Savage///Chats

I been thinking more and more of making a Professional Development Board for the Pico 1/2/PicoMite.  I'm concidering the following features:

• 14 seg led display
• Place for your favorite lcd screen of choice
• A video screen
• LEDs
• Buttons/Switches
• Pots
• Servo ports
• Real Time Clock
• Large breadboard area
• Maybe a header of some kind if anyone wants to create Hats for it.

Any other suggestions for features are appreciated, before I start trying to create a design.

Quote from: JKnightandKARR on May 28, 2025, 11:56 AM

• 14 seg led display
• Place for your favorite lcd screen of choice
• A video screen
• LEDs
• Buttons/Switches
• Pots
• Servo ports
• Real Time Clock
• Large breadboard area
• Maybe a header of some kind if anyone wants to create Hats for it.

Any other suggestions for features are appreciated, before I start trying to create a design.

14 or 16-segment? There is a notable difference, depending on what you're trying to do. There are pros / cons to each.

You mentioned your favorite LCD screen, and then video screen. Are you trying to find a one-size-fits-all? Many people use OLED instead of LCD and video would imply just that, so is the Pico capable of generating video out or would you need some sort of video card / shield?

For POTs, is there on-board ADC for the Pico?

For the PDB and PPDB there were mostly SPI interfaces, since that was the more common way to interface. On the Arduino I²C is the preferred interface. So if you're adding an RTC, ADC, DAC, etc you should try to stick to one bus type.

Finally, for buttons / LEDs, I would use an equal number of each (8 / 16).

Quote from: Chris Savage on May 28, 2025, 01:09 PMYou mentioned your favorite LCD screen, and then video screen. Are you trying to find a one-size-fits-all? Many people use OLED instead of LCD and video would imply just that, so is the Pico capable of generating video out or would you need some sort of video card / shield?

The PicoMite has built-in commands for both LCDs/OLEDs as well as VGA/HDMI. With certain LCDs (typically bigger ones - 2.8" and larger,) and the VGA/HDMI, you can set the Pico up to show the command line right on that display. When you set it up that way, the input can come from the USB, a standard serial (i.e. RS-232) or the Telnet input from a W version of the Pico. I really love this language - it is amazingly versatile.

Joe, you will need to choose one of the LCD/OLED interfaces (maybe the 8-bit Parallel LCD Panels on page 57, or the SPI display shown on page 62 of the 6.00.01 manual.) There should be no trouble providing an external VGA, or HDMI, port, but if the person sets up for one (LCD/OLED or VGA/HDMI,) then the other will not be available in PicoMite BASIC. Although, you will still be able to use those displays with something like the I²C 16x2 or 20x4 character displays.

Quote from: JKnightandKARR on May 28, 2025, 11:56 AMI been thinking more and more of making a Professional Development Board for the Pico 1/2/PicoMite.  I'm concidering the following features:
Any other suggestions for features are appreciated, before I start trying to create a design.

I really like the idea of a PPDB (Pico Professional Development Board?  ;) .) That is the reason for several of the boards that I purchased (one described in https://savagechats.com/index.php?topic=295.0). Still looking...

Take a look at the Pico Display Base Board (https://www.tindie.com/products/aiy745321/pico-display-base-board/). I'm not really thrilled by the layout - I like the PDB, and PPDB, layouts better. But then again, this is not for the same purpose as the Parallax boards. Take a look at the LCD port on the left of their board - the LCD goes off to the left of the board. I would really rather (for this board, the PPDB would be totally different) have the LCD laying over the top of the PCB, to make a tablet/slab computer.

Other possible examples are the DT-01 Digital Trainer from K and H Products (flyer with specs here: (https://www.kandh.com.tw/uploadfiles/592/Products/Electronic-Training-Equipment-and-Breadboard-Accessories/Breadboard-Accessories-EN/_en_dt-01_11203.pdf)) that I showed in my Portable Workstation - Notebook thread on ZappBots Forum (https://zappbots.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=327,)
(https://savagechats.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.granzeier.com%2FDownloads%2FDT-01sm.jpeg&hash=ef69bcc53f550697231f1060bead1a1039e68533)

and the Heathkit ET-3400 Microcomputer Learning System:
(https://savagechats.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdunfield.classiccmp.org%2Fheath%2Fh%2Fet3400.jpg&hash=a6c2ed79f5f2c971dbb674ffa0a061d7abd8258d)

Also, there is the DuinoKit (https://duinokit.com/):
(https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F48448926-6b54-4e6a-81fc-87dcbcea7870_4420x3071.jpeg)
This also shows some stuff similar to your idea, that is actually for sale. You may be able to sell those if you decide to go into production.

