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.
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!
- 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.
- 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).
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: dim->bright, color cycle ?
- Perfect on a breadboard
- Tweaking resistor value per individual RGB may help with achieving a more balanced white
- 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
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!