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The ProtoSnap LilyPad Development Board is a good way to introduce and explore e-textiles. This LabPack includes everything you need to get students programming and sewing their own LilyPad creations.
SparkFun packages everything educators need to get started with this platform in a number of varieties that fit different classroom settings and populations. The hardware boards, cables, and extra parts come pre-packaged. Examples and curriculum material are available from SparkFun and Arduino as well as from other educators involved in this growing educational movement.
The LabPacks are SparkFun's classroom entry point. By combining our ProtoSnap, LilyPad, SparkFun Inventors Kits or Arduino Compatible through-hole soldering kits with support materials SparkFun brings all the power of the open-source community to the classroom.
The Arduino programming environment is a free download making getting started as simple as opening your kits, opening a programming window on your computer, and loading example code to the microcontroller. Arduino is a model for the open source movement. All the basics in this C-based language are laid out in simple examples that students, teachers, and parents can understand and work with right from the start by accessing the example files in the programming environment. The community support offered by Arduino is second to none. Hundreds of examples of code are available for free online, and wiring examples for hardware are equally as easy to find. The Arduino hardware and software are C-based, and because of this they are easy to link to internet-based applications and common programs such as Excel, Matlab, LabView, and even POP3 mail applications. Also, Arduino has a free companion language, Processing, which gives users the ability to create very friendly interfaces that can graph, create gaming options, and do a dizzying amount of data visualization.
Note: This item may take longer to process due to battery installed in the equipment and therefore does not qualify for same-day shipping policy. Additionally, these batteries can not be shipped via Ground or Economy methods to Alaska or Hawaii. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Each LabPack Includes:
Whether it's for assembling a kit, hacking an enclosure, or creating your own parts; the DIY skill is all about knowing how to use tools and the techniques associated with them.
Skill Level: Noob - Basic assembly is required. You may need to provide your own basic tools like a screwdriver, hammer or scissors. Power tools or custom parts are not required. Instructions will be included and easy to follow. Sewing may be required, but only with included patterns.
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If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.
Skill Level: Rookie - You will need a better fundamental understand of what code is, and how it works. You will be using beginner-level software and development tools like Arduino. You will be dealing directly with code, but numerous examples and libraries are available. Sensors or shields will communicate with serial or TTL.
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If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.
Skill Level: Noob - You don't need to reference a datasheet, but you will need to know basic power requirements.
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We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.
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Does this kit come with lithium batteries for the lilypad dev board?
Yes, there are batteries for each board included.
Hello, how long this activity require? Is there a curriculum/activity guide? Thanks
This is a great deal for this product! But as an educator, I'm going to need 2-3 of these packs for my program. Since there appears to only be one in stock right now, approx. how long is the wait-time for re-stocking?
Because these don't sell quickly we don't tend to make more than 1 or 2 packs at a time. As long as we have the parts in stock it should only be a few days to assemble the pack, but email customerservice@sparkfun.com for more information on lead times.
It's really great that you're offering this all bundled up now! Are you ever planning to do the same with the LilyPad ProtoSnap Simple, though? We find it's much easier to introduce e-textiles to younger students when we're using the ProtoSnap Simple rather than the full ProtoSnap. It would also probably be a little cheaper. :)
What are the USB cables for? You would still need a FTDI programmer to talk to the LilyPad Arduino, correct?
Yup, and each protosnap board comes with an FTDI programmer. The USB cables would need to be purchased separately if buying all of the components individually.
I need this product. But, it is so expensive. Can you do me a sale? thanks
We do educator discounts! Email education@sparkfun.com for more info.
This is a great value compared to buying the components separately. I wish it came with IC hooks instead (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/501) as my students are tearing apart the contacts on their Lilypads. Additionally, smaller children, especially those with little hand strength or coordination find the alligator clips very hard to open.
I am thinking this purchase through very carefully. I agree with Member #522379. I would like to see a younger elementary (3/4 grade) kit that has 24 Lilypad ProtoSnap Simples, the conductive thread, the needle sets, some copper tape. Any chance?
I agree with Member #522379 and Member #522027- we need a lab set geared at the younger grades! Lilypad ProtoSnap Simples would make an excellent bundle.