Quote from: Chris Savage on May 28, 2025, 01:09 PM14 or 16-segment? There is a notable difference, depending on what you're trying to do. There are pros / cons to each.

You mentioned your favorite LCD screen, and then video screen. Are you trying to find a one-size-fits-all? Many people use OLED instead of LCD and video would imply just that, so is the Pico capable of generating video out or would you need some sort of video card / shield?

For POTs, is there on-board ADC for the Pico?

For the PDB and PPDB there were mostly SPI interfaces, since that was the more common way to interface. On the Arduino I²C is the preferred interface. So if you're adding an RTC, ADC, DAC, etc you should try to stick to one bus type.

Finally, for buttons / LEDs, I would use an equal number of each (8 / 16).

I planned on equal no of buttons, switches, and leds. I could see about 16 seg leds, simple jumper is all needed there for 14. As for ADC, yes, they have 3, but even if there wasn't someone could still find use for them.
(https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/microcontrollers/images/pico2w-pinout.svg)
There is a PicoMite ver with video out, but yeah kinda whatever you want to use kinda thing, guess adapter boards could be designed to switch between different video output. Picomite w/VGA (https://geoffg.net/picomitevga.html)

Quote from: granz on May 28, 2025, 02:25 PMJoe, you will need to choose one of the LCD/OLED interfaces (maybe the 8-bit Parallel LCD Panels on page 57, or the SPI display shown on page 62 of the 6.00.01 manual.) There should be no trouble providing an external VGA, or HDMI, port, but if the person sets up for one (LCD/OLED or VGA/HDMI,) then the other will not be available in PicoMite BASIC. Although, you will still be able to use those displays with something like the I²C 16x2 or 20x4 character displays.

I'll probly have something like the PDB and PPDB use, just have the MCU in a powered socket and wire as needed with jumpers, or somehow use adapters or something to allow different selections.

Quote from: granz on May 28, 2025, 02:54 PMI really like the idea of a PPDB (Pico Professional Development Board?  ;) .) That is the reason for several of the boards that I purchased (one described in https://savagechats.com/index.php?topic=295.0). Still looking...

Take a look at the Pico Display Base Board (https://www.tindie.com/products/aiy745321/pico-display-base-board/). I'm not really thrilled by the layout - I like the PDB, and PPDB, layouts better. But then again, this is not for the same purpose as the Parallax boards. Take a look at the LCD port on the left of their board - the LCD goes off to the left of the board. I would really rather (for this board, the PPDB would be totally different) have the LCD laying over the top of the PCB, to make a tablet/slab computer.

Other possible examples are the DT-01 Digital Trainer from K and H Products (flyer with specs here: (https://www.kandh.com.tw/uploadfiles/592/Products/Electronic-Training-Equipment-and-Breadboard-Accessories/Breadboard-Accessories-EN/_en_dt-01_11203.pdf)) that I showed in my Portable Workstation - Notebook thread on ZappBots Forum (https://zappbots.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=327,)
(https://savagechats.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.granzeier.com%2FDownloads%2FDT-01sm.jpeg&hash=ef69bcc53f550697231f1060bead1a1039e68533)

and the Heathkit ET-3400 Microcomputer Learning System:
(https://savagechats.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdunfield.classiccmp.org%2Fheath%2Fh%2Fet3400.jpg&hash=a6c2ed79f5f2c971dbb674ffa0a061d7abd8258d)

Also, there is the DuinoKit (https://duinokit.com/):
(https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F48448926-6b54-4e6a-81fc-87dcbcea7870_4420x3071.jpeg)
This also shows some stuff similar to your idea, that is actually for sale. You may be able to sell those if you decide to go into production.

I was thinking of Pico Professional Development Board, PPDB. lol Those are some good examples, but I REALLY like that DuinoKit IOT.  Kinda makes me want to try something similar. Maybe a cross between those kits and the PDB/PPDB.

Quote from: JKnightandKARR on May 29, 2025, 12:39 PMI was thinking of Pico Professional Development Board, PPDB. lol Those are some good examples, but I REALLY like that DuinoKit IOT.  Kinda makes me want to try something similar. Maybe a cross between those kits and the PDB/PPDB.

Yeah, I like them too. Did you take a look at the other versions?

