Service

FAQ

We always want to provide you with the best support we can in building our products, and offer you quick and efficient solutions if you have any questions. To do so, we have assembled the most frequently asked questions on fischertechnik products for you in an easy to use FAQ. In our FAQ area, we answer all your questions on general, technical or even specific topics. If your question is not listed in our FAQ, you are welcome to contact our fischertechnik experts via our contact form. We will be happy to help you, and are always working to improve our customer service for you.

General FAQs
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There are parts missing or defective parts in a fischertechnik construction set I have just purchased - what should I do?
Even though we take the greatest possible care and monitor our products, fischertechnik does receive complaints from time to time - we’re very sorry to hear about your issue. Please click the Service/Contact tab to inform us about your problem. Please include the product designation, missing / defective part number, and production number on the red slip inside your construction set in your message. We will contact you as soon as possible.
Are the old gray building blocks compatible with the new ones?
fischertechnik parts of any age, including electrical / electronic components, are fully compatible with one another. Only the colors of the building blocks have changed, not their shapes.
Where can I find booklets and technical information on the construction sets?
You can find all the teaching booklets and further information on our construction sets in the PROFI and ROBOTICS lines in our eLearning portal.
What are typical sets used to get started with fischertechnik?
The ADVANCED Universal 3 and ADVANCED Universal Starter are ideal choices for getting started with fischertechnik. The Jumbo Starter and Little Starter construction sets are also good choices for children over 5.
Where can I view the current fischertechnik product portfolio?
At your local toy store, or check out our website www.fischertechnik.de under the Products tab for an overview of our current products. We would also be happy to send you a free brochure by mail. Please request a brochure on the website by clicking (the button?) “Contact” or by telephone at  +49 7443 12-4369.

Technical FAQs

What are the advantages of the new fischertechnik flat connector?
  • Simple, quick connection of the cable without tools
  • No stripping of the stranded wire required
  • Plug can be opened again and used several times

The plug is suitable for fischertechnik cables with a wire cross-section of up to 0.14mm2

 

Download installation tips

ROBOTIC Mini Bot track finder does not follow the track.
The most probable cause for the malfunction is that either the red and green plugs on a motor, the blue and yellow cables on the track sensor or M1 and M2 are swapped. Then the model always swerves in the wrong direction and loses track instead of following it. You can easily try this out:
Hold the model in the air just above the track. If the model is directly above the track, both wheels should turn forward. If one of them turns backwards, the plugs are reversed on that one. If you hold the model slightly to the left of the track, only the left wheel should turn forward, if you hold the model slightly to the right of the track, only the right wheel should turn forward. If the behavior is exactly the opposite, swap either M1 and M2 or the yellow and blue wires at I2.
Notes on the use and care of the fischertechnik battery pack (35537)

The fischertechnik battery pack is a powerful power supply for all fischertechnik models. The integrated short-circuit protection ensures a high level of safety when setting up and operating the models. To ensure that the performance of the battery pack is maintained over the long term, we recommend that you observe the following instructions:

  1. Only the fischertechnik charger should be used to charge the battery pack. It constantly monitors the charge status of the battery pack during charging and automatically switches to trickle charge as soon as the battery is full. This prevents the battery pack from being overcharged and thus damaged.
  2. An empty battery pack must always be disconnected from the connected loads (e.g. motors, lamps, interface, IR receiver). This can be done by a switch or by pulling the plugs. This prevents the battery from being deep discharged and permanently damaged.
  3. If a battery pack is stored for a long period (more than 2 months) without being used, it will slowly discharge (self-discharge). It should therefore only be stored fully charged and recharged after 2 months at the latest. This prevents the battery pack from being damaged and permanently losing capacity.
Is a different charger needed for the current NiMH Accu Pack than for the previous NiCd Accu Pack?
The current NiMH Accu Pack can also be charged with the charger from the previous NiCd Accu Set.
Is it possible to upload a self-created sound in the sound module of PLUS Sound & Lights?
Yes, the files must be saved as 22khz 8bit mono wav files.
The pneumatic cylinders in my model do not move properly.
This can have various causes. The last chapter of the booklets accompanying the "PROFI Pneumatic 3", "ROBO TXT ElectroPneumatic" and "PROFI Pneumatic Power" kits contains an overview of troubleshooting.
Can motors break down if they have to lift heavy loads?
No. If the load is too heavy, the motor stops.

ROBOTICS FAQs

After a firmware update, the TXT controller only shows a loading bar and no longer starts properly.
Please contact our support team at the following e-mail address: fischertechnik-technik@fischer.de
After a firmware update, “TXT-” (without ID) is displayed in the status bar.
Please contact our support team at the following e-mail address: fischertechnik-technik@fischer.de
I try to update the TXT Controller firmware version 4.1.x to the latest firmware version 4.7.0. Unfortunately, I get an error message.

