Hardware for Biomaker Expansion Kit

In 2019, we introduced a new Biomaker Starter Kit, which is more compact and lower cost than the Mk I version (see details). The kit contains an extended Arduino board, components, small prototyping board and programmable display. It is based on the Open-Smart Rich UNO R3 board, which contains a variety of embedded components, including sensors, 7-segment 4 digit display, real-time clock, touch sensors, buzzer, mp3 player with microSD card holder and expansion shield. Importantly, the connections to the embedded components can be turned off using a DIP switch. The board is Arduino UNO compatible, and can be programmed directly from XOD.

Rich UNO R3 documentation

Click here to download the board manual (4.9 MB PDF).
Click here to download the board circuit diagram (805 KB, PDF)
Click here to download the MP3 player manual (665 KB, PDF)

Download Arduino IDE software library for Rich Uno R3 board:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B6uNNXJ2z4CxWjcybmpFOUprRWc

Arduino.cc - guide to setting up the Rich UNO R3:
https://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=541297.0 

Arduino Learning review of Rich UNO R3 board:
http://arduinolearning.com/hardware/look-open-smart-rich-uno-r3-atmega328p-development-kit.php

Serial MP3 player manual:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B6uNNXJ2z4CxWjcybmpFOUprRWc

Rich UNO R3 circuit diagram:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B6uNNXJ2z4CxWjcybmpFOUprRWc

OPEN-SMART Rich UNO R3: onboard components

1. Type B USB connector, consistent with Arduino UNO R3, for ruggedness and long service life. USB interface driver chip: CH340G, compatible with win7, win8, linux, MAC OS. Use Arduino UNO bootloader

2. Onboard 500mA resettable fuse to protect power supply from the USB port and the DC jack at the same time.

3. 4 digit display: 4 digit tube (0.36 inches) which can display the clock point, it needs D10/D11 pins to control and display the integer, clock, stopwatch, score, etc.

4. Peizoelectric buzzer

5. DS1307 clock: based on DS1307 high-precision real-time clock module, I2C interface, the address is 0x68.

6. LM75 temperature sensor: I2C interface temperature sensor, not only can measure the temperature, it can also set the temperature protection temperature, the address is 0x48.

7. Infrared receiver: use D2 pin, It can receive the modulated infrared signal of 38KHz that is sent by the IR transmitter module and demodulate it into logic level, and it can complete the infrared remote control with the codec program.

8. Reset switch

9. 4-CH touch sensor: capacitive touch switch, only when you touch the corresponding position with your fingers, the module corresponding pin (D3 / D4 / D5 / D6) will output high level, otherwise it outputs low.

10. Onboard DIP switch, you can disconnect the connection between the peripheral module on the board and the Atmega328P.

11. Microcontroller: Atmel ATmega328P, working voltage: 5V, working current: 500mA (Max), IO logic voltage: 5V, 100% compatible with Arduino UNO R3 program, expansion shields, IDE.

12. Rotation angle sensor: 10K ohm adjustable potentiometer knob angle sensor, use A0 pin, can be used for MP3 volume adjustment, 4-digit display brightness adjustment.

13. Onboard Arduino Shield interface, can plug in compatible expansion shields.

14. Serial MP3: MP3 music player module is based on high-quality MP3 music chip, use D7 / D8 pins to be software serial port, you can send commands to switch songs, change the volume and play mode and other operations.

    The board kit contains TF card, speaker, CR1220 battery, infrared remote control, and these are the necessary accessories for MP3, DS1307, infrared receiver.

Video tutorials

OPEN-SMART extended kit components

Further, the board is available with a kit of components that includes a wide range of sensors and displays. The kit includes: the Arduino board and: IO Shield, Voltage sensor, Ultrasonic sensor, Touch sensor, Water sensor, PIR motion sensor, Rocker switch, NTC sensor, Light sensor, Slide Potentiometer, Vibration motor, Passive buzzer, Speaker, 8 LED bar, Eagle eyes LED, I2C 1602 LCD, 4-Digit display, microSD card (256MB), CR1220 button battery (40mAh), Infrared Remote Control (with one CR2032 battery), Micro SD card adapter, Infrared emitter, 40pin female to female cable, USB cable (50cm).

This wide range of sensors, actuators and displays can be programmed from XOD and form the basis for an extended set of tutorials - as well as provide parts for new applications.

Water sensor: easy to use moisture sensor module. Under normal circumstances, if the module does not touch the water line, water droplets or conductive objects, the signal pin of the module is held high by a 1M ohm pull-up resistor. When the module is exposed to water or rain droplets then that becomes low.
Specifications: Operating voltage: DC3.3-5.5V. Operating current: less than 20mA. Dimension: 4.1 x 2.2cm

NTC Thermistor sensor line + adapter module: can be used to measure temperature directly in water. Widely used in temperature monitoring for indoor, outdoor, greenhouse, etc. You can plug the sensor onto the adapter module directly.
Specifications: Working voltage: 2.2~12V DC. Working current: 0.5mA (max). Measuring range: -30~120℃. Accuracy: ±2% (4℃~50℃), ±3% (-15℃~80℃). B value: 3950K. R25: 10Kohm. Sampling resistor parameters: 10k ohm, 0.1%, 10ppm. Sensor connector: XH2.54-2P. Lead length: 1m. Adapter output connector: standard electronic brick interface, 2.54mm-3P header

Ultrasonic sensor: distance measuring module for non-contact measurement. It has high measurement accuracy and its blind area is close (up to 2cm).
Specifications: Arduino library ready: HCSR04Ultrasonic. Working voltage: 3-5.5VDC. Static current: less than 2 mA. IO logic voltage: 3.3V / 5V. Induction angle: not more than 15 degrees. Detection range: 2-400 cm. Accuracy: 3mm. Adopt IO trigger through supplying at least 10us sequence of high level signal. The module automatically send eight 40khz square wave and automatically detect whether receive the returning pulse signal.

Touch sensor: The module is based on a touch detection IC (TTP223-BA6), and the touch IC is in trigger mode (Toggle Mode). On power-up , the module sends a low or high output level (set by the board toggle switch ), the mode for low power mode ; touch of a finger when the corresponding position , the module will output the opposite level ( ie, the original output High , after touching a low output ; originally output low , after touching a high output ) , the mode is switched to fast mode ; when for 12 seconds without touching , the mode and switch to low-power mode. The module can be installed in such as plastic, glass surface non-metallic materials, in addition to the thin paper ( non-metallic ) covering the surface of the module , as long as the correct location of the touch , you can make hidden in the walls, desktops and other places buttons, switches. This module allows you to dispense conventional mechanical push buttons, switches troubles. Control Interface: A total of three pins (GND, VCC, SIG), GND to ground, VCC is the power supply, SIG digital signal output pin, the power-output high; Power light: Green LED, a power that is properly lit; Touch area: Similar to a fingerprint icon inside the area, you can touch the trigger finger. Selector switch: When the handle appropriated L side, it is set to the power output low; Similarly, when appropriated H side, the power output high. 
Specifications: Low power consumption. Power supply for 2 ~ 5.5V. Positive and negative can be used as a touch surface , DC can be an alternative to traditional self-locking switch.

Voltage sensor: The voltage detection module is based on the principle of the resistor divider. The measured voltage can be reduced, so that the ADC pin of ar duino board can detect the voltage value after reduction, and the measured voltage can be calculated. Sampling resistor which is precision resistors, precision of 0.5% and a temperature coefficient of 50PPM, in order to effectively ensure the detection accuracy.
Specifications: Measurement Accuracy<= 1%. Measurement range up to 25 VDC.

Slide potentiometer: module with 3P-2.54MM interface incorporates a linear variable resistor with a maximum resistance of 10K ohm. When you move the slider from one side to the other, its output voltage will range from 0 V to the VCC you apply.Especially suitable for volume control, lighting regulator and other DIY projects.
Specifications: Working voltage: 3~12V DC. Working Current: 0.24mA. Slide stroke: 30mm.

Rocker switch: module is based on two feet 2 files rocker switch control module, the output of a switch, the switch that outputs a high level when you press the ON side, that output low when pressing the OFF side. Suitable for 3.3V and 5V.

Vibration motor: This is a mini vibration motor suitable as a non-audible indicator. When the input is HIGH, the motor will vibrate just like your cell phone on silent mode.
Specifications: Rated Voltage: 5.0VDC. Working Voltage: 3.0 - 5.3VDC. Rated Rotate Speed: Min. 9000RPM. Rated Current: Max. 60mA. Starting Current: Max. 90mA. Starting Voltage: DC 3.7V. Insulation Resistance: 10Mohm

PIR motion sensor: HC-SR501 human infrared sensor module is based on infrared technology, automatic control products. High sensitivity, high reliability, low power consumption, ultra-low voltage operation mode. Widely used in various auto-sensing electrical equipment, especially battery-powered automatic control products. Infrared sensor with control circuit board, the sensitivity and holding time can be adjusted
Specifications: Working Voltage Range: DC 4.5V- 20V. Current drain:<60uA. Voltage Output: High/Low level signal:3.3V TTL output. Detection distance: 3--7M(can be adjusted). Detection range: <140°. Delay time: 5-200S(can be adjusted, default 5s +-3%). Blockade time: 2.5 S (default). Trigger: L: Non-repeatable trigger H: Repeat Trigger (default). Work temperature:-20-+80°C.

Light sensor: The Light sensor module uses the GL5528 photoresistor to detect the light intensity of the environment. The resistance of the sensor decreases when the light intensity of the environment increases. The chip LM358 is used as a voltage follower to enable you get a accurate data.
Specifications: Low power consumption.

Infrared emitter: module is based on the infrared emission infrared emission control module 940, the infrared signal emitted by the transmitter tube 940nm wavelength, the signal can be acquired by an infrared receiver module is a few meters away and demodulation, encoding and decoding process can be achieved with the remote control function.
Specifications: Level control interface, power supply for 5V or 3.3V

Dupont line 1*40P: hook-up wires.

MicroSD card adapter: The module is a Micro  SD card reader module, and the SPI interface via the file system driver,  microcontroller system to complete the Micro SD card read and write files. Users can directly use the Arduino IDE comes with an SD card to complete  the library card initialization and read-write. Supports Micro SD Card, Micro SDHC card (high-speed card). The level conversion circuit board that can interface level is 5V or 3.3V. Communication interface is a standard SPI interface. Control Interface: A total of six pins (GND, VCC, MISO, MOSI, SCK, CS), GND to ground, VCC is the power supply, MISO, MOSI, SCK is the SPI bus, CS is the chip select signal pin; 3.3V regulator circuit: LDO regulator output 3.3V as level converter chip, Micro SD card supply; Level conversion circuit: Micro SD card into the direction of signals into 3.3V, MicroSD card toward the direction of the control interface MISO signal is also converted to 3.3V, general AVR microcontroller system can read the signal.
Specificatons: 4.5V - 5.5V, 3.3V voltage regulator circuit board. Positioning holes: 4 M2 screws positioning hole diameter of 2.2mm. Size:45 x 28mm. Net weight:6g.

4 digit display: The module is based on a decimal point display module, it displays four digital tube (0.36 inches), and driver IC is TM1637, only two signal lines can make MCU control four Digit 8-segment LED. Can be used to display decimal, letters and so on.
Specifications: 4 digit red alpha-numeric display with decimal point; Working voltage: 3.3~5.5V DC; Working current: 80mA (MAX);

Passive buzzer: This is 5V passive buzzer module, and it is a piezoelectric speaker. The user can set the PWM output frequency and duration to produce different tones, beats according to the song numbered musical notation.
Specifications: Operating voltage: 3.3 - 5.2VDC. Operating Current: 25mA (max).

IO expansion shield: The Sensor Shield ( IO expansion board ) is compatible with Ar duino UNO / Leonardo / Mega2560. It is a connection bridge between the electronic building block modules and the Arduino board. It extends SPI interface, UART interface, I2C interface, PWM interface and analog interface of Arduino board, so DIY enthusiasts, ar duino interactive designers can quickly attach the modules to the Arduino board and accelerate project development. Compatible with Arduino UNO R3, Leonardo R3, Mega2560 R3. On-board reset circuit, power and reset indicator.

LED bar module: This is an LED display module with 8 LEDs on-board, and low level can light the corresponding LED. Especially suitable for MCU IO test and experiments, multi-channel wireless control indicators.
Specifications: Operating voltage: 3 - 5.5VDC. Operating Current: 24mA (max). Active level: High level. Number of LEDs: 8. Display colours: yellow-green (D0 / D1), blue (D2 / D3), yellow (D4 / D5), red (D6 / D7)

Eagle eye LED module: The module is a high efficiency green piranha LED module. Give a high signal to light up the Piranha LED.
Specifications: Power supply 3.3 ~ 5.5V DC. High drive currents needed.

I2C 1602 LCD module: The module is a 2 line 16 character LCD module with I2C interface and it is a basic character LCD screen for lots of applications.It is compatible with Ar duino UNO R3 / Mega2560 and it can be used to display real time clock, temperature and humidity.
Specifications: I2C Address: 0x27. Resolution: 80 * 16. Display Size: 2.6 inch. Power: 4.5~5.5V. Current: 80mA. Interface level: 5V.

Additional components

Prototyping shield

Used in conjunction with the Arduino board, the ProtoShield prototype expansion board can be used to assemble custom circuits for prototyping It allows direct mounting of soldered components on the board, or connection through a mini breadboard. The breadboard is mounted via double-sided adhesive tape. The ProtoShield prototype expansion board with two buttons and two LED circuit can be used directly, all of the pins and the power leads are Arduino-compatible. Features: 2 general LEDs & 2 switches on Arduino prototype shield,

Components were sourced from Open-Smart:
https://open-smart.aliexpress.com

4D Systems programmable touchscreen

We wil also provide a programmable touchscreen, such as the 4D Systems Gen4 µLCD 3.2” resistive touch screen. This intelligent display provides a microcontroller and touch screen that can be customised to display user interface elements for visualisation of data (e.g. gauges) or graphical input (e.g. switches, sliders). Graphical elements can be laid out using the free 4D Systems Workshop4 IDE, and downloaded to the display, which can then interact with an Arduino board via serial connection.

The uLCD-32PTU-AR customises the µLCD Display specifically for interfacing with the Arduino, to provide a quick and easy interface without any wiring hassles. The Arduino Display Module Pack enables an Arduino user to quickly connect the 4D Arduino Adaptor Shield to their Arduino, connect the 5 way cable between the Adaptor and the Display Module, and be connected in seconds to start programming their new 4D Systems Display. The µLCD-32PTU-AR has a comprehensive range of serial commands ready to be received from the Arduino, to draw primitives such as lines, rectangles, circles and text, displaying images, playing sound and logging data to uSD card. It can utilise the Arduino's UART Serial Port and a single Digital pin. 4D Systems also provides a graphical programming environment, Workshop4 ViSi-Genie, for the code-free assembly of sophisticated user interfaces. You can find more information about this on the following page.

Click to download the spec sheet for the 4D Systems Gen4-µLCD-32DT touch screen (2.5 MB PDF)

Click to download an introduction to codeless programming of the intelligent display (3.6 MB PDF).

For more information, see https://totemmaker.net/product/totem-maker-kit/

Hardware suppliers:

Rich UNO R3 board and interface kit:
Current price: around £30/$40 per kit with international shipping.

DX-Dealextreme - https://www.dx.com/p/open-smart-rich-uno-r3-atmega328p-development-sensor-module-kit-472696#

AliExpress - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Rich-UNO-R3-Atmega328P-Development-Board-Sensor-Module-Kit-for-Arduino-with-IO-Shield-MP3-DS1307/32822090848.html

4D Systems Gen4 µLCD 3.2” resistive touch screen:
Current Price: around £50/$70 per kit

RS online: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/lcd-colour-displays/12580202

Additional information:

Arduino Learning review:
http://arduinolearning.com/hardware/look-open-smart-rich-uno-r3-atmega328p-development-kit.php

Arduino.cc - setting up the Rich UNO R3
https://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=541297.0

Getting started

This page describes resources and procedures required to get up and running with the 2020 Biomaker starter kit, with instructions on how to:

(i) Install hardware drivers to allow communication between your laptop computer and the Arduino board through the USB ports. The Arduino board uses a specialised semiconductor chip (CH340 family) that manages the USB-serial communication. This requires a particular software driver. Modern versions of Mac and Windows operating systems include the driver, but this must be downloaded and installed if missing.

(ii) The visual programming environment, XOD, is open source and can be downloaded and installed from the XOD website. The standard XOD code libraries are held online, and regularly updated automatically from within the XOD software package.

(iii) A simple program (called a patch) can be constructed by connecting graphical modules (nodes). We show how to build a simple patch that will control the flashing of a light emitting diode (LED) on the Arduino board. The patch can then be downloaded to the board, to test the software installation and USB connection.

(iv) The XOD enviroment can be used to select and modify existing nodes by setting parameter values - for example to change the intensity and rate of LED flashing, as a first introduction to visual programming.

Requirements: (i) Computer running MacOS, Windows or Linux (.rpm or .deb), (ii) Biomaker starter kit (2019-2020 version), (iii) internet connection.

Step 1: Install XOD

Download the appropriate version of the XOD development environment from https://xod.io/downloads/.

The XOD development environment is relatively new, and doesn’t yet have built-in support for as wide range of hardware as the Arduino IDE. However, the level of support is increasing rapidly, and in addition, XOD provides a number of ways for building drivers for new hardware.

The Biomaker Starter Kit includes the Rich UNO R3 microcontroller board (Open-Smart, Shenzhen). The board alone provides a series of input and output devices that can be controlled directly in XOD, and we also provide a kit of separate components that allow expansion of the board. A software driver may be required to allow communication between your computer and the board (if not already installed).

Step 2: Install the USB driver

The Rich UNO R3 board uses the CH340G USB interface driver chip, which is compatible with Windows, Linux and MAC OS, but is different from that used in the Arduino UNO. A different software driver is required, and information and links for download can be found at https://kig.re/2014/12/31/how-to-use-arduino-nano-mini-pro-with-CH340G-on-mac-osx-yosemite.html.

The manufacturer’s (Chinese language) site is at: http://www.wch.cn/download/ch341ser_mac_zip.html

General “getting started” information can be found at: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/HomePage - to help with the installation.

Step 3: Download the tutorial software

Click here to download a series of software patches that can be used for these tutorials. A file named BiomakerTutorial1.tarball should be downloaded to your computer. Open this file in XOD. You should see a new item appear, which should contain a list of tutorial patches.

Download XOD code for Biomaker tutorial

Version 2019.01 - the XOD code is in the process of being upgraded and extended, revisit ahead of the 2019 Biomaker launch.

Step 4: Connect the Open Smart board

Plug in the Rich UNO R3 board to your computer with the provided USB cable.

Step 5: Testing the board and connection

There is an onboard LED that can be used to provide a visible output. It is positioned adjacent to the power LED (between the USB connector and 4-digit display), and connected to output D13. The LED node can be used in a XOD patch to control the flashing of this LED - as a simple test to check setup of the board and software. See Tutorial 1 for more information.

More spectacular LED output can be arranged by plugging in the LED module that can be found in the Biomaker Starter Kit. This can be facilitated by use of the expansion shield and leads in the kit.