sensor 0 no touched
If LevelMin less than 50
LevelMin = LevelMin + 1
Wait 0.1 seconds
Turn off all LEDS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FTouch1
If contact sensor 1 touched
Repeat until contact sensor 1 no touched
If LevelMin greater than 5
LevelMin = LevelMin - 1
Wait 0.1 seconds
Turn off all LEDS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FSoundLevel
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SoundLevel = microphone volume
Brightness = SoundLevel
Colour = round (SoundLevel / 25)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FColour
Red = 0, Green = 0, Blue = 0
If Colour = 1, then Red = Brightness
If Colour = 2, then Green = Brightness
If Colour = 3, then Blue = Brightness
If Colour = 4, then Red = Brightness and Green = Brightness
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FLEDS
LED = LED + 1
If LED greater than 12, then LED = 1
LED2 = LED
Repeat 4 times
Turn on LED = LED2 with Red, Green and Blue
LED2 = LED2 + 3
If LED2 greater than 12, then LED2 = LED2 – 12
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4.1.13.- Heads or tails
author.
4.1.14.- Dice
A die is a cube, with each of its six faces
showing a different number of dots from
one to six. Dice are suitable as gambling
devices for games like craps and are also
used in non-gambling tabletop games.
The electronic variant can have a similar
shape or represent the value by means of
a set of LEDS on a single face.
Objetive Complexity
Carry out an electronic die with Halocode. To Time 20’
“throwing” the dice just press and release the
button, after which Halocode will show random Program: medium
number, between 1 and 6, until it stops.
109
Components used
Proposed pseudocode
Brightness = 50
Forever
If button pressed
Repeat until button is not pressed
Execute function FDiceRoll
Roll = random value between 3 and 8
Repeat times = Roll
Execute function FDiceRoll
Function FDiceRoll
Turn off all LEDS
Dice = Random value between 1 and 6
LED = 1
Repeat until LED greater than Dice
Turn on LED = LED in white
LED = LED + 1
Wait 0.2 seconds
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4.1.15.- Quiniela (Football Lottery)
author.
4.1.16.- Rock-paper-scissors
author.
4.1.17.- Chronometer
author.
4.1.18.- Timer
author.
4.1.19.- Wristwatch
author.
4.1.20.- Pedometer
A pedometer is a device, usually
portable and electronic or
electromechanical, that counts
each step a person takes by
detecting the motion of the
person's hands or hips.
Its operation is based on an
accelerometer.
Today many devices (smartphones,
digital watches, etc.) incorporate
the pedometer function.
112
Objetive Complexity
Carry out a wrist pedometer with Halocode capable of Time 20’
indicating and count each step taken. Once the target
Program:
is reached, it will warn by flashing the LEDS in red. medium
Components used
The key of the algorithm that we propose is to take advantage of the

swing of the arm that is made when walking and detect when it changes
direction, which in turn will cause the change of sign in the value of the
acceleration in the X axis.
Proposed pseudocode
Steps = 0, LED = 1, Brightness = 50, Goal = 10000
Forever
Execute function FWaitAccelXNeg
Execute function FWaitAccelXPos
Execute function FStep
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FWaitAccelXNeg
Wait until acceleration X axis less than 0
Turn on LED number = LED in red
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FWaitAccelXPos
Wait until acceleration axis X greater than 0
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FStep
113
Steps = Steps + 1
Turn off LED number = LED
LED = LED + 1
If LED greater than 12, then LED = 1
Turn on LED number = LED in yellow
If Steps > Goal
Execute Function FGoalReached
Steps = 1
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FGoalReached
Until button pressed
Wait 0.3 seconds
Turn off all LEDS
Wait 0.3 seconds
114
115
4.1.21.- Drop
author.
4.1.22.- Bubblelevel
author.
4.2.-Halocode and speech recognition

This section includes several projects in which the voice recognition
functionisused,thus enteringtheexcitingworld ofArtificialIntelligence.
Just recently, various proposals for domestic devices that can be
controlled by the voice have arrived to the market, something that
undoubtedly attracts a lot of attention but, as we will see below, it is
extremely easy to do thanks to the facilities that companies, like
Microsoft, offering to users through Cognitive Services, a set of tools,
supported by Microsoft Azure, that make use of artificial intelligence to
solve situations in which large data analysis or complex algorithms are
required, such as the case of facial recognition or speech recognition.
The resources to be able to use these cognitive services from Microsoft
are available on https://github.com/topics/microsoft-cognitive-services,
although in our case it will be enough to use two mBlock5 programming
blocks.
4.2.1.- Turn LEDS on and off with voice

author.
116
4.2.2.- Halocode shows the indicated color
One of the most typical functionalities of