They are pretty good, but I like the large breadboard area of the PPDB. Since you cannot include everything that everyone would want, include lots of breadboard space.  :)

It might be a good idea to include some kind of storage for extra components. I like the cheap Dollar Tree storage box that I included in my Portable Workstation - Notebook:
(https://savagechats.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.granzeier.com%2FDownloads%2FZappBots%2FDone.jpg&hash=d29474490f90a4456b8aeee02b39d9f60e940050)

Quote from: granz on May 29, 2025, 03:45 PM

Quote from: JKnightandKARR on May 29, 2025, 12:39 PMI was thinking of Pico Professional Development Board, PPDB. lol Those are some good examples, but I REALLY like that DuinoKit IOT.  Kinda makes me want to try something similar. Maybe a cross between those kits and the PDB/PPDB.

Yeah, I like them too. Did you take a look at the other versions?

They are pretty good, but I like the large breadboard area of the PPDB. Since you cannot include everything that everyone would want, include lots of breadboard space.  :)

It might be a good idea to include some kind of storage for extra components. I like the cheap Dollar Tree storage box that I included in my Portable Workstation - Notebook:
(https://savagechats.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.granzeier.com%2FDownloads%2FZappBots%2FDone.jpg&hash=d29474490f90a4456b8aeee02b39d9f60e940050)

Naturally I'd include some kind of storage.

Something to get your creative juices flowing.  ;D

Another possibility:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd42q3OaOrE

and the Pico Bricks kit that the YouTuber is highlighting:
https://www.amazon.com/PicoBricks-Raspberry-Educational-Development-Platform/dp/B0BMGM74T7

This thing comes standard with a Pico W, which means that you can set it up to connect to your WiFi, then set up Telnet. Then you can control it through your desktop, laptop, tablet or even a phone, just use a Telnet client (which is available for all of the above.)

I checked and all of the components (including the OLED display) are directly controlled in PicoMite BASIC.

Quote from: granz on Jun 21, 2025, 04:05 PMSomething to get your creative juices flowing.  ;D

Another possibility:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd42q3OaOrE

and the Pico Bricks kit that the YouTuber is highlighting:
https://www.amazon.com/PicoBricks-Raspberry-Educational-Development-Platform/dp/B0BMGM74T7

This thing comes standard with a Pico W, which means that you can set it up to connect to your WiFi, then set up Telnet. Then you can control it through your desktop, laptop, tablet or even a phone, just use a Telnet client (which is available for all of the above.)

I checked and all of the components (including the OLED display) are directly controlled in PicoMite BASIC.

I've seen those actually, interesting thought.

Quote from: granz on Jun 21, 2025, 04:05 PMAnother possibility:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd42q3OaOrE

I fell for it and watched the entire video! LOL  ;D

Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 22, 2025, 12:06 AM

Quote from: granz on Jun 21, 2025, 04:05 PMAnother possibility:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd42q3OaOrE

I fell for it and watched the entire video! LOL  ;D

I enjoyed the video. The parts about the History Museum and those multi-project kits were cool.

Quote from: granz on Jun 21, 2025, 04:05 PMSomething to get your creative juices flowing.  ;D

Another possibility:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd42q3OaOrE

and the Pico Bricks kit that the YouTuber is highlighting:
https://www.amazon.com/PicoBricks-Raspberry-Educational-Development-Platform/dp/B0BMGM74T7

This thing comes standard with a Pico W, which means that you can set it up to connect to your WiFi, then set up Telnet. Then you can control it through your desktop, laptop, tablet or even a phone, just use a Telnet client (which is available for all of the above.)

I checked and all of the components (including the OLED display) are directly controlled in PicoMite BASIC.

Quote from: Chris Savage on Jun 22, 2025, 12:06 AM

Quote from: granz on Jun 21, 2025, 04:05 PMAnother possibility:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd42q3OaOrE

I fell for it and watched the entire video! LOL  ;D

Granz/Chris, I just had an idea. What about something similar to that kit, only the parts are already apart, and you can pick out the modules you want to use, and just attach to a header of your choice?  All same pins on each header, minus the I/O pins obviously, and you do the programming as normal?  kinda eliminate the wiring so to speak??

That could work. You have six different sets of pins for I²C channel 1 and six for channel 2. Unfortunately, without bit-banging other channels, you could only use two I²C channels at a time.

Quote from: WebMite-Manual, https://geoffg.net/Downloads/picomite/PicoMite_User_Manual.pdfSETPIN sda, scl, I2C
Valid pins are
SDA: GP0, GP4, GP8, GP12, GP16, GP20 or GP28
SCL: GP1, GP5, GP9, GP13, GP17 or GP21
Note that on the WebMite version I2C SDA is not available on GP28
And the following command for the second channel (referred to as I2C2):
SETPIN sda, scl, I2C2
Valid pins are
SDA: GP2, GP6, GP10, GP14, GP18, GP22 or GP26
SCL: GP3, GP7, GP11, GP15, GP19 or GP27

There are two different ways to use this:

• Set up connectors for each of the twelve different possibilities for the two channels, and only allow connection to one connector for each channel.
• Set up each channel with multiple connectors for several different I²C breakout boards (don't forget about the pull-up resistors on all the different boards.) Then the breakout boards would be like old daughter boards plugged into a buss motherboard. That would use the different I²C addresses to access individual boards.

