About the Youth Robotics Technology Level Examination Levels 3-6
Explanation of Software Programming Languages
Level 3 and Level 4
1. Programming Language
# Level 3:
Graphical programming, it is recommended to use Mixly software, version Mixly 0.997 or above, with Mixly 0.999 being preferred.
# Level 4:
Standard use of Arduino C code programming, it is recommended to use Arduino IDE version 1.8.5 or above, with version 1.8.9 being preferred. It is suggested to use the Arduino IDE version provided with Mixly software, no need to download separately. During the examination, candidates are not allowed to reference or copy code generated by graphical software; if found, the practical exam score will be 0.
2. Software Library
# Level 3:
No specific requirements for the use of programming modules.
# Level 4:
If using the Arduino IDE provided with Mixly software, the libraries within the version already meet the examination requirements. If using another method to install Arduino IDE, the relevant libraries can be downloaded from the China Electronics Society’s popular science website. During practical programming, the code for DC motor drives and ultrasonic sensors must be written in Arduino C code without using library calls; if used, the corresponding score for that part will be 0.
3. Software Download
# Link to China Electronics Society’s popular science website:
http://www.kpcb.org.cn/h-nd-288.html
Official Mixly download site: www.Mixly.org
Level 5 and Level 6
4. Programming Language
# Level 5 and Level 6:
Both use Arduino C code programming, it is recommended to use Arduino IDE, with the preferred version being 1.8.9. You can download Arduino_1.8.9_ESP32.zip from the electronics society’s website, which already contains the software libraries and Bluetooth upgrade packages required for levels 5-6.
5. Software Library
# If Arduino version 1.8.9 is already installed, you can download the ESP32 software package and libraries from the following link. During the practical exam, candidates are not allowed to call any libraries they have added other than those covered in the teaching materials.
6. Software Download
# Link to China Electronics Society’s popular science website:
http://www.kpcb.org.cn/h-nd-288.html
Frequently Asked Questions
Q&A
Q Can level 3 examinations be conducted using Scratch or other graphical programming software?
A Level 3 examinations are recommended to use Mixly graphical programming software, but candidates may choose other graphical software. Level 3 examinations consist of theoretical and practical tests; the theoretical exam questions related to modular programming will uniformly use Mixly graphical software. In the practical exam, no specific programming software is required; the focus is on completing the circuit setup and functions required by the practical exam questions.
Q&A
Q What programming language is used for levels 4-6 examinations?
A The language used for levels 4-6 examinations is Arduino C language, with levels 5-6 adding relevant programming statements for ESP32 for Arduino. During practical programming, candidates are not allowed to use Python, Lua, or other programming languages.
Q&A
Q Is it mandatory to use Arduino IDE to write code during practical exams for levels 4-6?
A The practical exam for levels 4-6 requires programming to be written in Arduino C language, but there are no specific requirements for the IDE used for programming. It is recommended to use Arduino IDE, but candidates may use other IDEs such as Eclipse, VS Code, Atmel Studio, etc.
Q&A
Q What are the requirements for library calls in programming during practical exams for levels 4-6?
A According to the teaching materials and syllabus requirements, the programming for servos, infrared remote control, WiFi and Bluetooth, strings, MPU6050, SSD1306, and stepper motors can call libraries. Regarding the version of the libraries, the libraries provided by the China Electronics Society during the exam will be the standard. Ultrasonic sensors and DC motor drive modules must be written in Arduino C language without library calls, unless the DC motor drive module and the main control chip are not controlled directly by I/O, in which case library calls may be used.
Q&A
Q Can the pin names and numbers on the main control board differ from the official hardware agreement?
A It is recommended that the pin numbers on the main control board match the official hardware agreement. In the theoretical exam, the pin names and numbers related to the main control board will follow the official hardware agreement.