Notes on Assign2 extension

This is the first time we are trying this new extension for the clock assignment. You will be our pioneers! Our goal is to give you a fun way to build on the work you put into your gpio/timer modules and perhaps sprout a few inspirations that resurface in final projects.

Here are some notes on the devices that you might find helpful. The datasheet from the manufacturer sometimes leaves a lot to be desired, so we have some suggested tutorials as well.

Inputs

  • Rotary encoder knob
    • Can turn clockwise or counterclockwise, and press. You can also turn while pressing. Satisfying clicky mechanical feel.
    • Possibilities: turn slow one-click-at-time to fine tune, quick sweep to make large change? use press in conjunction with turn?
    • Will seat in breadboard with a little bit of prodding.
    • We have lots of these. I also have a handful of a different type without center press where shalft has LED that turns on/off.
    • The manufacturer datasheet is pretty primitive, lighted shaft version is easier to read (has similar design). An overview of how encoder works from Adafruit.
  • 5-way navigation switch
    • Like a mini-joystick, rock to compass points (NSEW), push in center. Buttons are exclusive (can only activate one at a time).
    • Possibilities: press and release once to fine-tune, press and hold to make large change? move between minutes/seconds and set separately?
    • I have just a few of these and their sad, spindly legs don't seat well in a breadboard - Boo!
    • However, I ordered some from different supplier to arrive on Friday that may be better. Also building a breakout on perfboard might help. Stay tuned.
      • Friday update: new parts are better construction, though joystick is extra tiny. This switch needs mount on perfboard. Here is a photo of the one I made. nav breakout Fun soldering practice to build your own! When you pick up a switch, also get perfboard and headers from us. Lab has soldering iron and supplies. Ask one of the staff for a demo if you are new to soldering!
    • Manufacturer datasheet. This is basically 5 push buttons bundled into one component.
  • Membrane keypad
    • Reports press of single button and multiple concurrent buttons.
    • Possibilities: uh, it's a number pad… clear affordance, fewer options for creativity. Error-check user input (too large, out of bounds)?
    • Has dupont connector, easy to run jumpers to breadboard.
    • I have a half-dozen of these.
    • The datasheet for this particular keypad was nowhere to be found, but here is a summary provided by the supplier (ProtoSupplies).

input devices

Outputs

  • Passive buzzer
    • Tiny little speaker, sound quality not bad.
    • Possibilities: play notes/melody, make sound effects (sci fi laser gun, sad trombone), fun!
    • Seats like a champ on a breadboard
    • I have a ton of these
    • Specs from supplier, an overview of passive buzzer from ProtoSupplies
  • Common cathode RGB LED
    • Possibilities: ramp up/down, color cycle, S-O-S, ?
    • Perfect on a breadboard
    • Tweaking resistor value per individual RGB may help with achieving a more balanced white (R dominates otherwise)
    • I have plenty of these
    • Manufacturer datasheet, an overview of RGB led from ProtoSupplies
  • Vibrating disc motor
    • Possibilities: buzzy patterns, ramp up/down, S-O-S, ?
    • Tiny wires not good for direct connect to breadboard (wiggles out when vibrating). Recommend soldering a graft to wire/jumper for sturdier connection.
    • Motor is plucky for its size. Try attaching to a coin and sit on a desk to further amplify the motion.
    • I have about 20 of these
    • Manufacturer datasheet, general info from vendor

output devices

Come find me (Julie) to pick up a device. We ask that you return the input device to us so we can reuse them, but you are welcome to keep the output device.

If you have a different device of your own that you want to use instead, let's talk!