EZ-B Iotiny by EZ-Robot

What is the EZ-B IoTiny?

What you can do with the IoTiny in Synthiam

In many projects you do not write any code. Robot skills move servos, read sensors, run scripts and automate behavior with a few clicks, so the time goes into the robot instead of compilers and programmers.

Where everything plugs in

Most IoTiny ports use a 3-pin GVS layout: Ground, Voltage (power) and Signal (data or control).

• Ground is the return path for power and the reference for the signal.
• Voltage powers the device you plug in (servo, sensor and so on).
• Signal is the control or data wire: a servo position, a digital input, a sensor reading.

Match the colors. EZ-Robot accessories are color-coded: the black wire usually lines up with the black (ground) side of the IoTiny port. If a plug feels forced or reversed, stop and check the alignment.

Serial devices: the IoTiny has no hardware UART, so it cannot receive serial data. Any digital port can send serial: in ARCx with UART.sendSerial() or UART.sendSerialString() (or the Blockly serial blocks), in ARC with SendSerial(). For two-way serial devices, use an EZ-B v4.

The EZ-Robot Camera (v2) connects with a 6-pin camera cable. The connector is keyed with notches so it only fits the correct way. If the camera disconnects, the usual cause is a slightly loose cable: power off, unplug both ends and plug them back in firmly, and avoid sharp bends right at the connector.

Status LED and spoken prompts

The IoTiny speaks on start-up, on a successful or failed network connection, and when the battery is low. The RGB status LED tells the same story:

Access point mode or client mode

AP mode (direct connect) – start here

The IoTiny creates its own Wi-Fi network and your computer or phone joins it. This is the default out of the box and after a reset, and it works anywhere, even without home Wi-Fi. While joined, your device usually loses internet access, because it can only use one Wi-Fi network at a time. That is normal.

Client mode (join your Wi-Fi)

The IoTiny joins your home or office router like any other device. Use it when you want to keep internet access, or when several devices need to reach the robot. The EZB scanner in ARCx and ARC finds the address your router gave it.

Switch modes on the IoTiny's built-in web configuration page, which also holds the network, security (WPA2, WPA or WEP), channel (1–11; 1, 6 or 11 recommended) and battery monitor settings. In AP mode, join the IoTiny's Wi-Fi and open the address below (http, not https). In client mode, browse to the address your router assigned.

Web configuration (AP mode):  http://192.168.1.1
Telnet (AP mode):             telnet 192.168.1.1 8080
Ezb Connection address:       192.168.1.1   (default EZB port 23)

To return to defaults, press the reset button while the IoTiny is powered. All network settings go back to AP mode.

Give it a voice

The IoTiny's amplified speaker output (0.3 W, for an 8 Ω 0.5 W speaker) lets the robot speak and play sounds itself instead of through the computer.

In ARCx, open the Ezb Connection configuration, choose Project audio and set Play audio through to EZB speaker. Every robot skill's speech and sound then plays from the IoTiny. Microphone Playback (ezb) records your voice into named slots that a button, script or AI can play. In ARC, use SoundBoard (EZB) and the EZB speech commands.

Microphone Playback (ezb): record into a slot, play it from the robot.

Read this before plugging in devices

Electrical characteristics

Vin is the battery or DC supply voltage minus a small diode drop (about 0.14–0.36 V, depending on current). Vcc is the regulated 3.3 V from the on-board switching supply, used for logic and the regulated ports. Digital I/O reads or outputs about 0 V (low) or 3.3 V (high). ADC measures an analog voltage and converts it to a number. I²C is a bus several smart devices share; do not mix 5 V and 3.3 V devices on it. If you are ever unsure, disconnect power and check your supply with a multimeter before reconnecting devices. Source: EZ-Robot IoTiny datasheet.

Move your first servo with ARCx

1. Power the IoTiny with a supply your servos can handle (see Power above). It speaks a start-up prompt and the LED flashes blue.
2. Join the IoTiny's Wi-Fi from the computer that will run ARCx (AP mode). Later, put the IoTiny in client mode so it, the ARCx computer and your phone share your own network.
3. Install ARCx on Windows 10/11, Ubuntu 24.04 or a Raspberry Pi running Ubuntu 24.04. Download ARCx, start it and open it in a browser.
4. Add the Ezb Connection robot skill from the Communication category, enter 192.168.1.1 (or pick the IoTiny from the list) and press the green connect button.
5. Move a servo. Plug a servo into D0 with the black wire on the ground side, add the Servo skill, pick D0 and move the slider. Confirm it moves smoothly, then add more parts.
6. Add the camera and a voice: Camera Source (ezb) for video, and Project audio set to EZB speaker so the robot talks.

Using ARC on Windows? Join the IoTiny's Wi-Fi, enter 192.168.1.1 in the EZB Connection skill and press Connect.

The Ezb Connection window: one row per board.

Each board gets a description and a connection script that runs every time it connects.

IoTiny or EZ-B v4?

Both work. ARCx is recommended.

When something does not work

Frequently asked questions