Master PictoBlox: A Complete Beginner’s Guide for ICT Kerala
PictoBlox is a block-based graphical programming software based on Scratch. It allows students to program robots like the Arduino Uno using simple “drag-and-drop” blocks instead of complex text coding.
1. How to Connect Arduino to PictoBlox
Before you start your project, follow these steps to ensure your hardware can communicate with the software:
- Open PictoBlox: Launch the application on your computer.
- Select Board: Click on the “Board” button in the top menu and select Arduino Uno.
- Connect: Plug your Arduino into the USB port. Click “Connect” in the top menu, select the correct Serial Port (COM), and click connect.
- Add Extensions: For robotics, click the “Add Extension” button (bottom-left) and add the Arduino Uno and Actuators extensions.
2. Key Elements of the PictoBlox Interface
To build a robot, you need to understand the three main areas of the PictoBlox screen:
A. The Block Palette (Left Side)
This contains all the programming instructions organized by color:
Events (Yellow): Blocks like When Green Flag Clicked that start your program.
Control (Gold): Contains Forever loops and If-Then logic.
Arduino Uno (Dark Blue): Specific blocks to control pins (e.g., set digital pin 13 to HIGH).
Actuators (Purple): Blocks for controlling motors like the Servo Motor.
Sensors (Light Blue): Blocks to read data from IR or Ultrasonic sensors.
B. The Scripting Area (Middle)
This is your workspace. You drag blocks from the palette and snap them together here to build your logic.
C. The Stage / Device Toggle (Right Side)
- Stage Mode: The robot is controlled live by the computer.
- Upload Mode: The code is sent permanently to the Arduino’s memory so it can run using a battery without the computer.
3. Essential Programming Logic for Robotics
| Block Type | Use Case | Example Block |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Output | Turning LEDs/Buzzers ON or OFF. | set digital pin 13 to HIGH |
| PWM Output | Controlling motor speed or Servo angles. | set servo on pin 9 to 90 degrees |
| Wait Block | Creating delays (e.g., blinking lights). | wait 1 seconds |
| Forever Loop | Making a robot run continuously. | forever [code here] |
| If-Then | Making decisions based on sensors. | if [IR sensor is LOW] then… |
4. Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Code not working in Stage Mode? Ensure you have clicked the “Upload Firmware” button first. This “prepares” the Arduino to talk to PictoBlox.
- Servo motor vibrating? Check if your jumper wires are loose. Servos require a stable 5V connection.
- Board not detected? Try a different USB cable or port, and ensure the Arduino Uno board is selected in the menu.
ICT Kerala Robotics: Step-by-Step Project Guide
Master Arduino & PictoBlox with these Grade 10 Hands-on Projects
Project 1: Lighting an LED (Basic Circuit)
Hardware Required:
• Arduino Uno
• LED (Any Color)
• 220Ω Resistor
• Breadboard & Jumper Wires
Steps:
- Identify the Anode (long leg) and Cathode (short leg) of the LED.
- Connect the Anode to Arduino Digital Pin 13 through a resistor.
- Connect the Cathode to the GND pin on the Arduino.
- In PictoBlox, set the mode to Stage Mode.
PictoBlox Logic:
[When Green Flag Clicked] -> [set digital pin 13 output as HIGH]
[When Green Flag Clicked] -> [set digital pin 13 output as HIGH]
Project 2: Blinking LED (The “Hello World” of Robotics)
Steps:
- Use the same circuit as Project 1.
- Drag a Forever loop into the scripting area.
- Inside the loop, set Pin 13 to HIGH.
- Add a Wait 1 seconds block.
- Set Pin 13 to LOW.
- Add another Wait 1 seconds block.
SEO Tip: To make the LED blink faster, change the “Wait” value from 1 to 0.2 seconds!
Project 3: Smart Traffic Light Model
Hardware Required:
3 LEDs (Red, Yellow, Green) and 3 Resistors.
Circuit Logic:
- Red LED: Pin 12
- Yellow LED: Pin 11
- Green LED: Pin 10
- All Cathodes to GND.
Sequence:
1. Pin 12 HIGH, Others LOW (Wait 5s)
2. Pin 11 HIGH, Others LOW (Wait 2s)
3. Pin 10 HIGH, Others LOW (Wait 5s)
1. Pin 12 HIGH, Others LOW (Wait 5s)
2. Pin 11 HIGH, Others LOW (Wait 2s)
3. Pin 10 HIGH, Others LOW (Wait 5s)
Project 4: Controlling a Servo Motor
Connection Guide:
- Brown/Black Wire: GND
- Red Wire: 5V
- Orange/Yellow Wire: Digital Pin 9 (PWM ~)
PictoBlox Programming:
- Go to the “Actuators” or “Arduino Uno” block section.
- Use the block:
set servo on pin 9 to [angle] degrees. - Try changing the angle to 90 to see the shaft move to the center.
Note for Students: Servo motors are used in the “Smart Door” project to rotate the door handle or hinge.
