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Starter Kit Intro​

This page introduces the physical parts in your Starter Kit, and their functions. By the end you can pick any part out of the box and say what it is for.

Replacement parts are sold individually — see the price list.

Electronics​

List of electronics parts: 1 Controller, 1 Robot Brain, 1 LoRa Module, 1 IMU Sensor Module, 1 Battery Charger, and 2 2S Batteries. A callout notes that the IMU has a black top.

  • Robot Brain is the sealed box that runs your Robot. There are 8 motor ports: M1 to M8 for Thrusters and Servos, and 6 sensor ports: S1 to S6 for IMUs and LoRa modules.
  • Controller connects to your laptop over USB and relays commands to the Robot Brain over its Bluetooth link. The Robot Brain never connects directly to the laptop.
  • IMU is an Inertial Measurement Unit, used for identifying orientation and heading.
  • LoRa is a radio receiver, which can be used to derive how far you are from a transmitting Beacon.

Note

The two sensor modules look alike: the IMU Sensor Module has a black top, the LoRa Module does not.

List of electronics parts, continued: 2 Servomotor Bags and 2 Underwater Thruster Bags, one clockwise and one counterclockwise, with their main components laid out.

  • Servo is a splash-resistant positional servo. It will move to the set angle and hold. Do not submerge it underwater.
  • Thruster is a waterproof motor. There are two types provided in the Starter Kit: Clockwise (CW) and Counter-Clockwise (CCW). The rotation direction cancels out when used as a pair, allowing the Robot to move straight in the water.

Hardware​

List of hardware parts: 2 Hulls, 2 Thruster Hulls, 4 full 2x beams, 4 full 1x beams, 4 half 1x beams, a Fastener Box, a Servomotor Mount, a Servo Arm Connector, and a Spade Piece.

  • Hull is a plastic part that provides buoyancy for the Robot. There are two types provided in the Starter Kit: Thruster Hull and Hull. The Thruster Hull has a recess for a Thruster. Both have 4mm diameter holes spaced evenly apart on the top for attaching to the Robot frame.
  • Beams are aluminium box tubes with 4mm holes drilled evenly apart. There are three types provided in the Starter Kit: a half length and full length square "1x" beam, with a cross section dimension of 15mm × 15mm, and a full length rectangular "2x" beam with a cross section dimension of 30mm × 15mm. These will form the structure of the Robot frame and the Servo Arm.
  • Servo Attachments are plastic pieces for mounting the Servo onto the Robot frame, or extending the Servo Arm. There are three types provided in the Starter Kit: Servo Arm Connector and Spade Piece for the Servo Arm, and Servomotor Mount for attaching the Servo to the Robot frame.
  • Fastener Box holds every screw and nut needed for the Starter Kit. The screw naming convention is as such: M<thread_diameter> x <length>, both in millimetres, with length measuring from under the head. An M4 × 20 and an M4 × 30 fit the same hole but reach different depths.

Tools & Others​

List of tools: a MARLIN Tote Bag, an Allen Key Set, a Combination Wrench with 7 mm and 5.5 mm ends, and a Thumbscrew Wrench.

  • Tools are provided to help you assemble the Starter Kit.
  • Allen Key Set contains different sizes. Use the right size to turn the screws. Using the wrong size will damage your fasteners.
  • Combination Wrench is double-ended: use 7 mm for M4 nuts and 5.5 mm for M3 nuts.
  • Thumbscrew Wrench fits the Robot Brain's lid thumbscrews. Use it only for loosening the thumbscrews. Tightening the thumbscrews with the Thumbscrew Wrench may result in overtightening, which may cause damage.
  • MARLIN Tote Bag is a waterproof bag. If your Robot is wet, please carry it in the MARLIN Tote Bag to minimise your mess.

Next: Starter Kit assembly in Kit Build.