SchoolBoard ][ development board: Parallax QuickStart, DE0-Nano or any dev board

Bill Henning · 2012-10-01 10:39

Hi guys,

Update: Due to buying the breadboards in larger volume, I am able to offer lower prices on SchoolBoard ][

SchoolBoard ][ solderless prototyping board is now available works great with QuickStart, Raspberry Pi or any development board!

With one (or more) SchoolBoard ][ kits without the breadboard, as beneath the breadboard area, you will find a bussed prototyping section that is deliberately very similar to the breadboard! I designed SchoolBoard ][ this way in order that students can easily make their projects permanent without having to get PCB's made.

Please see the attached images for some more interesting ways to use SchooBoard ][

SchoolBoard ][ features:

- flexible prototyping pattern under breadboard area
- 400 point solderless breadboard (in full kits)
- eight low current LED's with
- eight push button switches
- eight swith dip switch
- 16 pull up resistors (10k, 1206 smt)
- 24 current limiting 470 ohm resistors (1206 smt)
- four .125" mounting holes, Parallax standard spacing and location

Want to experiment with dual propeller designs?

How about three?

I'll leave the four QuickStart configuration to your imagination.

But what if you want more switches and lights?

(You can NEVER have too many switches and lights)

And finally, here is a shot of what you get in the full kit:

(The "lite" kit leaves out the solderless breadboard)

SchoolBoard ][ with a Raspberry Pi

Pricing:

SchoolBoard 2 Full Kit: $24.95USD+s/h (includes solderless breadboard, SKU: MIK-SB2QS-FK)

SchoolBoard 2 Lite Kit: $19.95USD+s/h (does NOT include breadboard, SKU: MIK-SB2QS-LK)

I've made Ebay listings for SchoolBoard ][, or email me: mikronauts (at) gmail (dot) com

Volume and educational pricing is available.

p.s.

Sapieha did a really nice job on final pcb layout - as usual

p.p.s.

Click on the tiny thumbnails to see larger images - I've forgotten how to control the in-line image size for attachments on this forum.

ctwardell · 2012-10-01 10:43

Nice looking board Bill!

C.W.

David Betz · 2012-10-01 10:53

Congratulations Bill! Nice board! $35 + $25 for the QuickStart board makes a much less expensive experimenters board than the PropBOE for people who don't need the extra features that the PropBOE provides like the SD card and ADC and video output, etc.

Ken Gracey · 2012-10-01 11:05

Great to see the project finished, Bill. I have several customers who would benefit from using the SchoolBoard2.

One problem, though. I went to Mikronauts to order some but I couldn't find the product link. Can you give us a direct link so we could get some units on order? Once I have the link I'll be sure to get our marketing crew to include it in their Tweet Meat [that's a term I coined - do you like it] and other social media marketing efforts.

There's a strong reason to produce such simple boards as the SchoolBoard2. Educational customers are often intimidated by the Propeller when they see the kinds of things it can do, making them feel as if they have a big void between the traditional LED/switches introduction projects towards advanced robotics and video games. Or, they'll say "the Propeller is more than we need" and perhaps that's true, but we should carry them from a simple introduction to more impressive uses without the gap. Had we produced a "What's a Multicore Microcontroller?" text this would have filled a niche we see in hindsight.

BTW, is it a Sapheia layout?

Parallax has two QuickStart products in the queue right now. The first is the "Human Interface Board" which allows a QuickStart to fully mimic the original Propeller Demo Board. The second is a joint-effort between WizNet and Parallax using the WizNet5200 chip. I'm working with our engineering crew right now to see that these are put into production without further delays.

Bill Henning · 2012-10-01 11:16

Hi Ken,

Thank you for your kind words - and I am VERY glad to hear you have several customers who would benefit from SchoolBoard2!

The reason you could not find the page is that I have not made it yet; it should be up by tomorrow morning (latest). I will send you a link as soon as it is up. Until the page is up, orders are by email

Actually I have a major update in the works for http://Mikronauts.com including launching http://store.mikronauts.com as soon as I can. I appreciate you tweeting/promoting it!

I plan to release miniMods next week - which will go a long way towards filling the need for simple educational modules - and help us fill the gap that you mention re/ complex propeller boards being too much.

Yes, it is Sapieha's layout work... I sent him a simpler Eagle one, and as usual, he made art out of it

I also have two more QuickStart products in my queue...

1) qsBridge - allows using miniMods and other Mikronauts modules and prototyping boards

2) mystery product - to be announced after I know the pcb works and i get the drivers done

I expect to receive the prototypes by Wednesday this week...

I will have to get some of your two new boards - sounds like two very useful modules!

Ken Gracey wrote: »

Great to see the project finished, Bill. I have several customers who would benefit from using the SchoolBoard2.

One problem, though. I went to Mikronauts to order some but I couldn't find the product link. Can you give us a direct link so we could get some units on order? Once I have the link I'll be sure to get our marketing crew to include it in their Tweet Meat [that's a term I coined - do you like it] and other social media marketing efforts.

