DR. DUINO EXPLORER EDITION
New Products that are Worth a Closer Look
ARDUINO IS AN OPEN-SOURCE electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. Arduino boards can understand inputs and turn them into a desired output, such as activating a motor, turning on an LED, or other tasks. You can tell your board what to do by sending a set of instructions to the microcontroller on the board.
The best way to get started is often by investing in a kit that will provide the basic components that are necessary to explore what you can do with Arduino. The Dr.Duino Explorer Edition is a 120-piece Arduino-compatible kit. Included in the kit are things such as LEDs, push buttons, potentiometers, a piezo gyro, a light sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor.
All of the parts, beyond the board, come in a nice plastic storage box. The only documentation included is two cards. One is a handy programming cheat sheet and the other provides a link to Dr.Duino’s fun, step-by-step online assembly guide. The online resources are extremely detailed, including the recommended tools. A soldering iron with a fine tip and solder is required, while other items, such as a side jig are recommended.
The assembly process is handled step-by-step, and the proper soldering technique is the first thing covered with an instructional video. Next is the parts list to confirm that you have everything, then it is time to begin soldering.
Safety is also important, and it is recommended that you wear safety goggles and have some type of ventilation when soldering. I use a small fan to blow away any fumes toward a window. Dr.Duino also suggests the use of a fume extractor that captures the fumes.
Push buttons are the first item to attach to the board, and each step provides written instructions, as well as nice photos to walk you through the process. I appreciated that each part that will be used is named and identified in a photo so that you are not left guessing or accidentally use a similar part instead of the actual one.
The steps in the assembly process are listed as posts. At the bottom of the screen is a progress bar letting you know how far along you are with each step.
After the board assembly is completed, the next step is to program it using Arduino IDE. A link is provided to download the software, which is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. The included USB cable is used to connect your device to the Arduino. This will allow you to test your board and confirm that everything is working properly. You can then download the Dr.Duino software, which includes five starter projects.
Other projects are included, but they might require additional accessories with options to purchase them as you progress through the assembly manual. At the end of the manual, you will find basic troubleshooting and schematics.
If you have interest in getting started with Arduino, the Dr.Duino kit and online instruction will help you be successful and learn the basics. It is an enjoyable project and can lead to beginning to unlock all that Arduino is capable of. If you would like to purchase a Dr.Duino Explorer Edition, you can access the link provided in the “Sources” listing to receive a discount.
New Products from the Modeler’s Mall
Email: sales@boomarc.com; website: www.boomarc.com
Advanced Radio and BoomaRC are proud to bring another innovative product to the RC scene. Air Safe is an all-in-one product for any and all air retract systems. The six-channel gear sequencer, pressure monitor, and failsafe device is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and has been designed with features to give a user a huge amount of programmability for any model, whether it’s a scale jet, sport airplane, or warbird. Setup is quick and easy via the built-in joystick and easy-to-read screen.
Air Safe fixes the problem of small leaks and the potential damage that could occur upon landing by motioning the air pressure in the system and automatically activating the gear-down function when the pressure drops too low, guaranteeing a safe landing on all three wheels.
Designed for air systems up to 150 PSI and 2S battery systems, Air Safe is compatible with all battery chemistries and is powered by the receiver or SBus; it does not require an additional battery for operation. It’s also compatible with all servos and air valves that are currently on the market.
The Air Safe Failsafe Gear Sequencer is available from BoomaRC and all Advanced Radio dealers.
9320 Hazard Way, Ste. D, San Diego CA 92123; Tel.: (858) 748-6948; website: www.hitecrcd.com
Hitec’s popular RDX charger line continues to expand with the introduction of the RDX2 Pro, a dual-port AC/DC charger that provides 260 watts of power!
The independent 130-watt circuits allow you to charge two packs simultaneously. Pilots who fly large aircraft and helicopters with high-capacity 4S to 6S battery packs can rely on the RDX2 Pro to rapidly charge them up to 9 and 5.8 amps respectively. With just a few clicks, the RDX2 Pro will also convert into a power supply unit to power your hobby equipment! The dual-channel design can power two individual 5- to 24-volt devices simultaneously. The high-power charging at faster rates will get you back in the action sooner than ever.
Other features include a user-friendly Jog Dial to easily scroll through menus and make programming a breeze. Storage for 10 different battery memory charge/discharge profiles; balance, standard, fast, and storage modes for all lithium battery chemistries; an internal, independent lithium battery balancer; a smart ventilation fan; a 5-volt/2.1-amp USB port; a micro USB socket for the optional Bluetooth dongle, PC interface, and firmware upgrades, and more are available. Visit the Hitec RCD website for more information.
7414 Burton Dr., Liberty Township OH 45044; Tel.: (513) 755-7494; website: www.oldschoolmodels.com
The February 1970 Radio Control Modeler featured a construction article of a design that took the Pattern world by storm. The Kaos was the brainchild of Joe Bridi and went on to be one of the most successful Pattern and sport models of all time. Old School Model Works has based its Kaos 60 kit on that original design, updating its construction with laser-cut precision, yet keeping the outstanding flying characteristics that made the original model a legend.
The fuselage is built around a self-aligning, lightweight box for added strength and is surrounded by a lightweight, outer balsa skin that is strong and twist-resistant even during high-stress maneuvers. The WEB-LOCK-constructed wing is removable via two bolts from the bottom of the fuselage and utilizes a dual-servo setup for accurate aileron control. A wing jig to assemble a true, triple-tapered wing is also included. The fuselage has been designed with a magnetic hatch for quick access to a fuel tank or batteries.
A .61 glow engine or a .61 equivalent brushless electric motor, 85-plus ESC, and a 6S LiPo battery are required for power. The Old School Model Works Kaos 60 is a Senior Pattern Association or Vintage R/C Society-legal design for Vintage or retro Pattern competitions.
SOURCES:
Dr.Duino
WWW.DrDuino.com/AMA
