Snap for Vortex programming

I suppose more people managed already the Scratch for Vortex programming, as well as I did. It’s supported by DFRobot and working fine. I’d like to mention here another option, namely Snap4Arduino. Snap! is an advanced successor of Scratch enabling usage of all previously acquired Scratch knowledge and bringing new options as added benefit. I have checked Snap for Vortex programming with good results and prepared a five minute illustrative video available on https://vimeo.com/159667224. Further explanation is given below. 

By using Snap4Arduino (referred to as Snap here) the interface to Vortex is simplified.

Man don’t need to start the ‘Launch Vortex Communication Service’ each time when the Snap is started. Of course, the Vortex used this way must be uploaded by StandardFirmata (open software). Arduino IDE performs that upload. Firmata may well stay in Vortex more days because whenever it’s necessary the firmware can be restored again. When you decide to play a while with VortexBot games, this mobile app will prompt for firmware upload automatically. 

Snap contains several bocks in its Arduino palette only, but user can define all blocks he needs. For example, I have experienced big troubles with greyscale sensors being in Scratch implemented as digital while in Vortex hardware they are connected to analog pins.

and these sensors can now be calibrated and used as expected. 

Of course, not all Vortex functions are simple enough to be controlled by pins only. 

It looks scary but a detailed tutorial is available on http://blog.s4a.cat/2015/03/13/Extendin ... duino.html. Here I just say that the JavaScript function calls a routine with some parameters. The routine must be added to Firmata and fulfil the task explained in its help. User cannot modify DFRobot firmware but may afford to do it with the open software. DFRobot has published simple codes for Vortex programming in Arduino IDE and these can be used for inspiration. 

The video linked at the beginning can provide a better understanding of actual Snap for Vortex usage.