Please update the TXT controller to the latest TXT firmware version in several steps by installing the ROBO Pro software 4.2.4, 4.6.6 and 4.7.0 one after the other and performing the update in each case.
In some cases it is necessary to deactivate Windows Defender during the update process.

Update: 4.1.x -> 4.2.4 -> 4.6.6 -> 4.7.0

The ROBO Pro software versions can be downloaded as follows:

ROBO Pro 4.2.4

ROBO Pro 4.6.6

ROBO Pro 4.7.0

Can the TXT Controller be programmed with the new “ROBO Pro Coding” app?
No, the TXT controller is programmed with the “ROBO Pro” programming environment in Windows.
How can the error that the TXT 4.0 controller cannot be connected with ROBO Pro Coding and "txtapi" is shown in the display of the TXT 4.0 controller be eliminated?
Please reinstall the TXT 4.0 controller firmware by following these instructions.
Updating the TXT 4.0 firmware version 3.1.0 to version 3.1.6 or newer is not possible via the Internet. How can the firmware 3.1.0 still be updated to the current firmware 3.1.x?
In this case, the firmware 3.1.4 must be updated first and then the new firmware 3.1.x. Important note: The power supply to the TXT 4.0 controller must not be interrupted during the update process.
What are the access data for SSH and WEB server for the TXT 4.0 controller?
User: ft Password: fischertechnik
Which ROBOPro Version do I need for the TXT Smart Home kit?
Version ROBOPro 4.7.0 is required. Access to the fischertechnik Cloud no longer works with older versions. The version can be downloaded from the App section. The link can also be found in the assembly instructions included with the construction kit.
Which internet browsers does fischertechnik Cloud work with?

Windows 7:
Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer 11, Internet Explorer 12

Windows 10:
Edge, Chrome,  Firefox, Internet Explorer 11, Internet Explorer 12

Windows 10 mobile
Edge

iOS
Safari, Firefox, Chrome

Android

Firefox, Chrome

It doesn´t work with Android Samsung Internet V 7.

How secure is my data in the fischertechnik Cloud?

With regard to the TXT Smart Home kit we place particular importance on data security.

To this end, all data sent (both the data sent by TXT to the fischertechnik Cloud and the data transmitted from the server to the WEB browser) is transmitted encrypted with certificates (https standard, green padlock in the WEB browser).
The TXT controller is protected by a secure so-called root password against external hacker attacks as to the best possible extent.
If pictures are taken by the fischertechnik camera, this is indicated by an optical signal on the model in order to guarantee that nobody is photographed without their consent. Pictures are only taken and send if the user has logged in on the dashboard in the WEB browser with their password.
Data that the individual user saves in the cloud is protected via a personal account with password access and is only accessible to the respective user. The very secure OAuth2 Industry Standard is used for this. For personal data, fischertechnik fulfils the statutory requirements of the new EU General Data Protection Regulation in full.  
The servers on which the fischertechnik Cloud is operated are located in Germany. This guarantees that the strict European requirements for storing data are complied with.

What security measures must be observed with the TXT controller in WLAN client mode?

(!) Safety note: TXT Controller firmware version 4.2.4 or higher (!)

Please observe the following notes if the TXT Controller is operated in the so-called WLAN client mode:

  • Always activate the WLAN encryption WPA2 in the TXT WLAN settings when you connect the TXT controller in WLAN client mode to a WLAN network.
  • Do not operate unknown or untrusted devices in the same wireless network with the TXT controller.
  • Select WLAN keys correspondingly complex, e.g. the preset WLAN keys of the current routers
  • Do not give the WLAN key to third parties
Can programs be stored on the ROBO LT controller?
No, the ROBO LT controller can only be operated in online mode (USB connection to PC).
Can the ROBO LT controller be operated without a connection to the PC (download mode)?
No, the ROBO LT controller can only be operated in online mode (USB connection to PC).
Can the ROBO LT controller be controlled with the ROBOPro software?
Yes, that works. The ROBO interface must be set as COM/USB interface.
Can the TXT or TX controller be controlled with the ROBOPro Light software?
No. ROBOPro Light software is exclusively for the LT Controller and as of version 4.3.1 also for the BT Smart controller.
What are the system requirements for ROBOunderPro?

ROBOPro 4.2.x with the TXT controller under Windows/Mac/Linux Windows:

The current ROBOPro version runs under Windows 7, 8 and 10.

Mac:

On Mac OS X, ROBOPro can be installed using the commercial program "CrossOver" and with the open source software "WineBottler" (http://winebottler.kronenberg.org/). No additional drivers are required for the TXT controller and all interfaces (Bluetooth, USB, WLAN) are supported.

Alternatively, ROBOPro can be used when it is installed in a Windows virtual machine. In this case, USB and WLAN are supported. Please note that you need a fully-fledged Windows license.

