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MakeBot Installation and FAQ

System Requirements

• Mac OS X — 10.4.8 has been tested and works fine on both Intel and PowerPC. Other versions 10.4 or later will probably work too.
• Windows — XP has been tested. Probably anything after Windows 2000 will work fine. Python must be installed to write any Python programs. A link to Python's installer is provided below.

Downloading and Installation Instructions

Macintosh

• Download MakeBot. To download, click here: MakeBot-1.4.2-Installer.dmg (41 MB). This will download a .DMG (disk image) file to your computer.
• Install MakeBot. If your web browser is set to open "safe" files after downloading, then the Installer should be started automatically. Follow the instructions in the installer. It will copy all the MakeBot and MoonUnit files you need to your computer. MakeBot is installed at /Applications/MakeBot-1.4/ If your browser doesn't automatically open "safe" files, then do this:
  • Open the MakeBot .DMG file. Double click on MakeBot-1.4.2-Installer.dmg. You should see a new window with the MakeBot installer: MakeBot-Installer.
  • Uninstall any old versions. If you have a previous version of MakeBot on your computer, then run uninstall.command to remove them.
  • Double-click on the MakeBot-1.4.2-Installer. Follow the instructions in the installer.
• Run MakeBot. Open your computer's Applications folder and find MakeBot-1.4. Double-click to run it.

Windows

• Download Python. Click on one of these links and save the file to your desktop: python-2.4.4.msi from python.org or stratolab.com (9 MB). This will download an .MSI (MicroSoft Installer) file to your computer.
• Install Python. Click on the Python-2.4.4.msi file that was just downloaded. Read the installer's instructions as you go through each page. This installs the Python language.
• Download MakeBot. Once Python is installed, click here and save the file to your desktop: MakeBot-14-Installer-282.msi (14 MB). This will download another .MSI file to your computer-the MakeBot installer.
• Install MakeBot. Double-click on the MakeBot-1.4.msi installer. Read the installer's instructions as you go through each page. It will copy all the MakeBot and MoonUnit files you need to your computer.
• Run MakeBot. MakeBot should now be installed, but not MoonUnit. You can run MakeBot by clicking on Start > All Programs > MakeBot-1.4
• Install MoonUnit. Once MakeBot is installed, install the MoonUnit graphics package by going to the Run > Python menu, and then Run > Check_MakeBot_Packages. Follow the instructions at the bottom of MakeBot's window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Once MakeBot installed, what do I do next?

To see how MakeBot and MoonUnit works, try running a few of the MoonUnit example programs.

• Choose Python as your current language. Click on MakeBot's menu: Run > Python
• Open documentation > Moonunit Examples. Click on the documentation button (it looks like an open book) and then click the MoonUnit Example Programs link.
• Run a program. Open a file such as helloworld.py and click the Run button.

How can I ask questions about MakeBot or MoonUnit?

First, visit the Stratotools home page and look at the mailing list archive. Somebody may have already asked and answered your question. If not, send a message to the mailing list: stratotools at googlegroups dot com. Somebody, probably the author, should reply shortly.

Wow this program is great. How can I support such good work?

If you feel that MakeBot is useful to you, please consider a donation to the developers. If you have a PayPal account or credit card, it only takes a minute. We get really excited when we hear from people using MakeBot. Even a $5 donation is a wonderful gesture. Just click the PayPal button on the right.

What else does Stratolab do?

Stratolab also hosts video game programming courses, robotics courses, and other technology related activities. We are located in New York. If you know of any families there, please mention us.

 

 

 

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Stratolab serves New York City children with computer related fun and educational after-school activities and summer seminars. Located in Manhattan's Upper West Side, NYC.

(646) 827-2242 —

125 West 72nd St. #4F (near Columbus)