Other than that, you could provide individual connectors for individual GPIO pins - kind of like the servo connectors on BASIC Stamp, or Propeller, boards. Each connector would have a +V_CC pin, a GND pin and a signal pin connected to one of the GPIO pins on the Pico. Using all of the GPIO pins like that would give you a large number of connectors, but you could also use a few for an LCD/OLED, two for the I²C channels and maybe one or two for sound. That would still leave you with several of the "servo"-type connectors. If you space out those type connectors, they could each hold a single 3-pin board, or use a servo cable to mount them off-board.

While browsing eBay, I found the following sales, and thought about you, and this PicoMite PDB. While these boards are specifically for the Arduino, the components, and ideas, would go well for your board.

I just found these on eBay, and ordered them for my experimenting:

• Multifunction Expansion Board DHT11 LM35 For Arduino UNO 9 in 1 Sensor Shield - https://www.ebay.com/itm/204865329325
• Multi-functional Expansion Development Shield Base Learning Arduino - https://www.ebay.com/itm/204866996021

These are kind of cool, but they have the soldered on male pin headers to plug directly into the Arduino. This blocks the Arduino pins which are not used. They are great for learning, but you cannot use them for more than the included components. You should probably think about that if you directly run PCB traces from the PicoMite to the components, leave connectors for the non-dedicated pins. Or, you could do like the Parallax PDBs and leave all the pins uncommitted, and let the user use hookup wire to connect components. The dedicated PCB traces to the components are easier for beginners, while the undedicated hookup wire connections are better for more advanced users.

• 37 Sensor Ultimate 37 in 1 Sensor Modules Kit for Arduino - https://www.ebay.com/itm/403662906589

This kit includes the following modules:

• 1 x Small passive buzzer module KY-006
• 1 x 2-color LED module KY-011
• 1 x Hit sensor module KY-031
• 1 x Vibration switch module KY-002
• 1 x Photo resistor module KY-018
• 1 x Key switch module KY-004
• 1 x Tilt switch module KY-020
• 1 x 3-color full-color LED SMD modules KY-009
• 1 x Infrared emission sensor module KY-005
• 1 x 3-color LED module KY-016
• 1 x Mercury open optical module KY-017
• 1 x Yin Yi 2-color LED module 3MM KY-029
• 1 x Active buzzer module KY-012
• 1 x Temperature sensor module KY-013
• 1 x Automatic flashing colorful LED module KY-034
• 1 x Mini magnetic reed modules KY-021
• 1 x Hall magnetic sensor module KY-003
• 1 x Infrared sensor receiver module KY-022
• 1 x Class Bihor magnetic sensor KY-035
• 1 x Magic light cup module KY-027
• 1 x Rotary encoder module KY-040
• 1 x Optical broken module KY-010
• 1 x Detect the heartbeat module KY-039
• 1 x Reed module KY-025
• 1 x Obstacle avoidance sensor module KY-032
• 1 x Hunt sensor module KY-033
• 1 x Microphone sound sensor module KY-038
• 1 x Laser sensor module KY-008
• 1 x 5V relay module KY-019
• 1 x Temperature sensor module KY-001
• 1 x Temperature sensor module KY-028
• 1 x Linear magnetic Hall sensors KY-024
• 1 x Flame sensor module KY-026
• 1 x Sensitive microphone sensor module KY-037
• 1 x Temperature and humidity sensor module KY-015
• 1 x XY-axis joystick module KY-023
• 1 x Metal touch sensor module KY-036

I actually ordered this kit (without any case – cheaper that way,) plus I ordered one which included a nice plastic case (a bit more expensive.) The compartments in the plastic case are big enough that the parts from the case-less order should fit in with the parts in the compartments. This kind of component/sensor kit would be good if you create a PicoMite PDB with just a Pico, large breadboard space, and just a couple basic components. The student/user could choose from this large assortment to build their own projects.

The price for all four of these (although you would not need the Arduino shield boards, just look at the designs for them) was just over $61.

Any progress on your PicoMite PDB?

Quote from: granz on Jul 11, 2025, 03:34 PMWhile browsing eBay, I found the following sales, and thought about you, and this PicoMite PDB. While these boards are specifically for the Arduino, the components, and ideas, would go well for your board.

