The Tinusaur Traffic Lights x2PP is a team project (for 2 participants) for assembling and programming. It consists of 2 Tinusaur microcontroller board sets – one with a 2-LED shield (for pedestrian lights) and another shield with an LED, photo-sensor, and a buzzer (for operation control). The two boards are connected and exchange data to synchronize their operation.
The project builds on the knowledge and skills acquired from the previous activities. Each of the 2 participants must assemble their own kit and program it according to its specific purpose. The two boards must connect via a hub (another specialized board) and exchange data so they can work in sync, similar to real traffic lights.
IMPORTANT: The kit does not include the USB programmer because the student should already have one from their previously used kits.
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- The Tinusaur Traffic Lights x2PP project kit is suitable for 6th to 12th-grade students.
- Working with it covers 12 to 16 classes of 2 study hours or about one academic term.
An example project could be a smart traffic lights system for places where pedestrians could cross the street after they press a button or just appear in front of it (using the light sensor). The lights will switch from red to green, and audible (beeping) and visual (blinking light) feedback will be given to the person.
In order for this to work properly without conflicting signals, the microcontroller boards must exchange data and synchronize their operation.
Activities
(1) Assembling. Each participant must assemble all boards from their project kit – soldering them with a soldering iron. The complexity of the two sets is similar.
(2) Acquiring new knowledge and skills in programming, mathematics, physics, etc., by creating programs for the assembled boards to perform functions to solve specific problems.
(3) Projects. Working on practical-oriented projects that solve real problems is the main visible result that participants achieve while working with this project kit. The project could be presented to an audience (ex., the other students) as part of the class work.
The functionality of the traffic light system could be extended and improved by adding more components to it or improving the software algorithms. For example, it is possible to add servo motors to both project sets and add mechanical movement to their functionality. That could be a barrier or another means of signalling. Those additional activities will require more electronic and other components that might not be part of this project kit.
Technical description and contents
The Traffic Lights x2PP kit consists of 2 Tinusaur microcontroller board sets.
- Set 1:
- Tinusaur main board powered by Microchip ATtiny85 microcontroller.
- Shield board with 2 LEDs.
- Set 2:
- Tinusaur main board powered by Microchip ATtiny85 microcontroller.
- Shield board with an LED, photo-sensor, and a buzzer.
- Com Hub
- Add-on board that allows the two boards to connect and exchange data via 3-wire cables.
The sets also include wood stands for convenience while working on projects.
IMPORTANT: The USB programmer USBasp is not included.
IMPORTANT: The product you get might have slight differences from what you see in the pictures or the detailed description. The functionality remains as described.
Resources
Guides
We prepared very detailed instructions for assembling and using all the boards and other items in the kit. They are available in PDF and other formats.
Video
For some of the boards and other items, we also produced detailed instructions and other helpful materials in a video format, available on YouTube or our website.
Docs & Specs
Additional resources such as specifications, technical descriptions, sample programs, and other useful materials are available on our website.
Development Environment
We created the Blocktinu, developed specifically for the Tinusaur boards, allowing you to create programs using blocks (similar to Scratch) and directly in the C language.
Still wondering what educational products to choose for your new STEM space or initiative?
Here are the three essential components that we give you:
Educational
STEM product
A real educational product developed by a team of skilled educators with many years of practical experience.
Educational
content
Adaptable and ready to be used in class curriculum. Developed for teachers by teachers and tested in practice.
Training for
educators
Extensive online teacher training based on our original STEM methodology includes theory, practice, and certification.