Linux:

With the help of the program wine (https://www.winehq.org/) ROBOPro can also be installed on Linux. For this, the following command must be executed on the console: 

msiexec -i Setup.exe.
No additional drivers are required for the TXT controller and all interfaces (Bluetooth, USB, WLAN) are supported. Ubuntu 14.04 LTS and OpenSuse 13.2 distributions were tested.

The ROBOTICS software ROBOPro does not operate correctly.
Please download the latest software version (update) under the heading Service/Downloads.
The USB driver cannot be installed - no connection to the controller can be established.
As of ROBOPro version 3.1.2, the USB driver is pre-installed and operates automatically when the TXT/TX controller is connected to the USB interface. 
Error message "An unexpected situation has occurred" appears with the ROBOTICS software ROBOPro.
There is a software or programming error. Please send the program that causes the error message with a short explanation by e-mail to fischertechnik (info@fischertechnik.de). We're here to help!
I cannot update my TX controller’s firmware.
Start ROBOPro from the Windows start menu and not from the fischertechnik ROBOTICS terminal. Then the firmware update works without problems.
Error message "No interface to USB could be found" appears with the ROBOTICS software ROBO Pro.

Is there a power failure?

  • Please check whether the display on the ROBO TXT or TX controller is working or the light-emitting diode on the ROBO interface is lit.

Is the TXT/TX controller or the ROBO interface correctly connected to the computer?

  • Please carry out a visual inspection.

Is the USB driver installed correctly?

  • For the driver, see "C:\ Program Files (x86)\ROBOPro\USB Driver Installation."
Does the ROBOPro software offer a random function?
The subroutine library "Random" contains several subroutines that can be used to generate random numbers.
Can the TX Controller be connected with ROBO Pro software in Windows 10 via Bluetooth?
TXT controller must already have firmware version 4.6.6 installed. For older TXT firmware versions, update to 4.6.6 must be performed first.
An error message appears when updating the TXT firmware.

When updating the TXT firmware, the error message appears:

  • Can not open update file on TXT Controller (transfer error)! or
  • Can not open update file on TXT Controller (file error)!

It is possible that you have activated autostart for a program on the TXT or that a program is currently running on the TXT controller. Please close the program before you start the update.

How can I connect an old 32357 forked photoelectric sensor to the TXT/TX controller?
How can I measure the battery voltage on the TXT/TXController?
Connect the battery to a universal input (I1-I8) of the TXT/TX controller. You must connect the negative pole of the battery to the ground socket of the input and connect the positive pole of the battery to the other socket of the input.
What is the maximum voltage that can be used to operate the TXT/TX controller without causing damage?
With 9V. We recommend the power supply with the fischertechnik Accu Set or Power Set.
Can the sound module be connected to the ROBOTICS TXT/TX controller?
Yes, connect the TXT/TX controller and the sound module to a common power source (important). Then connect a sound input A - B - C to an output (O1-O8) of the ROBO TXT/TX controller.

Training models FAQs

Which fuses are used in the Learning Factory 4.0 24V?
1.7A +/- 20%, in most cases 1.6A was measured.
After a TXT 4.0 controller firmware update, the local dashboard in Node-RED can no longer be opened. How can this be repaired?

Import the Node-RED Flow as described in these instructions:

 

Instructions

What is the difference between the 9V and 24 simulation models?

The 9V training models are controlled with the fischertechnik TXT controllers. The demo programs for the TXT controllers included are already available and can be individually adapted. The demo programs are created with the fischertechnik ROBOPro software. Optionally, the C/C++ interface of the TXT controller can also be used.

The 24V training models, on the other hand, do not include a controller. Therefore, the software for the 24V training models must be created by the user. Another difference is the power supply of the actuators, which is different for the 9V and 24V training models.

How to connect a PLC control to the 24V simulation models?
The 24V training models are connected via terminals on the adapter board. The requirements for the PLC and the assignment of the terminals can be found in the documentation for the respective training models.
The models are delivered fully assembled.
The models are supplied fully assembled.
Which controllers can be used in conjunction with the 24V models?
Common PLC controls (e.g. Siemens, Beckhoff, or Rockwel) with the required number of inputs and outputs can be used.
In which versions are the simulation models offered?
The training models are offered in 24V and 9V versions.
Does fischertechnik have PLC programs for the 24V simulation models?

PLC programs for the 24V training models are unfortunately not available from fischertechnik because there are so many different hardware and software solutions in the PLC field and we offer the model exclusively without PLC. What is available, however, are sample programs for our ROBOPro graphical software, which is used to program the 9V versions of the models. With the help of these programs the programming structure can be understood.

The free update version of this software can be found at the following link: https://www.fischertechnik.de/-/media/fischertechnik/fite/service/downloads/robotics/robo-pro/documents/update-robopro.ashx

The example programs are located in the subfolder Example Programs/Training Models.

