Solution 37686: Precautions to take when using the TI-Innovator™ Hub
What are some General Precautions with the use of the TI-Innovator Hub™ ?
Below is a list of precautions that the user needs to be aware of when using the TI-Innovator™ system:
TI‑Innovator™ Hub
- Do not expose the Hub to temperatures above 140˚F (60˚C).
- Do not disassemble or mistreat the Hub.
- Do not chain together multiple Hubs through the I/O ports or the Breadboard Connector.
- Use only the USB cables provided with the Hub.
- If you are using a wall charger, make sure you are using the TI wall charger that came with your calculator or other UL-certified USB charger rated for at least 1 amp (usually written as “1A” or “1000 mA”). To determine whether your charger is UL-certified, flip it over to the inside, and read the label. Look for the UL stamp, and confirm that it states that it is 1000 mA or higher.
- Optional External Battery Pack
- 4AA battery holder included in the TI‑Innovator™ Breadboard Pack
- Ensure that the components receiving power from the Hub do not exceed the Hub’s 1-amp power limit.
- Avoid using the Hub to control AC electricity.
- Connecting an LED directly to the breadboard connectors (long lead (+ve) to 5V, short lead (ground) to GND) can result in damaged LED
- Do not connect one TI-Innovator™ Hub to another through the I/O pins or the breadboard connector.
Breadboard Connector on the Hub
- Do not insert the leads of LEDs and other components directly into the Hub’s Breadboard Connector. Assemble the components on the breadboard and use the provided jumper cables to connect the breadboard to the Hub.
- Do not connect the 5V receptacle pin on the Hub’s Breadboard Connector to any of the other pins, especially the ground pins. Doing so could damage the Hub.
- Connecting the top row of receptacle pins (BB1-10) to the bottom row (grounding and power pins) is not recommended.
- No pin on the Hub’s Breadboard Connector can sink or source greater than 4 mA.
Breadboard
- Do not connect the positive and negative leads of a power source to the same group of 5 pins on the breadboard. Doing so could damage the breadboard and the power source.
- Observe the correct polarity:
- When connecting the breadboard to the Hub.
- When connecting components that are sensitive to polarity, such as LEDS and the TTL Power MOSFET.
I/O Modules
- Use the correct Input or Output port as required for each module.
- Vibration Motor – supported on OUT 1, OUT 2, and OUT 3.
- Servo Motor – use OUT 3 only.
- White LED – supported on OUT 1, OUT 2, and OUT 3.
- Analog Light Sensor – supported on IN 1, In 2, and IN 3.
- Ultrasonic Ranger – supported on IN 1, IN 2, and IN 3.
Use an Auxiliary Power Source for modules that require more than 50 mA, including:
- Vibration Motor
- Servo Motor
Do not hold the Servo Motor’s shaft while it is rotating. Also, do not rotate the Servo Motor by hand.
White LED:
- Do not bend the leads repeatedly; this will weaken the wires and may cause them to break.
- The LED requires the correct polarity when inserted into its socket.
No I/O module can sink or source greater than 4 mA.
For more details refer to the TI-Innovator™ System eGuide
If you have questions about the information listed above, please contact TI-Cares for additional assistance.