Computer systems engineering kit
The Microcontroller kit from Thames & Kosmos investigates and explains how small computers control most of the devices we have come to depend on.
Microcontrollers — small, self-contained computers — 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.
Children today grow up using computers and often their proficiency far exceeds that of many adults, but do they really understand how a computer works? The Microcontroller kit will teach a child how to build devices that use sensors to track and record data, and then use that data to control monitors, buzzers, lights, and a digital display. They will also learn how to write programs that control the devices they have built.
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.
First, assemble a circuit and write a program, following the detailed instructions in the manual. Then, 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 using the infrared interface.
The 100-page, full-color experiment manual guides your circuit assemblies and programming. Ages 12 and up.
• learn how computers and programs work
• assemble circuits and write programs
• design your own circuits and programs
• conduct experiments with light, heat and sound sensors
• store your work in a sleek, portable case
• use your devices to collect many types of data for other science experiments
Software System Requirements
• PC with Microsoft® Windows® 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.
96-page Manual
100 Experiments
Contents:
• microcontroller module • dual digital display module • 3 transistors • 7 light emitting diodes • motor • light sensor (light dependent resistor) • temperature sensor (negative temperature coefficient type) • potentiometer, microphone • buzzer • diodes • capacitors • resistors • switches • wires • contact clips • infrared interface device • USB to 9-pin serial adapter (RS-232 type) • software CD • and portable case
|
