Microcontrollers are small computers that are integrated into many of the technologies that we use today. Microcontrollers can be found in automatically controlled devices, medical devices, power tools, and even toys. Microcontrollers can be used to easily develop a variety of different electronic devices. They are able to take code and immediately convert it into physical actions.
Tech Kits
Beginner
Introducing Microcontrollers
Length: 30 - 60 Minutes
Description: Microcontrollers allow you to interact with the real world through sensors, motors, lights, and other devices. They are essentially small programmable computers that can be used to perform a variety of tasks, control hardware, and execute subroutines. These small microprocessors allow anyone to build any type of intelligent technology with a simple to use, low cost piece of equipment. This tech kit introduces and explores the Arduino, an electronics prototyping platform that consists of a physical, programmable circuit board and computer software used to write code to the board.
Intermediate
Arduino Motion System
Length: 30 - 60 Minutes
Description: This tech kit expands upon the Arduino introduction provided in the Beginner kit. It guides users as they leverage the Arduino Integrated Software Environment (IDE) and the Arduino hardware. At the conclusion of this tech kit, users can develop a basic motion sensor that activates an LED light when movement is detected.
Advanced
Raspberry Pi Servo Controller
Length: 30 - 60 Minutes
Description: A Raspberry Pi is a small computer that plugs into a monitor and functions using a mouse and keyboard. It provides the functionality of the Linux OS but serves as a low-power alternative to using a full computer. In this advanced tech kit you will learn to use simple bash commands in a terminal application to send signals to a digital proportional servo motor.
Resources
Arduino Uno Rev3
Quantity: 5
Description: Includes the Official Starter Kit from Arduino, MAKE Magazine's "Getting Started with Arduino: The Open Source Electronics Prototyping Platform" and Speed Kits handy PIN-OUT Reference Chart for the Uno R3.
Arduino IDE
Type: Software
Description: In the Arduino IDLE you can enter code and run programs.
Raspberry Pi
Quantity:
Raspberry Pi B+: 13
Raspberry Pi 2: 1
Raspberry Pi 3: 6
Motion Sensor for Raspberry Pi
Quantity: 15
Description: The Adjustable PIR Motion Sensor is a highly integrated module popularly used for entry detection, it complies with microcontroller or DC loads.
Breadboard
Type: Hardware
Description: Breadboards are used to connect components and wire easily with the internally connected rows and columns.
Digital Servo
Type: Hardware
Description: Digital Servos receive and direct action at high frequency voltage pulses using a small microprocessor.
RPIO Pi Extension Board
Type: Hardware
Description: This extension board connects to the Raspberry Pi to enable the user to utilize all of the pins for prototyping.
GPIO Pi Extension
Type: Hardware
Description: This extension board connects to your Raspberry Pi so that you can utilize all 40 of the Raspberry Pi's different pins for prototyping.
Snap Circuits
Type: Hardware
Description: Snap Circuits teach basic circuitry with components that easily snap together to assemble electronic circuits.
Micro SD Card
Type: Hardware
Description: Micro SD cards are used for extra storage.
Ribbon Cable
Type: Hardware
Description: The ribbon cable connects the breadboard and the GPIO extension board. among other connections.
Jumper Wires
Type: Hardware
Description: Jumper wires are used for easy connection between components.
Led Lights (5mm)
Type: Hardware
Description: LED lights are used in many circuit assemblies for testing or some sort of signal for the circuit purpose.
220 OHM Resistor
Type: Hardware
Description: The 220-ohm resistor is a protective component that ensures the LED connected to a microcontroller receives a safe amount of current, preventing damage to both the LED and the microcontroller.
Photoresistor
Type: Hardware
Description: A photoresistor allows a microcontroller to sense changes in light levels.