I/O

Last semester we learned about simple and complex machines. It's neat to understand the mechanics of these systesm but real utility is achieved when we can automate them to perform a physical task for us.

Understanding the available inputs and outputs of our Fischertechnik robotics kits is the first step on our journey into this realm of Machine Control. We will use these devices to create automated machines.

A potentiometer, or "pot", is an analog device that can be used to vary resistance in a circuit. Here is one connected to an input in our TX controller:


To read the full range of resistance, the drop down menu needs to be set to the analog setting, otherwise you'll just read a "O" or "1" of a digital input:


Although a pot is an analog device, we are reading it through a digital system. The idea of using many steps to make a smooth curve may be familiar to those that are taking Calculus. 5000 steps makes a nearly smooth line from all the way "closed" to all the way "open":