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Welcome! This wiki is a companion to the NodeBots Workshop sessions for CodeMash 2017, sponsored by Microsoft! We bring the hardware, you build the bot. (And you even get to keep the hardware when you're done!)
The NodeBots Workshops have concluded! Thanks to all attendees! This code remains here for reference and has been updated to support speed and directional control of motors. Please note that the access key for RoboWriter has been reset; the old access key will no longer work. If you are interested in spinning up your own Azure IoT Hub for use with RoboWriter, feel free to reach out!
In this one-day hackathon-style workshop, you will work in small teams to build a robotic car controlled by a microcontroller and with code written in JavaScript (Node.js). You'll also see a quick demo of a retro-themed robot motion-tracking dashboard powered by Azure IoT Hub, which we'll use to visualize the paths of everyone's bots throughout the day.
The first portion of the class will consist of a guided workshop. In the second portion, you'll have free time to build and hack, pulling in additional materials and parts to customize your bot beyond the basic kit. At 2:00 PM each day, we'll stop and come together to show off what we built. Finally, for anyone who's up to the challenge, we'll begin rounds of head-to-head arena battles, pitting NodeBot against NodeBot in a challenge of dexterity and defense: like capture the flag, but with a twist! At the end of the elimination rounds, we'll name a winner! See challenge details at the right for more information.
While we will provide some guided instruction and are happy to answer questions, this workshop provides an informal space to learn and build. Feel free to go off script and play around. There are no grades, no consequences, and no code reviews.
- Have fun
- Learn something new
- Make friends
The two days offer the same content: choose just one! Supplies and seats are limited!
SCHEDULE for TUESDAY, JAN. 10 (Sessions 1 & 2)
- 8:00 AM: Introduction and guided workshop
- 10:00 AM: Independent workshop
- 2:00 PM: NodeBots Show 'n Tell and Challenge
SCHEDULE for TUESDAY, JAN. 11 (Sessions 3 & 4)
- 8:00 AM: Introduction and guided workshop
- 10:00 AM: Independent workshop
- 2:00 PM: NodeBots Show 'n Tell and Challenge
If you're a NodeBot newbie, welcome! We'll begin the workshop with guided instruction on getting started building a NodeBot on the Feather HUZZAH and the Johnny-Five framework. There are also guided instructions for each step at the right; visit the pages numbered 0-4 in order.
If you're a NodeBots expert, feel free to build any kind of NodeBot you desire. Just remember that if you want to participate in the challenge, you should have a look at the rules at the right.
Be sure to check out troubleshooting pages if you get stuck. Or ask around and make a new friend in the process!
Good luck and have fun!