I just found these on eBay, and ordered them for my experimenting:

• Multifunction Expansion Board DHT11 LM35 For Arduino UNO 9 in 1 Sensor Shield - https://www.ebay.com/itm/204865329325
• Multi-functional Expansion Development Shield Base Learning Arduino - https://www.ebay.com/itm/204866996021

These are kind of cool, but they have the soldered on male pin headers to plug directly into the Arduino. This blocks the Arduino pins which are not used. They are great for learning, but you cannot use them for more than the included components. You should probably think about that if you directly run PCB traces from the PicoMite to the components, leave connectors for the non-dedicated pins. Or, you could do like the Parallax PDBs and leave all the pins uncommitted, and let the user use hookup wire to connect components. The dedicated PCB traces to the components are easier for beginners, while the undedicated hookup wire connections are better for more advanced users.

• 37 Sensor Ultimate 37 in 1 Sensor Modules Kit for Arduino - https://www.ebay.com/itm/403662906589

This kit includes the following modules:

• 1 x Small passive buzzer module KY-006
• 1 x 2-color LED module KY-011
• 1 x Hit sensor module KY-031
• 1 x Vibration switch module KY-002
• 1 x Photo resistor module KY-018
• 1 x Key switch module KY-004
• 1 x Tilt switch module KY-020
• 1 x 3-color full-color LED SMD modules KY-009
• 1 x Infrared emission sensor module KY-005
• 1 x 3-color LED module KY-016
• 1 x Mercury open optical module KY-017
• 1 x Yin Yi 2-color LED module 3MM KY-029
• 1 x Active buzzer module KY-012
• 1 x Temperature sensor module KY-013
• 1 x Automatic flashing colorful LED module KY-034
• 1 x Mini magnetic reed modules KY-021
• 1 x Hall magnetic sensor module KY-003
• 1 x Infrared sensor receiver module KY-022
• 1 x Class Bihor magnetic sensor KY-035
• 1 x Magic light cup module KY-027
• 1 x Rotary encoder module KY-040
• 1 x Optical broken module KY-010
• 1 x Detect the heartbeat module KY-039
• 1 x Reed module KY-025
• 1 x Obstacle avoidance sensor module KY-032
• 1 x Hunt sensor module KY-033
• 1 x Microphone sound sensor module KY-038
• 1 x Laser sensor module KY-008
• 1 x 5V relay module KY-019
• 1 x Temperature sensor module KY-001
• 1 x Temperature sensor module KY-028
• 1 x Linear magnetic Hall sensors KY-024
• 1 x Flame sensor module KY-026
• 1 x Sensitive microphone sensor module KY-037
• 1 x Temperature and humidity sensor module KY-015
• 1 x XY-axis joystick module KY-023
• 1 x Metal touch sensor module KY-036

I actually ordered this kit (without any case – cheaper that way,) plus I ordered one which included a nice plastic case (a bit more expensive.) The compartments in the plastic case are big enough that the parts from the case-less order should fit in with the parts in the compartments. This kind of component/sensor kit would be good if you create a PicoMite PDB with just a Pico, large breadboard space, and just a couple basic components. The student/user could choose from this large assortment to build their own projects.

The price for all four of these (although you would not need the Arduino shield boards, just look at the designs for them) was just over $61.

Any progress on your PicoMite PDB?

Thanks for the info, will check it out. I've not had much time lately, been doing cleaning n working.

Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Jul 11, 2025, 06:37 PMThanks for the info, will check it out. I've not had much time lately, been doing cleaning n working.

I know the feeling. It's terrible when "real life" gets in the way of our hobbies. :P

Quote from: granz on Jul 11, 2025, 10:05 PM

Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Jul 11, 2025, 06:37 PMThanks for the info, will check it out. I've not had much time lately, been doing cleaning n working.

I know the feeling. It's terrible when "real life" gets in the way of our hobbies. :P

I know the feeling...

Well, I got the second set of 37 Sensors pack - about a week early. Nice!

Unfortunately, the sensors were individually packed in anti-static bags - WITH NO LABELING AT ALL.  >:( I had to take each one out of its bag, compare it with the over-all page with pictures of all the sensors, and then find the equivalent sensor in my nice plastic case, so that I could put the duplicates into the correct compartment. Two of the hall effect sensors (the "Hall Magnetic" and the "Analog Hall") are unlabelled, except for the _tiny (nearly unreadable - even with two magnifiers) print on the sensor itself. I still need to check those tiny numbers and try to decide which is "magnetic" (I thought that all hall effect sensors were magnetic) and which is "analog."  :o

Quote from: granz on Jul 21, 2025, 04:50 PMWell, I got the second set of 37 Sensors pack - about a week early. Nice!

