- Troubleshooting - FAQs
LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime FAQs
General
What's the maximum number of students recommended per set?
We recommend one set for every two students in a classroom setting. However, the lessons can easily be completed with more students per set, or even one student per set.
In which languages is the LEGO® Education SPIKE App available?
The SPIKE App is available in 21 languages: English (US), English (UK), English (AU), Chinese, Japanese, Russian, German, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, French, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Polish, Turkish, Vietnamese, and Arabic.
Where can I find additional support?
SPIKE Prime help can be found within the SPIKE App and online here. You're also welcome to contact our Consumer Service & Technical Support.
There's an unnumbered bag of bricks in my set – what’s it for?
We've included an extra bag containing some of the smaller elements that are crucial to the building process. We know from experience that these are often the first elements to go missing. This bag can also be purchased separately (2000719 - LE Replacement Pack Prime).
The Hub
How do I connect the SPIKE Prime Hub for the first time?
The first time you connect your Hub to the SPIKE App, you'll have to install the latest operating system (OS). You'll be automatically prompted to begin the OS update. This initial update can only be done via a USB connection on a Windows or Mac device. Subsequent updates can be done via Bluetooth from any compatible device.
How do I update the Hub operating system (OS)?
The Hub OS is updated via the SPIKE App. Whenever a new Hub OS becomes available, a button labeled Update will appear in the Dashboard tab on the SPIKE App project page. Simply press this button to download and install the updated Hub OS. Make sure that you always have the latest Hub OS installed.
Can I update the Hub operating system (OS) via Bluetooth?
Generally, yes. But the very first time your Hub is connected to the SPIKE App, the OS must be updated via a USB connection on a Windows or Mac device. Subsequent updates can be done via Bluetooth from any compatible device.
How do I reset the Hub to factory settings?
To reset your Hub to factory settings, press the Hub Connection Icon on the Programming Canvas, press the More Button (···) in the Dashboard tab and select Reset Settings. Press OK to confirm the reset, or Cancel to keep the current settings. Be careful - resetting your Hub will delete all of your programs, and they can’t be recovered!
How do I rename the Hub?
Giving each Hub a unique name helps you differentiate between multiple Hubs (e.g., when using Bluetooth communication). When connecting to a Hub that hasn't yet been renamed, the SPIKE App will automatically ask you to rename it.
In order to rename a Hub that you have already named, you must first remove it from your desktop or tablet as a paired Bluetooth device or clear the device's Bluetooth cache.
Once the Hub is removed as a Bluetooth device you can press the Hub Connection Icon on the Programming Canvas and connect your Hub. Then select Rename Hub in the Dashboard tab and enter the new name. Press OK to save your changes.
How do I use Bluetooth to connect the Hub to a device?
Press the Bluetooth Button (top right) on your Hub. In the Connection Center in the SPIKE App, select your Hub from the list of all available Hubs. When your Hub has been connected, the connection manager will close automatically. A notification will appear in the programming area confirming that the connection has been successfully established.
What type of batteries can I use in the Hub?
You can only use the special Rechargeable Battery that comes with the Hub and the SPIKE Prime Set. The battery is charged using the micro USB cable that’s included in the set. The Rechargeable Battery is also available to buy as a separate item (45610 – LEGO Technic™ Large Hub Battery).
What type of USB power chargers do you recommend to use for charging the Hub?
We recommend using a high quality power charger from a reputable brand because these are often DVP- (dedicated charging port) or CDP- (charging downstream port) type chargers.
What is the charging time for the Hub battery?
The charging time will depend on the type of USB charger that's being used.
- Chargers with Dedicated Charging Port (DVP) or Charging Downstream Port (CDP): Approx. 2 hours charging time (from empty to full). The USB ports on most newer laptops, and genuine OEM chargers from trusted brands like Apple or Samsung are typically one of these two types.
- Chargers with Standard Downstream Port (SDP): Approx. 4.5 – 5 hours charging time (from empty to full). Generic chargers are often this type.