There's a strong reason to produce such simple boards as the SchoolBoard2. Educational customers are often intimidated by the Propeller when they see the kinds of things it can do, making them feel as if they have a big void between the traditional LED/switches introduction projects towards advanced robotics and video games. Or, they'll say "the Propeller is more than we need" and perhaps that's true, but we should carry them from a simple introduction to more impressive uses without the gap. Had we produced a "What's a Multicore Microcontroller?" text this would have filled a niche we see in hindsight.

BTW, is it a Sapheia layout?

Parallax has two QuickStart products in the queue right now. The first is the "Human Interface Board" which allows a QuickStart to fully mimic the original Propeller Demo Board. The second is a joint-effort between WizNet and Parallax using the WizNet5200 chip. I'm working with our engineering crew right now to see that these are put into production without further delays.

Publison · 2012-10-01 11:17

Nice work Bill!

Much luck with this new product. Looks great.

(I was your first ebay customer for the Morpheus)

Jim

Ken Gracey · 2012-10-01 11:29

Thanks Bill. Be sure to drop me an e-mail when the order link is live since I can't check the forums as much as I'd like to. People get frustrated with me when I'm in a meeting and I'm spending time on the forums instead of participating, listening and supporting the topic du jour [rude personal behavior I shall address].

Bill Henning · 2012-10-01 11:35

Thanks C.W.!

Thanks David!

As you point out, the BOE is a different market segment, and I like BOE too!

Bill Henning · 2012-10-01 11:36

Thanks Jim!

I remember - and don't worry, I will have some exciting new add-on boards, and a new PCB revision for Morpheus soon.

Publison wrote: »

Nice work Bill!

Much luck with this new product. Looks great.

(I was your first ebay customer for the Morpheus)

Jim

Bill Henning · 2012-10-01 11:38

Thanks Ken.

You will get an email with the link as soon as it is up :-)

(It may just be a few hours, or it might take until the morning)

Ken Gracey wrote: »

Thanks Bill. Be sure to drop me an e-mail when the order link is live since I can't check the forums as much as I'd like to. People get frustrated with me when I'm in a meeting and I'm spending time on the forums instead of participating, listening and supporting the topic du jour [rude personal behavior I shall address].

Bill Henning · 2012-10-01 13:10

The product page is up!

Please see http://www.mikronauts.com/schoolboard/ for the product page on my site - with ordering information.

Ken Gracey wrote: »

Thanks Bill. Be sure to drop me an e-mail when the order link is live since I can't check the forums as much as I'd like to. People get frustrated with me when I'm in a meeting and I'm spending time on the forums instead of participating, listening and supporting the topic du jour [rude personal behavior I shall address].

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) · 2012-10-01 14:44

Congratulations Bill!

More available Quickstart boards are good for all of us! It looks great!

Jeff

Bill Henning · 2012-10-01 18:38

Thanks Jeff!

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) wrote: »

Congratulations Bill!

More available Quickstart boards are good for all of us! It looks great!

Jeff

Sapieha · 2012-10-01 20:07

Hi Ken.

To made any PCB -- I ned only SCH's and Dimensions to that PCB.

If it is some placement needs that info to

Ken Gracey wrote: »

Great to see the project finished, Bill. I have several customers who would benefit from using the SchoolBoard2.

One problem, though. I went to Mikronauts to order some but I couldn't find the product link. Can you give us a direct link so we could get some units on order? Once I have the link I'll be sure to get our marketing crew to include it in their Tweet Meat [that's a term I coined - do you like it] and other social media marketing efforts.

There's a strong reason to produce such simple boards as the SchoolBoard2. Educational customers are often intimidated by the Propeller when they see the kinds of things it can do, making them feel as if they have a big void between the traditional LED/switches introduction projects towards advanced robotics and video games. Or, they'll say "the Propeller is more than we need" and perhaps that's true, but we should carry them from a simple introduction to more impressive uses without the gap. Had we produced a "What's a Multicore Microcontroller?" text this would have filled a niche we see in hindsight.

BTW, is it a Sapheia layout?

Parallax has two QuickStart products in the queue right now. The first is the "Human Interface Board" which allows a QuickStart to fully mimic the original Propeller Demo Board. The second is a joint-effort between WizNet and Parallax using the WizNet5200 chip. I'm working with our engineering crew right now to see that these are put into production without further delays.

Bill Henning · 2012-10-02 14:40

Due to a request from a gentleman, I now also offer kits where the surface mounted resistors are soldered onto the board so that those not comfortable soldering surface mount parts don't need to worry - all they will have to mount are through hole parts. I will be adding pricing for fully assembled and tested SchoolBoard 2's soon.

Here is a pile of SchoolBoard 2's waiting to be shipped...

Bill Henning · 2012-10-03 17:49

Just some quick updates:

- today I shipped out the orders received to date, and shipping to California is around $18.50 for one or two SchoolBoards, and $20.50 for three or four (including tracking and insurance)

- I added 4-40 2x(screw,split washer,nut) to the kit to tightly couple a SchoolBoard to a QuickStart

- I added the option of getting the boards with the SMT resistors pre-mounted for an additional $5/pcb

- this weekend I will figure out the assembled and tested pricing and finish the build manual

Is there any interest in my writing an app note showing how you can add servo style headers to Schoolboard?