Unfortunately, the sensors were individually packed in anti-static bags - WITH NO LABELING AT ALL.  >:( I had to take each one out of its bag, compare it with the over-all page with pictures of all the sensors, and then find the equivalent sensor in my nice plastic case, so that I could put the duplicates into the correct compartment. Two of the hall effect sensors (the "Hall Magnetic" and the "Analog Hall") are unlabelled, except for the _tiny (nearly unreadable - even with two magnifiers) print on the sensor itself. I still need to check those tiny numbers and try to decide which is "magnetic" (I thought that all hall effect sensors were magnetic) and which is "analog."  :o

Don't you just HATE that crap??  How hard is it to label?? I'll start on this after I get my CodeName: Gizmo done.

Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Jul 21, 2025, 09:08 PMI'll start on this after I get my CodeName: Gizmo done.

I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

I was browsing the Raspberry Pi Pico subreddit, and came across this:

Is this possibly the perfect Pico prototype board?
https://www.reddit.com/r/raspberrypipico/comments/1rso62r/is_this_possibly_the_perfect_pico_prototype_board/
(https://preview.redd.it/is-this-possibly-the-perfect-pico-prototype-board-v0-p6lbw3q1ktog1.jpg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=18356c50ce7c5d1a61535ff4f0625ee4ebb34a09)

He placed a Pico in the middle of the breadboard and hooked it up to the different components on the module. It looks interesting, and somewhat like what you were describing for your PPDB project. I checked out eBay for any and saw one, with the original books from Forrest Mims - I met him and he is a pretty cool guy, and good at talking science. I am thinking of getting it.

While looking for that Electronics Learning Lab, and other things, I saw:
(https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/NvEAAeSwLE9poGTG/s-l300.webp)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/188098088174

This is a more modern version, and looks even more like the project that you described.

Any way, these might give you some more ideas/motivation on getting going in development of your idea.

How are you doing with this any way?

I have the exact same prototype board, I'm pretty sure I even have the books that go along with the board. I found that board to be very helpful while reading through the books when I didn't even know how to combine discrete electronic components. I recall there being a more advanced set but it was difficult to find the books to the prototype board and books not flowing well all the time. I think the more advanced board also does some programming. But I gave up when I was told about the propeller 1 and Parallax had a bunch of teaching kits to learn so many topics. As a novice, I found the ability to program a micro controller to be so much more efficient than laying out a bunch of individual parts and wires to connect everything together. I still need to learn how to use those online companies that make single to multi layer boards for customers. That would be another useful skill to know.

Quote from: Jason D. on Mar 15, 2026, 01:08 AMI have the exact same prototype board, I'm pretty sure I even have the books that go along with the board. I found that board to be very helpful while reading through the books when I didn't even know how to combine discrete electronic components. I recall there being a more advanced set but it was difficult to find the books to the prototype board and books not flowing well all the time.

Are you talking about the Electronic Learning Lab, from Radio Shack? That is the one that I am thinking about buying. There are several of them on eBay, but I'm looking at the one above, as it includes the two manuals. I think that the documentation is what makes, or breaks, this type of "lab" (including all of those old "XXX-in 1" kits, which were great.) Forrest Mims did a great job of documenting his stuff. When I met him, I offered him one of my "Engineering Notebook" products. I was pretty proud of that book, but he was already firmly established in his methods and declined (politely, of course.)

Quote from: Jason D. on Mar 15, 2026, 01:08 AMI think the more advanced board also does some programming. But I gave up when I was told about the propeller 1 and Parallax had a bunch of teaching kits to learn so many topics. As a novice, I found the ability to program a micro controller to be so much more efficient than laying out a bunch of individual parts and wires to connect everything together. I still need to learn how to use those online companies that make single to multi layer boards for customers. That would be another useful skill to know.

Yes, the Dragon12-Plus 2 board includes a 68HCS12 micro-controller from Freescale (successor to Motorola's MC6800 line of microprocessors/micro-controllers.) It runs the Buffalo monitor from the Motorola MC68HC11 controller, and can control all the micro-controller functions, including writing/loading new software. There is a good description of the trainer at: https://www.trainer4edu.com/dragon12/dragon12_plus2_9s12_hcs12/index.html, including a long list of included features. It looks nice, and the eBay price is pretty reasonable, but I will probably not jump on that one. It is ironic, because I really like the Motorola MC6800/02 (from when I taught them) but never really latched on to the 6809, nor any of the Motorola micro-controllers.  ???

