0.2 Getting Started with Python for Robolink

Note: As this is a brand-new product for Robolink, we are continually making improvements to provide the most seamless experience possible. However, if you run into any issues with the platform, please have your teacher, parent, or coach reach out to us immediately so that we can begin looking into a solution.

To start programming on the web, go to: Python for Robolink.

Once there, follow the steps below to learn more about the features of Python for Robolink and how to get started programming from a web browser.

Note: You must use the Google Chrome web browser to access Python for Robolink.

If you do not all ready have Chrome installed, please go here: Install Google Chrome Now

Additionally, it is important that your Google Chrome is on the latest version.

To check which version of Chrome you have:

1. Click the three dots in the top right corner of Chrome
2. Click on “Help” near the bottom of the menu
3. Click on “About Google Chrome”

You may find that Google Chrome is already up-to-date or that it starts updating automatically. If it is not up-to-date, go ahead and update now.

In order to program your CoDrone EDU from any platform, you will need to connect your controller to your device using the cable that came with your CoDrone EDU. It is important that you use the cable because it is designed to transfer data. Not all USB cables are capable of transferring data.

Once plugged in, if your drone does not switch to LINK state, you may have the wrong cable or the cable may be broken.

Next, power on the drone using a charged battery.

Your drone should pair to the controller, as indicated by the solid LED on the drone and controller. If your drone and controller are not paired, watch the below video.

Once your controller is plugged in,

1. Click on the green “Connect” button on the bottom left of the screen
2. Select your controller in the pop-up window
3. Click the blue “Connect” button

If you do not see your controller in the window, check that your controller is in LINK state or use a different cable.

Once your controller and drone are connected to Python for Robolink, you will be able to see the drone information window in the bottom-left corner.

Here, you can change the speed, set the trim values, and see your battery percentage.

In the middle of the page, you will see a space for you to write your own code. The section is labeled as # Welcome to Python for Robolink! Write your Python code below..

Upon creating a new Python file, starter code will be generated for you that imports the CoDrone EDU library, creates a new drone object, pairs the drone, and closes the drone connection at the completion of your program.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. Python for Robolink currently does not support custom object names for the drone. At all times, use the following line of code to establish the drone: drone = Drone().
2.  In the case you accidentally erase any of the starter code statements, opening a new tab in Python for Robolink will cause them to reappear.
3. If there is a typo in your statements, Python for Robolink will notify you in the console.

To get familiar with Python for Robolink, print “Hello, world” by typing it in the middle section of the code editor. You can also copy and paste this code:

print("Hello, world")

To run or stop code, use the “Run Code”, “Stop”, or “Land” buttons at the top of the page. When flying, the “Stop” button will emergency stop the motors, so we recommend using the “Land” button whenever possible if you need to interrupt your code. Even if your drone is not flying, you can use these buttons to interrupt your program.

When you run the code, any outputs or errors will appear in the console at the bottom of the screen. 

The Python console is also helpful for debugging, or finding errors in your code. You can use the print() function to print out values and test whether your programs are running correctly. 

When you click “Run”, Python for Robolink will run the code on the current tab. If you want to test out a new idea without closing your first program, click the “+” to create a new file. We recommend renaming each file to keep your programs organized. You can do so by double-clicking on the current title in the tab of the Python file.

Be sure to save your programs before closing the tabs. To save your programs, you will need to download the Python files. Unlike other applications, your programs will not save automatically. If you were to close your web browser, you would lose all the work you did.

To save your files:

1. Click on the “Menu”
2. You then have the option to download one or all of the files to your device

When you decide to come back to a program, you will need to open in Python for Robolink.

To open your files:

1. Click on the “Menu”
2. Select “Open Python files…”

Your Python file should then open up where you left off!

In this lesson, you learned the basics of Python for Robolink! Let’s review:

• In Python for Robolink, you must connect your controller to run drone-related code.
• When writing code involving the CoDrone, you must include the statements provided in the Python for Robolink starter code.
• Don’t forget to download your Python file to save your work. We recommend organizing your files in a particular folder or uploading them to a safe place online like a school account.

The next lesson goes over how to install and setup PyCharm for macOS or Windows machines. If you will only be using Python for Robolink, skip ahead to 1.1: First Flight.