After the SchoolBoard docs are done, I'll start on the miniMods BOM and documentation so I can release miniMods as well.

I've also started building the prototypes for SD-uSD, qsBridge and QuickLMM+ so I can test them.

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) · 2012-10-03 21:25

@Bill

I'm so pleased that you and I have have finally found a "standard" on which to agree on... <wink> <smirk>

The SchoolBoard looks like a great way to introduce someone who is interested in microcontrollers or electronics for that matter to the material. It almost reminds me of a mini heathkit trainer. (only potentially much, much cooler)

Are you planning some training materials (probably the hardest part of the entire development) to go along with these?

Jeff

Bill Henning · 2012-10-04 13:39

Jeff:

LOL! ... I am not sure if I will make many more QuickStart modules in the near future, it will entirely depend on the sales of SchoolBoard and QuickLMM+

Thanks, I had fun designing SchoolBoard 2. Probably the toughest part was on deciding on where to place the switches and LED's, followed by the prototyping pattern.

Oh... and resisting feeping creaturism.

I plan on some app notes, and all of the PEK labs should be quite usable with QuickStart+SchoolBoard.

Bill Henning · 2012-10-10 14:24

The SchoolBoard ][ Build Manual is now available from

http://mikronauts.com/schoolboard

You can download the PDF from the bottom of that page.

I may have gone overboard... 14 pages and a ten photographs.

FYI - my next post office run is on Friday

Lev · 2012-10-10 16:26

Bill,

That level of detail is good for my high school students. Keep it up!

Bill Henning · 2012-10-10 17:39

Thanks Lev!

I did not find my tripod in time to be able to take an action shot of soldering that SMT resistor... maybe next weekend

Lev wrote: »

Bill,

That level of detail is good for my high school students. Keep it up!

Alexander (Sandy) Hapgood · 2012-10-10 22:31

Does anybody remember the books written by Forrest M. Mims, III for Radio Shack? The one I have beside my desk is called Getting Started in Electronics. I think there were other titles. To my mind, that style would be a good fit for this product and the target audience.

Sandy

Bill Henning · 2012-10-11 13:07

I have one of those kicking around somewhere... thanks for the suggestion, I'll try to find it.

Alexander (Sandy) Hapgood wrote: »

Does anybody remember the books written by Forrest M. Mims, III for Radio Shack? The one I have beside my desk is called Getting Started in Electronics. I think there were other titles. To my mind, that style would be a good fit for this product and the target audience.

Sandy

cavelamb · 2012-10-11 17:45

Bill Henning wrote: »

I have one of those kicking around somewhere... thanks for the suggestion, I'll try to find it.

They are still on the shelf at Radio Shack.

Bill Henning · 2012-10-12 19:48

Good to know... next time I am down south I'll check a Radio Shack.

cavelamb wrote: »

They are still on the shelf at Radio Shack.

Bill Henning · 2012-10-14 21:49

At the request customers, I've added assembled and tested pricing and related SKU's to the first message in this thread.

RDL2004 · 2012-10-15 06:00

Just for reference, along with Radio Shack, Amazon, and other places, you can also find "Getting Started in Electronics" here:

http://www.forrestmims.com/

and check out his other site at:

http://www.forrestmims.org/

Bill Henning · 2012-10-28 14:17

Thanks RDL2004, good info.

Bill Henning · 2012-10-28 14:27

Some customers have asked that I carry some accessories for my boards - including SchoolBoard ][

I now have stock of a really nice little breadboard power module:

(click on thumbnail above for a larger image)

Sku: MIKSB2PS

Qty.1-10: $9.95USD+s/h per power supply module

Features:

- Assembled & Tested
- INPUT: 7VDC-12VDC barrel hack for for standard wall-wart power supplies
- INPUT: USB-A jack to power from USB charger or computer
- OUTPUT: 5.0VDC (up to 500mA when powered from USB, nominally 700mA when powered from wall wart)
- OUTPUT: 3.3VDC (up to approx. 450mA when powered from USB, nominally 700mA when powered from wall wart)
- total power drawn (3.3V and 5.0V) should be under 700mA combined for best results
- GND and 5V OR 3.3V (jumper selectable) for upper and lower breadboard power busses
- power button
- power LED
- four extra GND pins
- two extra 3.3V pins
- two extra 5.0V pins
- plugs right into SchoolBoard ][ and other similar breadboards

(More photos later)

Regards,

Bill

Bill Henning · 2014-07-29 13:28

I've received a nice shipment of 400 point breadboards, and since I was able to get them at a better price then before, I've reduced the price of SchoolBoard ][

Full Kit: $24.95USD+s/h (includes 400 point breadboard)
Lite Kit: $19.95USD+s/h (without breadboard)

Shipping and handling is $8.00USD to continental US & Canada for one kit.

I've discontinued the partial and fully assembled versions.

For more information:

http://www.mikronauts.com/proto/schoolboard/

I've made Ebay listings for it, search for "SchoolBoard ]["

p.s.

Works great with Basic Stamp, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi as well.

SchoolBoard ][ development board: Parallax QuickStart, DE0-Nano or any dev board

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