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Microcontrollers are small, self-contained computers. They are the "brains" inside dozens of the devices and appliances in your home. Microwaves, washing machines, telephones, and stereos all have microcontrollers inside them. A microcontroller is a computer-on-a-microchip, and includes a processor, memory for storing data, timers, and ports for connecting to other components. As our everyday devices become increasingly "smart" with embedded technology, microcontrollers are becoming more and more important.
This kit introduces you to microcontrollers, sensors, and programming through 100 experiments. Build devices that use sensors to monitor and record data, and use the data to control motors, buzzers, lights, and a digital display. Write programs to control the devices you build. For example, you can build a light meter using a light dependent resistor and record the light levels in a room over a 12 hour period. Or measure and record the temperature outside with a temperature sensor, then graph the results. The number of possible experiments is infinite.
Each experiment goes something like this: First you will assemble a circuit and write a program following the detailed instructions in the manual. The, you will upload the program to the microcontroller using an infrared interface. The program tells the microcontroller how to perform your experiment and store the data. Finally the data stored in the microcontroller can be downloaded to the computer for viewing using the infrared interface
The 144-page, full-color experiment manual guides your circuit assemblies and programming.
Experiments:
- light meter
- traffic light
- dice game
- egg timer
- counter
- stop-watch
- voltmeter
- generator
- digital thermometer
- moisture meter
- noise meter
- amplifier
- clapper switch
- programmed motor
- sensor controlled fan
- frequency meter
- rain sensing wiper
- morse code device
- digital recorder
- digital recorder
- music player
- digital safe
- optical alarm
- battery tester
- and many more!
Contents:
- experiment manual
- software CD ROM
- portable case
- circuit board
- infrared interface for PC
- USB adapter for interface
- microcontroller module
- display module
- motor
- microphone
- potentiometer
- piezo transducer
- 2 npn transistors
- moisture sensor
- pht light sensor
- ntc temperature sensor
- 3 silicon diodes
- 7 light emitting diodes
- two electrolytic capacitors
- capacitor
- 12 resistors
- 2 control switches
- knob
- turn table
- fuse
- 75 Contact clips
- 30 short wires
- 30 medium wires
- 18 long wires
- 2 mounting strips
Software System Requirements:
- PC with Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 98, 2000 or XP operating system
- Minimum 64 MB of RAM
- Minimum 5 MB of free hard disk space
- Available 9-pin serial (COM) or USB port
- CD-ROM drive
Power Supply Requirements:
- Requires one 9-Volt Battery (not included) or a standard Power Adapter (not included).
- Adapter specifications: DC 9-Volt output, barrel connector with out diameter of 5.5 mm and inner diameter of 2.5 mm, positive pole on outside, negative pole on inside. Do not use a "switch-mode" type adapter.
Recommended Age Range:
12 - 16 years of age
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