domestic virtual assistants is to be able to turn
on and off lights with the voice.
Insomecasesthey alsoallow tochoose the light
color.
Objetive Complexity
Control the Halocode LEDS colour with the Time 20’
voice. Program: high
After pressing and releasing the button, the name of the desired colour is
indicated. It must be pronounced correctly in English because, otherwise,
the program will not be able to understand it. Indicating "Off" the LEDS
will turn off.
Components used
117
Proposed pseudocode
Execute function FWiFiConnect
Forever
Wait until button not pressed
Execute function FListenColor
Execute function FShowColour
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FWiFiConnect
Connect with WiFi network in SSID..... and key ....
Wait until WiFi connected
Wait 0.3 seconds
Turn off all LEDS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FListenColor
Text = Recognize voice English language during 3 seconds
Turn off LED 12
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FShowColour
If Text contains “red”
If Text contains “green”
If Text contains “blue”
Turn on all LEDS in blue
If Text contains “yellow”
Turn on all LEDS in yellow
If Text contains “orange”
Turn on all LEDS in orange
If Text contains “white”
Turn on all LEDS in white
If Text contains “off”
Turn off all LEDS
118
119
120
4.2.3.- Control the lit LEDS number
Today there are many devices that you

can control with your voice. Have you
ever wondered how they do it? In this
project you will see how easy it is!
Objetive Complexity
Control with the voice the lit LEDS number. Time 30’
Program: high
After pressing and releasing the button, the name of the desired number
is indicated. It must be pronounced correctly in English because,
otherwise, the program will not be able to understand it and will turn on
all LEDS in red.
Components used
121
Proposed pseudocode
Execute function FWiFiConnect
Forever
Wait until No button pressed
Execute function FListenNumber
Execute function FCheckNum
Execute FLEDS
Function FWiFiConnect
Connect with WiFi network in SSID..... and key ....
Wait until WiFi connected
Wait 0.3 seconds
Turn off all LEDS
Function FListenNumber
Turn off all LEDs
Text = Recognize voice English language during 4 seconds
Turn off LED 12
Function FCheckNum
LED = 0
If Text contains “1”, then LED = 1
Function FLEDS
If LED = 0
Wait 0.3 seconds
Else
I =1
Repeat until I greater than LED
Turn on LED = I in green
I = I +1
Wait 0.1 seconds
122
123
124
125
126
4.2.4.- Control the LEDS from a remote Halocode
author.
4.2.5.- Send messages to mBlock5 stage

author.
4.3.- With Halocode board and one more component

In this section several projects are proposed in which an additional
component is added to Halocode.
4.3.1.- Doorbell
An electric bell is a device that produces an
audible signal when button is pressed.
It has many applications, being one of the most
common, the doorbell.
Objetive Complexity
Carry out with Halocode a simple bell that Time 10’
emits a mono tonal acoustic signal and light up
Program: low
while the button is pressed.
127
Components used
Proposed pseudocode
Forever
If button pressed
Turn on all LEDS RGB in green
Repeat 500 times
Write in pin 3 (buzzer) the value 1023
Write in pin 3 (buzzer) the value 0
Turn off all LEDS
128
In this project it is
necessary to take care
that the clamps
connected to the power
and ground pins do not
make contact with any
other element of the
board. The structure
described in section 2.9.2
helps reduce this risk.
4.3.2.- Adjustable intensity light (withpotentiometer)

Nowadays most ambient lights allow to regulate
their intensity, so we are going to add this
functionality to the project seen in section 4.1.1
through the use of a potentiometer.
Objetive Complexity
Time 30’
Carry out with Halocode a light that can be turned
on and off, as well as adjust the intensity using a
potentiometer. Program: medium
129
Components used
Proposed pseudocode
On = -1
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Forever
Execute function FButton
Execute function FOnOff
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FButton
If button pressed
On = On * (-1)
Wait until button not pressed
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FOnOff
If On = 1
Potentiometer = analog value from pin 3
Brightness = round (Potentiometer * 255) / 1023
Turn on all LEDs in white and brightness = Brightness
Else
Turn off all LEDS
130
131
In this project it is necessary to take care that the clamps connected to
the power and ground pins do not make contact with any other element
of the board. The structure described in section 2.9.2 helps reduce this
risk:
132
4.3.3.- Twilight light
A twilight light is a light that is located in transit
areas, equipped with a sensor that turns it on
automatically at dusk, and turns it off at dawn,
thereby reducing day energy consumption.
Objetive Complexity
Carry out a twilight light that turns on Time 20’
automatically at dusk and goes out at dawn.
Program: medium
Components used
Proposed pseudocode
Brightness = 100
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Forever
Execute function FDayNight
If Night = 1
Turn on all LEDS in white and brightness = Brightness
Else Turn off all LEDS
Wait 1 second
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
133
Function FDayNight
AmbientLight = analog value pin 3 (light sensor)
If AmbientLight less than 200
Night = 1
Else
Night = 0
134
risk:
135
4.3.4.- Environmental thermometer
An environmental thermometer is a measurement
instrument that allows to know the ambient
temperature, either from a room or from outside.
Objetive Complexity
Carry out with Halocode an ambient analog Time 20’
thermometer. For this, a proportional analog
temperature sensor TMP36 will be used. Program: medium
Components used
The analog temperature sensors do not directly return a value in degrees

