Programming instructions

Glossary • 129
APPENDIX B - GLOSSARY
Inventor’s Guide
276-2178-E-0610
Servomotor – Motion Subsystem
An electromechanical device that converts electrical
energy into kinetic (physical) energy on demand.
The difference between a standard motor and a
servomotor is the way they respond to joystick
commands. A motor will spin continuously in one
direction or the other, whereas a servomotor will turn
to face a specic direction within a limited arc.
Signal Wave – Control Subsystem
In radio transmission, the signal wave represents the
data that is being sent, converted into a wave form in
order to be included in an FM transmission.
Skid – Motion Subsystem
A non-wheel piece which rests on the ground and
provides support for the robot, but is intended to
slide when the robot moves. Skids provide support
and stability without fundamentally altering the way
the robot maneuvers, but they can cause signicant
friction, and often wear out quickly. Caster wheels
are the preferred alternative in most cases.
Slave Channel – Control Subsystem
In a Programmable Mix, the Slave Channel is
the control channel that is partly or completely
controlled by the Master Channel.
Software 12 Mix – Control Subsystem,
Logic Subsystem
A version of the “12 mix” arcade style controls
where the control mixing takes place in software
on the Microcontroller, rather than in hardware on
the Transmitter. The software implementation of
the controls also performs a few of the calculation
differently, resulting in a somewhat different feel
for the driver. This mode is activated by placing a
jumper clip on top of Analog/Digital Port 14 on the
Microcontroller.
Spacer – Structure Subsystem, Motion
Subsystem
There are several plastic spacers which are designed
to slide onto square bar axles between other parts (or
between parts and rails) to keep them from moving
too close together. They can also be used like collars
if enough spacers are added to keep the other parts
from moving at all.
Glossary
SPDT switch – Sensor Subsystem
Short for “Single Pole, Double Throw.” A switch
that is activated by a single contact (single pole),
but changes the state of two outputs at once (double
throw). The Limit Switch Sensor is an SPDT switch,
but one of the two outputs is hidden, making it
function effectively as an SPST switch.
Speed – Motion Subsystem
Technically, speed is the magnitude of velocity (i.e.
velocity, but without indicating direction). It is most
commonly used to mean the rate of movement of
a vehicle. By extension, it can also mean the rate
of rotation of a gear or wheel. It is also sometimes
used to refer to a vehicle’s potential maximum
speed, as opposed to its acceleration capability.
SPST switch – Sensor Subsystem
Short for “Single Pole, Single Throw.” A switch
that is activated by a single contact (single pole)
and changes the state of a single output (single
throw). The Bumper Switch Sensor is an SPST
switch.
Stability – Structure Subsystem
The ability of a robot to remain upright and steady
while moving over terrain and traversing obstacles.
Stall (Motor) – Motion Subsystem
A condition where a motor encounters so much
resistance that it cannot turn. It is damaging for the
motor to be in this condition. The motor can get hot
and can stop functioning.
Stick Mode – Control Subsystem
An advanced feature of the Transmitter that allows
control channels 2 and 3 to trade places on the
joysticks (2 becomes the right stick’s vertical axis
and 3 becomes the left stick’s vertical axis). The
default mode is 2, and should not be changed under
most circumstances.
Stress (Structural) – Structure Subsystem
Physical forces acting on an object constitute
mechanical stress. Too much stress concentrated on
a small area can cause parts to bend or break.
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