The didactic booklet on the e-learning portal also explains how the programs for the factory simulation can be structured.

When pairing with the fischertechnik Cloud, the error message "...no route to host..." appears. How can this be fixed?
The firmware of the TXT controller must be updated to 4.7.0, see Notes.
Which PLC brands and configurations can I use to control the Learning Factory 4.0 24V?
The Learning Factory 4.0 24V can generally be controlled with any PLC that meets the requirements of the model. You can view the requirements in this document.
How do I connect my PLC to the model? Are there any assignment diagrams for this?
We provide the allocation plans for the Learning Factory 4.0 24V free of charge on the product detail page. Alternatively, you can download the document directly here.
Where can I find the basic program included free of charge?
fischertechnik provides a basic program for the Learning Factory 4.0 24V free of charge. This program is written in structured text and works ideally on a Siemens S7-1500. If you use a different controller, you have to adapt the program accordingly. Our basic program is available on GitHub.
Does the basic program require a fee or a license?
The sample programs can be downloaded here free of charge. A license is usually required for the respective PLC control. For Siemens, for example, the license for the TIA Portal v16 is required.
Can I change the base program and/or replace it with another program?
The basic program from GitHub can be adapted to the PLC control. See here for more information.
Where can I find the source code of the base program as structured text (ST/SCL)?
You can download the source code for the base program on GitHub.
Are there any exercises or test items for trainees on Learning Factory 4.0?
fischertechnik provides free tasks and exercises in the accompanying booklet of the Learning Factory 4.0 24V, which can be downloaded from the fischertechnik eLearning portal.
What assemblies do I need to use the free basic program?
On the product detail page under "Documents for download", we provide a recommendation for assemblies that work ideally with the basic program. Click here to go directly to this recommendation.
How can I use the basic program with another PLC brand or model?
The source code of the basic program, which can be downloaded  as SCL, must be adapted to the respective PLC control. Afterwards this can be used
What do I have to pay special attention to with my existing PLC control system in order to be able to use the Learning Factory 4.0?
An additional requirement is the OPC/UA interface, which is needed for the Lernfarbik 4.0 24V.
How many inputs and outputs does the Learning Factory 4.0 24V have?
You can see the number of inputs and outputs in this technical data sheet.
Can I connect my own cloud to the Learning Factory 4.0 24V?
Yes, a dedicated cloud can either be directly connected to the PLC controller or via the open source platform Node-RED on the Raspberry Pi 4 by adapting the interface.
Which version of the Raspberry Pi is integrated in the Learning Factory?
The "Raspberry Pi 4" is intergated
Which sensors are included in the Learning Factory 4.0?
The following sensors are included in the model: Photoelectric sensors, pushbuttons, color sensors, environmental sensor (measured variables: temperature, air pressure, humidity, air quality) and camera.
Are there any instructions or accompanying materials for the Learning Factory 4.0?
Yes, this can be downloaded here free of charge.
Which software was used to create the PLC examples?
The examples were created with the Siemens software TIA Portal v16.
Why is a fischertechnik TXT Controller 9V included, although it is the Lernfabrik 4.0 in 24V version?

The TXT Controller is required for the connection to the environmental sensor, light sensor, NFC reader and the USB camera in the model. Furthermore, the TXT Controller communicates with the fischertechnik Cloud and is a necessary component of the Learning Factory 4.0 24V. What it sends to the ft-Cloud via the MQTT protocol is translated by the Raspberry Pi into OPC/UA and routed to the PLC.

The Raspberry Pi allows communication in MQTT as well as in OPC/UA. This is clearly illustrated in the block diagram that can be found in the download area of the product detail page. This is clearly illustrated in the block diagram that can be found in the download area.

Which IP addresses are reserved for the controllers used in the Learning Factory 4.0 24V?
The following IP addresses are used: 
SPS: 192.168.0.1 
Raspberry Pi: 192.168.0.5 
TXT Controller: 192.168.0.10
Which operating system and which configuration does the Raspberry Pi have in the Learning Factory 4.0 24V?
For the IOT Gateway (Raspberry Pi) in the Learning Factory 4.0 24V a ready configured 4GB µSD card is delivered. The current "Raspian lite buster" image is used as the basis. The Node-RED environment can be opened via the IP address 192.168.0.5:1880 and the program on the Raspberry Pi can be adapted to your own needs.
What are the Internet connection requirements for the Learning Factory 4.0?
Proxy settings are not supported by the TXT controller. Ports for MQTT (1883 and 8883) and NTP service must be enabled.
When pairing with the fischertechnik Cloud, the QR code appears and is then immediately hidden. Pairing with the fischertechnik Cloud is not possible. What is the reason?
Proxy settings are not supported by TXT Controller, please use internet connection without proxy.
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