centigrade, so the gross value obtained must be processed. The TMP36
sensor, unlike thermosistors, does not use a resistance-sensitive resistor.
Instead this sensor takes advantage of the property of the diodes to vary
the voltage proportional to the temperature, so it is enough to read the
output value and apply a rule of three.
136
On the other hand we will use a very specific block of mBlock5 that allows
to directly display a value, within the scale 0 to 100, with a colour
graduation. Up to 60, it shows the LEDS in green, above 60 and up to 80,
it shows them in orange and, above 80, it shows them in red.
In general we do not recommend making use of such specific blocks since
the reader will not find them in other environments. For this reason for
this project we show a second more elaborate solution that, although it
has the same functionality, is carried out with usual instructions in any
environment.
Proposed pseudocode (mBlock5 specific solution)
Forever
RAW = read analog value from pin 3 (temperature sensor)
TempC = RAW * 19 / 236
LEDS = TempC * 100 / 40
Show in LEDS ring the value LEDS
137
Proposed pseudocode (standard solution)
Forever
Execute function FTemp
Function FTemp
RAW = Read analog value from pin 3 (temperature sensor)
TempC = RAW * 19 / 236
Function FLEDS
LEDS = TempC * 12 / 40
I =1
Repeat until I greater than LEDS
Execute Function FColour
Turn on LED = I with values Red, Green, Blue
I =I +1
Repeat until I greater than 12
Turn off LED I
I =I +1
Function FColour
Brightness = 5 + (I * 20)
Green = Brightness, Red = 0, Blue = 0
If I greater than 5 then Red = Brightness / 2
If I greater than 9 then Red = Brightness and Green = 0
138
139
risk:
140
4.3.5.- Alarm of presence
A presence alarm is a device that emits a warning,
usually sound, when detecting the presence of a
person. Normally it is located on the doors of shops
and offices.
Conceptually it is an element very similar to the
alarm based on a presence sensor, but it
incorporates a loudspeaker to emit a warning
sound, as well as an LED in caseyou want it to work
in silent mode.
Objetive Complexity
Using the PIR sensor carry out a visual presence Time 10’
alarm. Program: low
141
Components used
Proposed pseudocode
Forever
PIR = Read digital value pin 3
If PIR = 1
Else
Turn off all LEDS
142
risk:
143
4.3.6.-Multicolourlightwithremotecontrol
author.
4.4.- With Halocode and two more components

In this section several projects are proposed in which two additional
components are added to Halocode board.
4.4.1.- Sound presence alarm

A presence alarm is a device that emits a
warning, usually sound, when detecting the
presence of a person. Normally it is located on
the doors of shops and offices.
Conceptually it is an element very similar to
the alarm based on a presence sensor, but it
incorporates a loudspeaker to emit a warning
sound, as well as an LED in case you want it to
work in silentmode.
Objetive Complexity
Using the PIR sensor carry out a visual and audible Time 10’
presence alarm. Program: low
144
Components used
Proposed pseudocode
Forever
PIR = Read digital value pin 3
If PIR = 1
Execute function FBeep
Else
Turn off all LEDS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Function FBeep
Repeat 50 times
Write 1 in digital pin 0
Write 0 in digital pin 0
145
risk:
146
4.4.2.- Fire alarm
The fire alarm is a device that detects the
presence of flames, emitting a sound and visual
warning.
In some cases they can also activate the fire
extinguishing system.
Objetive Complexity
Carry out with Halocode a fire alarm that is Time 10’
triggered when detecting the presence of flames.
Program: medium
Oncetriggered by pressing the button it will reset.
147
Components used
The flame sensor has a potentiometer through which you can adjust its
sensitivity (left = increase sensitivity, right = reduce sensitivity).
Proposed pseudocode
Alarm = 0, Brightness = 100
Forever
Execute function FFire
Execute function FAlarm
Function FFire
Turn on LED 1 in blue
Fire = Read digital value pin 3
If Fire = 1
Alarm = 1
Wait 0.2 seconds
Turn off LED 1
Wait 0.2 seconds
Function FAlarm
If Alarm = 1
Repeat until button pressed
Turn on all LEDS in Red
Turn off all LEDS
Repeat until Fire = 0
Execute function FFire
Alarm = 0
Function FBeep
Repeat 50 times
Write value 1 in pin 0
Write value 0 in pin 0
148
149
150
In the projects that are added components it is necessary to take care
that the clamps connected to the power and ground pins do not make
contact with any other element of the board. The structure described in
section 2.9.2 helps reduce this risk:
151
4.4.3.- Motion and noise alarm
author.
4.4.4.- Twilight courtesy light

