1. Basic Debugging of Linkbot Connections

If you run into trouble connecting the Linkbot to the computer, the first thing to check is that the correct software is installed and running on the computer: Linkbot Labs for Windows and Mac machines, and Linkbot IDE for Chromebooks. They can be downloaded here. For more information, see the software installation lessons for Windows/Mac or Chromebooks. Then follow the instructions in the lesson on Connect a Hardware Linkbot (Windows/Mac) or Connect a Hardware Linkbot (Chromebooks).

IMPORTANT for Chromebooks: The Linkbot IDE extension must be launched each time you are using RoboBlocky and wanting to connect Linkbots. See the Connect a Hardware Linkbot (Chromebooks) for the procedure, including a video. (This is different than on Windows/Mac machines, where Linkbot Labs automatically runs in the background. Once launched, the Chromebook Linkbot IDE extension should stay running, so you only need to launch it when you start your RoboBlocky session. On rare occasions it might close if it encounters a problem, so then simply relaunch it.)

If the Linkbot doesn't connect the first time, try turning it off and repeating the steps outlined in those lessons.

It's also recommended that if you have RoboBlocky open in multiple tabs in your browser, try closing all but one and then try connecting the robot again.

If you still have trouble, check the following and repeat the process:

1. Make sure the Linkbot Labs software (Windows/Mac) or the Linkbot IDE extension (Chromebooks) is installed and running (see above).
2. Make sure the Linkbot is turned on.
3. Make sure either the wireless dongle is plugged in to the computer and has power (as indicated by its small blue light) or the micro USB cable is securely connected to the computer on one end and the Linkbot on the other.
4. Try unplugging the dongle and plugging it back into a differnet USB port on your computer.
5. Try swapping out one wireless dongle for another if you have extras.
6. Swap the wireless dongle for the direct connection of the micro USB cable.
7. Make sure the Linkbot battery is charged. (Use the micro USB cable to charge it.)
8. If the Linkbot battery is charged but the Linkbot turns itself off and the on/off button does not work, plug in the micro USB cable to the Linkbot and then connect it to a computer or power source. Wait a few seconds and then unplug it. The on/off button should now work again.

2. "Start Over" Steps

The following order of steps is recommended to clear a connection problem and start over:

1. Turn off the Linkbot(s). (Hold down the power button until it turns off.)
2. Delete any Linkbots from the Linkbot Labs sidebar, so that it's empty (click the white triangular arrow next to the "beep" icon to open the manual control menu, then click "Delete").
3. Unplug the dongle.
4. If using a Chromebook, close the Linkbot IDE extension, then launch it again.
5. Plug in the dongle and wait for its power light to come on. (If using a Chromebook, also open the Linkbot IDE extension window and check that it shows a green "Dongle status: connected" message--it may take a few seconds.)
6. Turn on the Linkbot and wait for its light to come on.
7. Enter the Linkbot's ID in the Linkbot Labs sidebar and click "Add." 
8. If it doesn't connect at first, try clicking its "Connect" button in the sidebar again and/or turning the Linkbot off and on again and/or repeating the above steps. Depending on the computer, it may take two or three tries.

3. Additional Troubleshooting: Restart the Linkbot Service

If after several attempts the Linkbot does not connect, or it keeps losing the connection, you may need to restart the Linkbot Service program.

(a) For Windows machines: Right-click on the “L” in the Windows task list at the bottom right of the screen and choose “Restart Linkbot Service” from the popup menu:

You can also try choosing "Stop Linkbot Service" and then "Start Linkbot Service."

If the "L" is missing, restarting the computer should solve the problem, as the Linkbot Service is launched automatically when the computer starts. 

(b) For MacOS machines: Click on the “L” in the Mac menu bar at the top of the screen (in the list of icons on the right side of the menu bar) and choose “Restart Linkbot Service” from the popup menu:

You can also try choosing "Stop Linkbot Service" and then "Start Linkbot Service."

If the "L" is missing, restarting the computer should solve the problem, as the Linkbot Service is launched automatically when the computer starts. 

(c) For Chromebook machines: Make sure the "Linkbot IDE" extension is running--its icon should show up in the list of open applications at the bottom of the screen. See the lesson on Install Software to Control Hardware Linkbot (Chromebooks) for more details and the lesson on Connect a Hardware Linkbot (Chromebooks) for the procedure, including a video.

3. Messages about Updating Firmware, or Other Problems

If you receive messages about firmware needing updating, or have other problems, see this FAQ page for guidance. 

If all else fails, restarting the computer can help.