Running KookaBlockly

Overview

KookaBlockly is a fully functional visual-based programming language (VPL) editor resident on a PC or a Mac.

It is based upon the Scratch (VPL)and has been designed to edit code in real time on the Kookaberry technology platform

It does not require access to the internet to write, run, and edit MicroPython programmes on a tethered Kookaberry.

Installing KookaSuite

KookaSuite needs to be installed on your computer. Instructions for doing this can be found at

To run KookaBlockly, find and run the KookaBlockly.exe app in the KookaBlockly folder (Local Disc> Program Files> Kookaberry> Kookasuite>KookaBlockly) or from a shortcut.

NOTE: ONLY ONE EDITOR OR TW PROGRAMME CAN BE RUN AT THE SAME TIME

Creating and editing apps

Connect a Kookaberry to your PC or Mac using the USB-A to mini-USB Power and data lead as indicated. Connect peripherals as required.

     

Existing Programmes

Open KookaBlockly and use the “Scripts” and Choose a script” dropdown menus to select a previously created or demo programme to Run or edit.

New Programmes

If you are creating a new programme, start dragging programming blocks from the menu on the left onto the canvas.

The best way to get to know KookaBlockly is to create a simple and useful app such as measuring Temperature and Relative Humidity. Connect a DHT11 module to your tethered Kookaberry and go to our learning plan  “Measuring temperature and relative humidity – KookaBlockly”

Saving an app to your computer

Before saving your app you must first create a suitable folder to store it in. A Kookaberry Scripts folder will have been installed in the Users>Public on your Local Disc at the time of KookaBlockly installation. Navigate to this folder and add sub-folders as necessary – maybe call one “kby apps”.

This operation will allow your apps to be called up into the KookaBlockly canvas via the Scripts and Choose a Script menu buttons

To save the file to your computer, click the Save As button in the menu bar. This will bring up all the sub-folders in the KookaBlockly folder which have been created at the time of installing KookaBlockly. Give your programme a name and save it. The kby.py suffix will be added automatically.

Saving an app to your Kookaberry

To save it to your connected Kookaberry so that you can run it from its menu independently of the computer, you will need to save it the Kookaberry’s flash memory.

To do this, click Save As and save it in the apps folder of your Kookaberry. Use the same name as you saved it to the kby apps folder.

 

 

NOTE: KookaIDE can run a script created using KookaBlockly, but KookaBlockly cannot run a purely text-based MicroPython script. It needs the extra KookaBlockly code….