Arrghh! - NO! I was just about to jump on that Electronics Learning Lab (I just sold that T600 (https://savagechats.com/index.php?topic=417.0) when I remembered that I already have too many projects. Now, that Radio Shack product looks really cool - and with the Pico on it, even better - but I really need to focus, and cut back so I can focus better. Besides I already have two "learning lab"-type things (three if you count my Notebook Workstation (https://zappbots.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=327) and don't really have time/space for more - as cool as they are.

Quote from: granz on Mar 16, 2026, 07:59 AMArrghh! - NO! I was just about to jump on that Electronics Learning Lab when I remembered that I already have too many projects.

<snickers>  :-X

Quote from: Chris Savage on Mar 16, 2026, 11:46 AM<snickers>  :-X

Yep, I like the nuts and the caramel in Snickers bars.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Snickers-broken.png/500px-Snickers-broken.png)



;D  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D

Art,

I should have been more clear, I have the 500 in 1 Maxitronix kit, which is the kit that was difficult to find the books to work through the projects. The Maxitronix kit has a chip in the center of the board that can be "programmed" to teach some fundamentals of programming, as well as many other components. I did find some type of literature that flows with the Maxitronix kit pretty closely, but I don't recall what literature that is.

As far as the Radio Shack electronics learning lab, looks like I actually have 2 of them, I used several of the Forrest Mims publications to work through his books to learn how to use discrete components.

Quote from: Jason D. on Mar 16, 2026, 12:33 PMArt,

I should have been more clear, I have the 500 in 1 Maxitronix kit, which is the kit that was difficult to find the books to work through the projects. The Maxitronix kit has a chip in the center of the board that can be "programmed" to teach some fundamentals of programming, as well as many other components. I did find some type of literature that flows with the Maxitronix kit pretty closely, but I don't recall what literature that is.

Oh yeah, I saw that, and that is another one that I almost bought (still having to fight myself about wanting to spend the money :P .) The best that I was able to find out about the controller on that board is that it is a 4-bit computer. That probably means that it is a TI TMS-1000 series chip. Those were fairly common in these learning kits. The Radio Shack computer trainer used one of those for its on-board computer.

Quote from: Jason D. on Mar 16, 2026, 12:33 PMAs far as the Radio Shack electronics learning lab, looks like I actually have 2 of them, I used several of the Forrest Mims publications to work through his books to learn how to use discrete components.

Nice, two of those! :o Lucky guy.

Have you looked into "upgrading" them (like the guy on that sub-Reddit)? Maybe adding a Pico, an Arduino or even a full Raspberry Pi? There is a version of MMBASIC (the language on which the PicoMite is based) specifically for the Raspberry Pi; you can load a GPIO library before running the MMBASIC language and have full control of the GPIO pins. I can hardly wait for some time to put this on one of my Pi computers.

Another thing that I have seen, which may be interesting for you, is to connect them together. The DEC H-500 logic trainer (https://hackaday.io/project/170232-dec-h-500-computer-lab-reproduction) was like that - some people were able to gang a couple (few?) together to build a full CPU. Michael Gardi, the designer of that reproduction talked about doing that with his model. There is also a (much) cheaper version, built on a 4" X 4" board (able to get the ultra-cheap PCB build prices) at: https://www.instructables.com/CompuLab-a-DEC-H500-Inspired-Logic-Trainer/. That author also mentions ganging multiple boards to provide additional capabilities.

Art,

I dont really think about doing any projects anymore, I still take care of my wife everyday and I think her illness as surpassed any help from any electronics project I can accomplish, It takes a human to interact with her because humans have intuition.

However, I do think a lot about leaning how to control DC motors and learning there control system. I have made my wife a couple of stroller buggies with motors on them to climb a 15% grade hill with ease, so she can watch me do DownHill Mtb racing. I think I could benefit from walking next to the buggy instead of behind it so I can talk to my wife or look to make sure she is ok. That is hard to do when I'm 2 feet behind her using the controls to drive, steer, or brake the buggy. I'll see if I can attach a picture.

Woah, off-road wheelchair; nice.

So, what do you need in terms of help with walking next to Lisa, rather than behind her? Is there some kind of remote access (jack, or wireless of some kind) that you could tap into to hack another type of remote that you could carry while walking?


EDIT: If we continue this work on a remote for Lisa's chair, this should probably be moved to another thread. Until then, how could a Pico PDB, or another one of the "lab" boards above help you? Could we do a super-rapid design of an extremely portable version for you?

Quote from: Jason D. on Mar 17, 2026, 06:03 PMI have made my wife a couple of stroller buggies with motors on them to climb a 15% grade hill with ease, so she can watch me do DownHill Mtb racing.

Very nice work. I like the large wheels which would mitigate rough terrain.

