Print PDF
Favorite
Email
Step 24Kiwi kids at "work"!
End results- here are diverse groups of Kiwi kids ( 7-11 yo.) exploring ideas with PICAXEd snap kits. The old Toshiba W98 serial laptops used for editing are quite suitable for such cost effective insights. Somewhat predictably flashing LEDs, sounds and simple games catch youthful attention - the reaction timer is particularly popular with competitive boys!
The real benefit of the modified kits at this level relates to mind extending investigations that can be carried out. Typical has been a night light "with attitude",controlled by an IR remote. Basic day/night PICAXE managed circuitry can be organised via READADC and a voltage divided LDR of course. Simple security setups that alarm only after PICAXE produced delays (rather than immediately) make for a clever way to catch rascals too! Parts not issued with the kits can usually be organised with spare 2 & 3 snap strips, witness the DIY transistor "power strip" & 10k "pull up" resistor. Other sensors (thermistors especially) can be mounted in a like manner, and even a PV cell ( rescued from a solar garden lamp) may appeal.
Although the IR feature allows all manner of "wireless " links, a tempting extra is a simple FM transmitter for sounds & audio coded data to be sent to a nearby FM radio. The likes of a simple "Swan Code", with tens = long & units =short (hence long,short,short,short =13) can suit for numeric data. Sequential Multi-Tone (SM-T) Hellschreiber can even be sent across a room as" twinkling audio" - refer YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WzFX0snzqM&feature=mh_lolz&list=HL1308887376
Despite it's obsolesence, I've found even classic Morse Code still intrigues many preteens in fact. PICAXE Morse generation is pretty straight forward, and being able to recognise SOS ( .../---/... ) may one day save a life!
The real benefit of the modified kits at this level relates to mind extending investigations that can be carried out. Typical has been a night light "with attitude",controlled by an IR remote. Basic day/night PICAXE managed circuitry can be organised via READADC and a voltage divided LDR of course. Simple security setups that alarm only after PICAXE produced delays (rather than immediately) make for a clever way to catch rascals too! Parts not issued with the kits can usually be organised with spare 2 & 3 snap strips, witness the DIY transistor "power strip" & 10k "pull up" resistor. Other sensors (thermistors especially) can be mounted in a like manner, and even a PV cell ( rescued from a solar garden lamp) may appeal.
Although the IR feature allows all manner of "wireless " links, a tempting extra is a simple FM transmitter for sounds & audio coded data to be sent to a nearby FM radio. The likes of a simple "Swan Code", with tens = long & units =short (hence long,short,short,short =13) can suit for numeric data. Sequential Multi-Tone (SM-T) Hellschreiber can even be sent across a room as" twinkling audio" - refer YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WzFX0snzqM&feature=mh_lolz&list=HL1308887376
Despite it's obsolesence, I've found even classic Morse Code still intrigues many preteens in fact. PICAXE Morse generation is pretty straight forward, and being able to recognise SOS ( .../---/... ) may one day save a life!
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
 |
Add Comment
|