A twilight courtesy light is a light that is located in
areas of passage and turns on automatically
when detected by a PIR sensor the presence of a
person, turning off after a while. Some are
equipped with a light sensor so that it only lights
at night, reducing energy consumption during the
day.
Objetive Complexity
Carry out a twilight courtesy light that, when it is at Time 30’
night, automatically turns on when detecting the
passage of a person. Failing to detect a person, it Program: high
will turn off after a delay time set in the program.
Components used
152
The delay time that we have set in our case, 10 seconds, may seem
scarce, but note that in the objective description, this time is counted
once the sensor failing detecting the person, therefore the light will be on
while the person is passing, and will continue for 10 seconds, once the
sensor failing detecting it.
Proposed pseudocode
Forever
Execute function FDayNight
Execute function FPIR
Execute function FOnOff
Wait 1 second
Function FInit
Brightness = 100
Night = 0
Presence = 0
Time = 10
Function FDayNight
AmbientLight = Read analog value pin 3
If AmbientLight less than 200
Then Night = 1
Else, Night = 0
Function FPIR
Presence = Read digital value pin 0
If Presence = 1
Wait 0.2 seconds
Turn off LED 12
Function FOnOff
If (Night = 1) and (Presence = 1)
On = Time
Function FLEDS
If On greater than 0
Turn on all LEDS in white and brightness = Brightness
On = On – 1
Wait 0.1 seconds
Turn on LED 6 in white and brightness = 50
Wait 0.1 seconds
Else Turn off all LEDS
153
154
155
In the projects that are added components it is necessary to take care
that the clamps connected to the power and ground pins do not make
contact with any other element of the board. The structure described in
section 2.9.2 helps reduce this risk:
156
4.4.5.- Automatic watering
author.
4.4.6.- Alarm of presence with remote control

author.
4.5.- Real home automation with Halocode

author.
157

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Educational Robotics

Management IT Advanced Technician

Again, Makeblock surprised us pleasantly with a quality product

1.3.- What is Makeblock?

1.3.1.- Maker line

These robots are based on the popular Arduino platform, so it can be

In the following sections we describe the main Makeblock maker line

1.3.1.2.-Simple and flexible assemblies

1.3.1.3.- Programmable with Scratch, mBlock5 and Bitbloq

1.3.1.4.- Lego compatible

1.3.1.7.- Other books by the same author

Each Neuron component

1.3.2.2.- Pogo connectors

1.3.2.3.- Neuron Kits

1.3.2.4.- Other books by the same author

1.3.3.- Codey Rocky

As its name suggests, it is composed from two elements. One is Codey

Characteristics of Codey Rocky

The processor, an ESP32, is a SoC (System on Chip) designed by the

It is therefore a way for the younger to have fun with Codey.

1.3.3.4.- Programing Codey Rocky

In section 2 the Halocode is full detailed.

1.4.- On line suppport

1.5.- Focus of the book

On the other hand, it is evident that the combination of STEM disciplines

1.5.2.- Teaching in Robotics

1.5.3.- Teaching with robotics

2.1.- Integrated sensors in Halocode

When the button is used to select options or toggle states (such as

2.1.2.- Touch sensor

2.1.4.- Gyroscopic and accelerometer sensor

GND Ground. Never connect directly to the power pin.

Ifthe boardis powered eitherthrough theUSB connection

2.1.5.1.- Input and output pins

2.1.5.2.- Power pin

2.1.5.3.- Ground pin

2.2.- Additional sensors

It is important to keep in mind that the crocodile clips do not make

In the following sections we discuss the sensors and actuators of other

It is a very useful robotic sensor since it serves to select values, regulate

2.2.2.- Light sensor

2.2.3.- Temperature sensor

On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind that PIR

2.2.6.- Flame sensor

2.3.1.- RGB LED

2.4.- Additional actuators

2.4.3.- Fluid pump

2.5.1.- USB connector

2.5.2.- WiFi module

2.5.3.- Bluetooth module

2.6.1.1.- Halocode firmware update

Halocode board powered by 3.7 volt LIPO batteries

2.9.- Structural parts

2.9.2.- LEGO Technic parts

2.9.4.- Metallic metric 3 screws

2.9.5.- Nylon metric 3 screws

Being a product developed by Makeblock, it is constantly updated and