Quote from: granz on Mar 14, 2026, 10:45 PMI was browsing the Raspberry Pi Pico subreddit, and came across this:

Is this possibly the perfect Pico prototype board?
https://www.reddit.com/r/raspberrypipico/comments/1rso62r/is_this_possibly_the_perfect_pico_prototype_board/
(https://preview.redd.it/is-this-possibly-the-perfect-pico-prototype-board-v0-p6lbw3q1ktog1.jpg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=18356c50ce7c5d1a61535ff4f0625ee4ebb34a09)

He placed a Pico in the middle of the breadboard and hooked it up to the different components on the module. It looks interesting, and somewhat like what you were describing for your PPDB project. I checked out eBay for any and saw one, with the original books from Forrest Mims - I met him and he is a pretty cool guy, and good at talking science. I am thinking of getting it.

While looking for that Electronics Learning Lab, and other things, I saw:
(https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/NvEAAeSwLE9poGTG/s-l300.webp)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/188098088174

This is a more modern version, and looks even more like the project that you described.

Any way, these might give you some more ideas/motivation on getting going in development of your idea.

How are you doing with this any way?

I swear I replied to this while ago.... those are both nice options.  Very nice, I esp like the 2nd one.

Quote from: Jason D. on Mar 17, 2026, 06:03 PMArt,

I dont really think about doing any projects anymore, I still take care of my wife everyday and I think her illness as surpassed any help from any electronics project I can accomplish, It takes a human to interact with her because humans have intuition.

However, I do think a lot about leaning how to control DC motors and learning there control system. I have made my wife a couple of stroller buggies with motors on them to climb a 15% grade hill with ease, so she can watch me do DownHill Mtb racing. I think I could benefit from walking next to the buggy instead of behind it so I can talk to my wife or look to make sure she is ok. That is hard to do when I'm 2 feet behind her using the controls to drive, steer, or brake the buggy. I'll see if I can attach a picture.

I hope you can figure something out, best wishes for the 2 of you.

Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Mar 18, 2026, 11:20 PMI swear I replied to this while ago.... those are both nice options.  Very nice, I esp like the 2nd one.

Yeah, the second one is really nice. I think it would be better with a more modern computer, like the PicoMite, but having the computer on board is good.

Quote from: granz on Jul 11, 2025, 03:34 PM37 Sensor Ultimate 37 in 1 Sensor Modules Kit for Arduino -

Looks like the HiLetgo 37 Sensor Assortment Kit for Arduino & Raspberry Pi (https://a.co/d/05YvmEXs) I saw on Amazon, so you got a great deal!

Quote from: granz on Jul 11, 2025, 03:34 PM37 Sensor Ultimate 37 in 1 Sensor Modules Kit for Arduino - https://www.ebay.com/itm/403662906589[/li][/list]

Quote from: Chris Savage on Mar 19, 2026, 08:54 AMLooks like the HiLetgo 37 Sensor Assortment Kit for Arduino & Raspberry Pi (https://a.co/d/05YvmEXs) I saw on Amazon, so you got a great deal!

Yeah, it looks very much alike. The eBay one is much cheaper (about half the price of HiLetGo's.) I have bought several items from HiLetGo (very strange name ;D ,) and they have always provided good stuff.

If you want one of these, and you are concerned about the quality, you may want to spend the bit extra for HiLetGo's products. Plus it's hard to beat Prime's free next-day shipping. Also, the HiLetGo sale from Amazon includes the storage box - the eBay one does not. The ones that I ordered from the above link showed up quickly, and seem to be okay  - although I haven't given them any real testing yet. It would probably be good to order the one that you mentioned, plus the one that I referenced to put into the plastic storage box - two is good. ;)

Quote from: granz on Mar 19, 2026, 03:59 PMIf you want one of these, and you are concerned about the quality, you may want to spend the bit extra for HiLetGo's products. Plus it's hard to beat Prime's free next-day shipping.

I got my assortment as part of a kit from RexQualis with the Arduino UNO R3. It also had the nice plastic box.

Quote from: Chris Savage on Mar 19, 2026, 05:19 PMI got my assortment as part of a kit from RexQualis with the Arduino UNO R3. It also had the nice plastic box.

Nice, I like those plastic storage boxes; I must have a dozen, or so, different kinds.

Quote from: Chris Savage on Mar 19, 2026, 08:54 AM

Quote from: granz on Jul 11, 2025, 03:34 PM37 Sensor Ultimate 37 in 1 Sensor Modules Kit for Arduino -

Looks like the HiLetgo 37 Sensor Assortment Kit for Arduino & Raspberry Pi (https://a.co/d/05YvmEXs) I saw on Amazon, so you got a great deal!

Lots of goodies in there.