Market Leader
CoCo has long been the first choice for the first choice for many schools for Computer Control Technology for the past 6 years with it's very user-friendly front end and use of the spoken and written word as it's chosen programming language.

CoCo V3 software brochure
Click here for our CoCo software brochure (PDF format).

New version
Now this new version of CoCo has taken a giant leap forward combining the very best of the old features and now some major new ones including:

• Data collection and graphing facility.
• Full operation with a new USB interface box with constant sound and light inputs and a much faster response time.
• On screen simulations
• Instant conversion of written programs to a flow diagram at the touch of a button.
• Operation on at Windows®™ platforms and networks.

Compatible hardware
CoCo V3 can be connected to existing Commotion Serial Control boxes and any Serial box developed by Deltronics Ltd. CoCo V3 has also been designed to work with the new USB connecting Control Box - see below. the new USB connection provides for a fast exchange of information, making control of models quicker and more responsive.

Compatible software
Schools who have purchased the very popular data collection software Junior Insight, or Insight II (from Logotron) will find that the CoCo software is fully compatible with these packages - pupils can simply export from CoCo V3 and import into these packages as well as Excel and Word.

Progression
CoCo V3 has a very shallow learning curve, which makes it one of the most intuitive pieces of software available and en bales children to use it unaided and with confidence. When the program is first opened up CoCo V3 has a picture of a clown's face which can be clicked on with the mouse to make it wink, talk, light his nose and make his bow tie spin... Great fun as well as a lovely starting point in the process of learning control. Beyond that there are 4 more graduated steps in the process of learning control providing pupils with more and more complex possibilities to enable sound progression and differentiation.

Simulations
The on screen simulations within CoCo V3 include a washing machine, a clown, a set of traffic lights. a log flume ride. a car park barrier and a house. Each one provides a different set of options, tasks for the pupil to make them think logically about the control sequences they want to achieve. In addition CoCo V3 allows pupils to import pictures sounds and animations.

Free demonstration version
Why not download a free demonstration version of the new software and try it before you decide to purchase it. You will find it most impressive. The Demo version includes all the features of the actual software and can be used to control the onscreen simulations, but cannot communicate with a control interface, and programs cannot be saved. The demo version includes the help file and User Guide, which provides an overview of the scope and depth of the program.

Download the CoCo 2 Demo 3.61Mb
Note: the CoCo 2 Demo will demonstrate the main features available in CoCo V3, includes Flowcharting.

New USB control interface
The new CoCo V3 interface has 6 digital inputs, 4 analogue inputs, 6 digital outputs powered at 6 volts, 2 constant sensor inputs (light and sound) and 2 separate motor outputs (6V) enabling the control of most pupil made models in the primary classroom. The complete control pack includes everything needed for primary computer control, including already to go control model with all inputs and outputs pre-wired and colour coded to suit.

Interface boxes, models and additional CoCo add-ons
A number of Models, Interface boxes and other CoCo and CoCo compatible products are available from Commotion Group.
Please see the commotion Group web site for more details.
http://www.commotiongroup.co.uk

TEACHCONTROL
Want to see control and monitoring working in the classroom?

TEACHCONTROL is a brand new web site dedicated to raising skills and confidence in Control and Monitoring. Trainers will visit your school and work with the teachers and pupils in the classroom. They will even bring their own kit! Visit the web site below for more information.
http://www.teachcontrol.co.uk

Updated for 2006

The easiest software for learning computer control technology.

• Control language uses English
• Five levels of difficulty
• Easy to use command system
• Free simulations include:
  • CoCo the clown
  • Traffic lights
  • Log Flume ride
  • Lift
  • Car Park barrier
  • House
  • Washing machine
• Compatible with a range of interface boxes
• Compatible with a range of control models and construction kits
• Converts programs into flowcharts

 

New for CoCo V3:

• RCX control boxes now supported
• Flowgo Interface boxes now supported
• Beep command added
• Multistart functionality added
• New RCX and RCX Buggy simulations

CoCo Flow add-on now incorporated into CoCo V3
CoCo V3 now includes flowcharting as standard (previously available separately as CoCo Flow). Allows pupils to create flowcharts and edit them directly. With CoCo V3 there is a seamless interchangeability between text-based and flowchart-based procedures. Commands can be added to either one.

• Uses the standard flowchart symbols
• Students can create control programs using text or flowcharts or both
• Trace through flowcharts, with a choice of trace marker styles
• Zoom facility to view flowcharts at 4 different scales
• "Commentary" feature gives an area for students to describe their flowchart procedures

CoCo add ons:

CoCo Control projects

New CoCo simulations with each project
A series of control projects for CoCo including presentations, projects and resources. The series includes:

• Aldermaston bridge
• Boris the burglar
• The Gig
• The Gig II
• The Metro
• Sk8 park
• Supercar
• Supermarket

The simulations will work in both CoCo V3, and in CoCo V2.

CoCo V2/V3 Simulations pack 1

7 new CoCo simulations
Designed to provide students with familiar situations that they can control or provide program solutions for.

• Lighthouse
• Greenhouse
• Safe
• Automatic door
• Stage
• Ferris wheel
• Buggy

The simulations will work in both CoCo V3, and in CoCo V2.

Sales enquiries

CoCo V3 is available from Commotion Group.

http://www.commotiongroup.co.uk
enquiries@commotiongroup.co.uk
Tel: (+44) 01732 773399

Call today for details 01732 225800.

 

CoCo V3 software was created by Matrix Multimedia ltd. for the Commotion Group. © Copyright 2006.

CoCo forum

A CoCo forum is available for users wishing to discuss CoCo, CoCo programming, to offer tips and suggestions, or just to see what is happening in CoCo generally.
The forum is at: http://www.matrixmultimedia.com/mmforums/index.php

Technical support
technical / software / curriculum support questions can be sent to: ra.education@btinternet.com

CoCo 2 version 2.2 upgrade (not required for CoCo v3)
Version 2.2 upgrade for CoCo 2.
Download the version 2.2. upgrade for CoCo 2 (10 Mb Zip file).
Readme for the version 2.2 upgrade.

Known issue: CoCo locks upwhen checking for interface boxes

If you have a comms device e.g. Bluetooth on your system it may make CoCo stall when lookingfor interface boxes. To fix this open CoCo with the device turned off/unplugged and lower the max COM port check parameter in the Adminstrative Options - COM Port tab. A max of 2 or 3 should find most boxes.

Speech Engine

A speech engine is needed for the 'Say' command in CoCo to enable it to 'speak'.
You will also need a soundcard and speakers on your computer to hear the speech.

The two parts to the speech engine are contained in the following ZIP file.
Download the ZIP file, extract the two files to a convenient location and install both parts onto your system.

Download Speech Engine ZIP file - 8.23Mb.

Speech problems

If the CoCo speech command is not working check that the Speech API is installed and working.
Open the Speech applet in the Control Panel and go to the Text to Speech tab.
Click on the Preview Voice button to see if the voice is working.
If it is not try again with a default Microsoft voice, such as Microsoft Sam or Microsoft Mary.
If it is still not working you may need to reinstall the Speech API.

WinZip, a utility for working with ZIP files, can be found at http://www.winzip.com