How can I preserve my Hub's battery life?
If the Hub isn't going to be used for an extended period, we suggest fully-charging the battery before storing it. Storing the Hub with a completely drained battery is not recommended. You can also extend the battery life by removing the battery from your Hub before storing it.
What do the Hub's color-coded error messages mean?
If you’re having issues starting or connecting your Hub, you might see the Center Button light up with a color-coded error message. Here's an overview of the error messages and how to fix them.
- The center button is green. The Hub is turned on and running a Hub OS version that is compatible with SPIKE, and the battery is charged to at least 20%.
- The center button is white. The Hub is turned on, but is running a Hub OS version that is not compatible with SPIKE. Update Hub OS using the SPIKE App.
- The center button is flashing orange. The Hub's battery is running low (under 20%). Connect the Hub to your device via the USB cable to begin charging the battery.
- The center button is flashing red. There’s an extended load on the Hub. Turn off the Hub and let it cool down for 15 minutes.
- The center button is flashing purple. Firmware update is in progress.
- The Connection Button is flashing blue. The Hub is waiting to be connected to your device using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).
- The Connection Button is blue. The Hub is connected to your device using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).
Can I use any micro USB cable to connect the Hub to my device?
No, you must use a USB 2.0 cable with a Male- to- Micro B connector and an AWG 24 wire gauge. We strongly advise that you only use the micro USB cable that was supplied as part of the SPIKE Prime Set. This can also be purchased separately (45611 - LEGO Technic Micro USB Connector Cable).
The SPIKE App
Which coding language is the SPIKE App built on?
The SPIKE App uses an intuitive drag-and-drop coding language that’s based on Scratch. Some of the blocks are identical to the ones that are used in Scratch 3.0, while others have been specially developed to interact with the SPIKE Prime hardware.
Are the programs created in the SPIKE App compatible with Scratch 3.0?
No, you can't use programs created in the SPIKE App with Scratch 3.0 (and vice versa).
Which operating systems are compatible with SPIKE Prime?
The SPIKE App is available for Win10, Chrome OS, iOS, Android, and macOS. .
Why isn't SPIKE Prime available for Windows 7?
Microsoft implemented Windows 7 “end of life” in January 2020, meaning that it has discontinued all support, including paid support; and all updates, including security updates. LEGO Education has therefore decided to focus on Windows 10.
Which version of Python is used in the SPIKE App?
The Python editor in the app uses MicroPython, which is an efficient and commonly used version of the Python language that's optimized to run on microcontrollers or small computers. The majority of Python's language features are found in MicroPython. However, MicroPython doesn't contain the entire Python library by default.
Compatibility
Is SPIKE Prime compatible with LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3?
The SPIKE Prime hardware does not offer backward compatibility with LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 because the plug system is different. LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 is based on an RJ12 plug system, whereas SPIKE Prime uses the LPF2 plug system, which is a proprietary LEGO plug system. There will also be no backward compatibility on the programming side.
Is SPIKE Prime compatible with WeDo 2.0?
Even though the hardware from SPIKE Prime and WeDo 2.0 share the same plug system and therefore fit together, you can't combine the SPIKE Prime and WeDo 2.0 hardware and use the SPIKE App or WeDo 2.0 App to code them.
Competitions
Can I use SPIKE Prime in FIRST® LEGO League and WRO?
Yes, it’s permitted for use in FIRST LEGO League starting in the 2019 season and in WRO starting in 2020. Future competitions will be developed for use with both LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 and SPIKE Prime.
LEGO, the LEGO logo, the SPIKE logo, MINDSTORMS, and the MINDSTORMS EV3 logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2019 The LEGO Group.
FIRST® and the FIRST logo are trademarks of For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST). LEGO, the LEGO logo, and MINDSTORMS are trademarks of the LEGO Group. FIRST LEGO League and FIRST LEGO League Jr. are jointly held trademarks of FIRST and the LEGO Group.