FAQ: RoboBlockly

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For questions about connecting and running hardware Linkbots using RoboBlockly, please see the "FAQ: Linkbot Labs and Linkbots" page and/or the "FAQ: Linkbot Troubleshooting" page. Connecting and running an Arduino board is covered on the "FAQ: Arduino and Robot Sensors" page.

How do I change the default download location when saving Blocks/Board/Grid or Ch programs in RoboBlockly?

In Google Chrome, click "Preferences" under the "Chrome" menu, or click the "three vertical dots" menu at the top right of the window and choose "Settings" in the menu. A "Settings" window should open. Click the "Advanced" option and then choose "Downloads" from the submenu. It will allow you to change the location for downloaded files. In Internet Explorer, when you download a file it lets you select whether you want to download to your default download location or to a new location. Please note that Internet Explorer cannot save the Grid. In Microsoft Edge, select Settings and more ... > Settings. Under Downloads, select Change. In the dialog box, select a new location for your downloaded files. In Safari, under the "Edit Menu" click Preferences and then the General tab. Locate the "Save downloaded files to" section, click on "Downloads" > "Other"..., and then browse and indicate your new download location.



What is the size of the background image (for the grid) that can be uploaded?

The size of the grid is 360 px by 360 px. The image that is drawn on the background can be any size, but if it is too small, the image will be stretched, and if it is too large, the image will be reduced.



Why does the grid on the background image not match the grid displayed in the uploaded blocks?

The grid in the background image may not match the grid in the uploaded blocks. For example, the background image may display the grid at 24×24 inches while the XML file that is loaded to display code blocks in the Workspace has the 36×36 inches option set.



How can I help translate RoboBlockly in other languages?

Please contact us.



I created multiple groups for students in my class in Class Management. After I assign homework for different groups, why cannot a student see a homework assignment?

Check that you assigned this student to a group and that you assigned homework to All Students.



What can I do if RoboBlockly is running slowly?

Turning on the sound on your computer may help. Also, having a lot of browser tabs open can slow things down.



The grid image (e.g., a RoboPlay Challenge Mat with the 96x96 grid) isn't being displayed properly. How can I fix this?

Clearing the browser's cache (where it stores copies of images, among other things, in order to enable faster loading of web pages) can help. For Chrome, see the instructions here. Instructions for a variety of browsers are covered here.



I can't seem to see all the code blocks in the menus. How can I get the missing ones back?

RoboBlockly has several settings to reduce the number of options and features displayed, in order to minimize distractions. For example, there is a "Simple View" checkbox below the grid area: When the Simple View box is checked, only the most-used block menus, and most-used code blocks within those menus, are displayed. To see all the menus and code blocks, simply uncheck the Simple View box. In addition, some lessons and activities are set up to display only the code blocks that are needed for that lesson/activity. For example, an activity that only needs driveDistance and turn blocks might look like this: If you click the button for the menu that is displayed ("Robot 1" in this example), then it toggles on the full display of the menu's code blocks: Clicking the menu button again will toggle it back to the minimal display. Finally, there is a "Min View" checkbox just above the grid on the right. Selecting it will result in a very minimal display, used for activites with young students: