Friday Product Post: First Come, First Servo-ed
The new version of the SparkFun Raspberry Pi Servo HAT is here in pHAT form, along with a new OBD-II device and TRRS connectors!
Hello and welcome, everyone! This week we have the new SparkFun Servo pHAT for Raspberry Pi, the White Panda OBD-II Interface from comma.ai, and TRRS and TRS connectors to improve your audio game! Let's jump in and take a closer look!
Servos with a smile!!
The SparkFun Servo pHAT for Raspberry Pi allows your Raspberry Pi to control up to 16 servo motors in a straightforward and uncomplicated manner via an I2C connection. Thanks to its I2C capabilities, this PWM HAT saves the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins, allowing you to use them for other purposes. The Servo pHAT also adds a serial terminal connection, which will allow you to bring up a Raspberry Pi without having to hook it up to a monitor and keyboard. We have provided a Qwiic connector for easy interfacing with the I2C bus using the Qwiic system, and a 4-pin header specifically for connecting to the Sphero RVR.
The comma.ai White Panda is a universal car interface for your car's OBD-II port. It allows you full access to the many communication buses of your car from a computer or a phone. Using the Panda with Cabana software (link in documents section) is like a Fitbit for your car – track your RPMs, MPG, cornering G-force, battery life and so much more. Panda also works as a CAN to USB adapter. Note: this is for advanced users only! It is possible to brick your car with this device if you don't know what you're doing. Additionally, it's best security practice that you not leave this plugged in to the OBD-II port when not in use.
TRRS connectors are the audio-style connectors that you see on some phones, MP3 players and development boards. TRRS stands for "Tip, Ring, Ring, Sleeve," which reflects the fact that, unlike a standard stereo connector, this actually has three conductors and a ground. Some devices use the extra conductor for a microphone (like hands-free headsets) or to carry a video signal (like in some MP3/MP4 players). If you're hacking on something that has a 4-conductor audio jack, being able to plug straight in will keep your build clean and simple.
We also feature a TRS Audio Plug if it better suits your needs.
That's it for this week! As always, we can't wait to see what you make! Shoot us a tweet @sparkfun, or let us know on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what projects you’ve made!
