Lithuanianbots Start Module

Features:

• 5V & 3.3V Compatible (A single input pin needed on Arduino or Microcontroller)
• Tiny Size (15mm x 15mm x 4mm)
• Simple to use and quick to program
• Open source and open hardware
• Additional output for reading IR receiver signals directly

Why Choose This Start Module? Our start module is designed to be the official start-stop module( https://p1r.se/startmodule/ )  for sumo competitions while offering additional functionality for advanced robot strategies. Unlike other modules, it provides an extra output where you can read the IR receiver signal directly. This means you don’t need an additional IR receiver to connect your microcontroller, allowing for more efficient and strategic decision-making in your robot’s behavior.

How to Use It During Competitions?

1. First, program the module to recognize and remember a specific referee remote.
2. Power up your robot, and the referee will send a programming signal (The LED will blink twice).
3. The start module is now ready to receive the start and stop signals (The LED turns on when started and blinks when stopped).

Remote Start and Kill Switch Every match begins when the referee sends a start signal using an IR transmitter. As soon as the robot receives the signal, the match starts. This system ensures fairness by eliminating false starts and reducing the need for restarts.

The contestant can either develop their own hardware and software or use this prebuilt module for an easier implementation.

Kill Switch The kill switch is a security measure (mandatory in the 3kg class) that cuts power to the motors when the referee sends a stop command. While robot builders must integrate the kill switch themselves, this module provides a signal to activate it.

Prebuilt Module for Easy Integration This module handles all IR communication automatically. The robot simply waits for the module’s start pin to go HIGH before starting. It operates at 3.3V–5V and has a standard 2.54mm connector pitch for easy integration.

Modes of operation

The figure below illustrates the modes of operation of the module. To be less sensitive to noise and disturbances the module will save its current state into a non-volatile memory and if it is resets it will return to the last known state. This means that each match will end with the referee sending the stop command.

Note: If the LED on the module is on before the referee has sent the start command it means that the module is in the “Started” state. Then the stop command has to be sent and the robot needs to restart for the module to go back to the “Power ON” state.

To be able to run multiple matches next to each other each dohyo will have its own unique identifier. The prebuilt module can be re-programmed to listen for a new identifier. This is done by the referee by sending a special programming command which updates this identifier.

Robots which use sensors that are based on IR technology with a 38kHz transmitter modulation are encouraged to start their sensors after the start signal is received. This is to minimize the risk of disturbance.

Additional Functionality: Advanced Strategy Control This module features an additional output that allows you to read the IR receiver’s signal directly. This means that, beyond its function as a competition-approved start-stop module, it can also be used to analyze incoming IR signals for selecting robot strategies dynamically. This gives an edge in competitive environments where strategic adaptability is crucial.

Lithuanian Bots parts 3d models