Primary iQ ControllerCode: IQ-PRI

The Primary IQ controller makes it easy to introduce control without using a computer. You can program IQ to turn things such as motors on and off simply by pressing buttons: the controller remembers the order in which you press the buttons and this becomes the stored program. The maximum number of on/off steps is 256.

GettinG StartedThe IQ is powered by two AA batteries. When inserting the batteries insert the positive end first, then press the negative end firmly down.

The IQ has four outputs (numbered 1 to 4), which means it can switch up to four components on and off in sequence. Components that can be connected include motors, bulbs, buzzers and LEDs. The outputs can be reversed, which means that motors can be run forwards or backwards.

Important: Components connected to the IQ must work at 3 Volts. Most components have a voltage rating printed or stamped on them.

SwitChinG on and offPress the RUN button once to turn on the Primary IQ. Press and hold the RUN button for 3 seconds to turn the Primary IQ off. If the Primary IQ is not running it will turn itself off after 10 minutes if not touched.

Reverse Save Run

Output buttons 1 and 2 RUN LED

Output buttons 3 and 4

Insert the positive end of the battery first.

ProGramminG and runninG the iQWhen the IQ is switched on the RUN LED will be red and the IQ is ready to be programmed.

• PressandholdtheSAVEbuttonfor3secondstodeleteanypreviouslysavedprogram.TheRUNLEDwillflash.

The following example explains how to program the IQ to switch on outputs 1 and 2 in turn.

• PressOUTPUT1buttononcesothattheOUTPUT1LEDisgreen.

• PresstheSAVEbuttononcetosavethisfirststepoftheprogram.

• PressOUTPUT1buttonagainsothattheOUTPUT1LEDisoff.

• PressOUTPUT2buttononcesothattheOUTPUT2LEDisgreen.

• PresstheSAVEbuttononcetosavethissecondstepoftheprogram.Theprogramisnowcomplete.

• PresstheRUNbuttononcetoruntheprogram.TheRUNLEDwillbegreenandoutputs1and2willalternateonandoffeveryhalfsecond(i.e.theprogramautomaticallyloops).

Components are connected to the outputs by inserting leads into the spring-loaded connectors. If components are connected to outputs 1 and 2 they will alternate on and off every half second.

• PresstheRUNbuttononcetostoptheprogramrunning.

The IQ ‘remembers’ the program even when switched off. When the IQ is switched on again and the RUN button is pressed the program will start running.

When a new program is entered into the IQ the new program is added to the end of the existing program. For example:

• PresstheOUTPUT3buttonsothattheOUTPUT3LEDisgreen.IfanyotheroutputLEDisonturnitoff.

• PresstheSAVEbuttononcetosavethisstepoftheprogram.

• PresstheRUNbuttontoruntheprogram.TheRUNLEDwillbegreenandoutputs1,2and3willswitchonandoffinsequence.

The bulbs alternate on and off every half second

To start a completely new program the existing program must be erased by holding down the SAVE button for 3 seconds until the RUN LED flashes.

When a program is running the duration between each step is half a second. For a longer ON or OFF period simply press the SAVE button more than once during programming. For example, if OUTPUT1 LED is green and the SAVE button is pressed six times, then output 1 will be on for 3 seconds when the program is running.

reverSinG an outPutThe polarity of the outputs can be reversed during programming so that motors can be run forwards or backwards. The following program runs a motor forwards for 3 seconds, stops the motor for a second, then reverses the motor for 3 seconds:

• PressandholdtheSAVEbuttonfor3secondstodeletetheexistingprogram.

• PresstheOUTPUT1buttononcesothattheOUTPUT1LEDisgreen.

• PresstheSAVEbuttonsixtimes(waitfortheRUNLEDtoflashbetweeneachpress).

• PresstheOUTPUT1buttononcesothattheOUTPUT1LEDisoff.

• PresstheSAVEbuttontwice.

• PressandholdtheREVERSEbuttonthenpresstheOUTPUT1buttononcesothattheOUTPUT1LEDisred.

• PresstheSAVEbuttonsixtimes.

• PresstheOUTPUT1buttontwicesothattheOUTPUT1LEDisoff.

• PresstheSAVEbuttontwice.

• PresstheRUNbuttontoruntheprogram.Output1willswitchon(forwards)for3seconds,turnoffforasecond,switchon(reverse)for3secondsthenswitchoffforasecond.Theprogramloopsuntilitisstopped.

Note: when reversing an output it is advisable to include an OFF step between the forward and reverse steps to protect the IQ from current overload.

When an output LED is red as shown here the output is reversed

If two motors and gearboxes are connected to the IQ It Is possible to make a buggy that can be programmed to move forwards, backwards, left and right. The example below was made by sticking two low-cost motors to a piece of plastic and adding a small castor wheel. The motors are connected directly to outputs 3 and 4 of the Primary IQ controller.

The maximum current for each output is 1 amp. If a larger current is drawn (for example in the case of a short circuit) the output is temporarily disabled to protect the circuit of the IQ.

ConneCtion tiPSSome components are supplied with leads attached, and these can be connected directly to the IQ. Components without leads may be connected using crocodile clip leads. These leads can be cut in half so that the cut end is inserted into the spring loaded connector (after stripping the insulation off the end of the wire). An alternative method is to insert a metal pin into the connector and then attach the crocodile clip to the pin.

other reSourCeSMindsets Ltd. supplies a range of affordable components with or without pre-soldered leads, suitable for use with the Primary IQ controller. A Primary Electricity Set is also available. Please see the website for details.

Supplied by: Mindsets (UK) Limited, Unit 10, The IO Centre, Lea Road, Waltham Cross, Herts, EN9 1AS

Tel: 01992 716052 Fax: 01992 719474 www.mindsetsonline.co.uk

Copyright © 2011 Mindsets (UK) Limited

Crocodile clips are attached to metal pins inserted into the connecting blocks.

Programmable buggy