I share my impression of how I spent several hours fascinatingly assembling a programmable constructor from Keyestudio. The set is a constructor with a large number of sensors, which will eventually turn into a solar panel with auto-detection of the position of the sun. In general, the assembly and configuration of all components took me about 4-5 hours. Additionally, I also note that this solar panel is capable of charging any device that consumes 5 volts. The constructor will definitely be able to please both teenagers and adults, and dip children into programming.
Equipment
In addition to the main box, wrapped in a layer of bubble wrap, the package arrives in a Keyestudio branded box. Unfortunately, even such a package was able to be battered by the mail: you can see a dent in one place (presumably, the box fell on some corner). On the front side of the box is a photo of the assembled construction set and a description of its features. Behind – a message from the manufacturer (additionally laid out the translation, using the translator program from the image).
The delivery set completely fills the package, so the parts do not scatter around the box during transportation
There is a piece of paper with a description of the constructor, a listing of all the details, instructions and a QR code, where you can download test sketches and instructions in electronic form (it’s also on the link).
The components are of the highest quality: black textolite with gold elements, high quality soldering, flux washed off.
The first box contains bolts, nuts and racks.
In the rest – all sensors: light, photoresistors, squeaker (buzzer), button, LED, temperature sensor, battery charging module, 5 Volt voltage converter (you can charge your smartphone and other peripherals), servos in the amount of 2 pieces, battery holder (size 18 650, not included), turntable and other necessary elements.
The body is made of acrylic, additionally packed in an additional film, which can be removed without problems (on the left is a photo in film, on the right is without). There are 4 additional wood elements.
Assembly
Despite the very detailed instructions, I decided to clarify some points in which you can make a mistake or assemble the model incorrectly. Each step in the instructions is represented by photographs.
1st level:
Level 2 (here I made a mistake: the humidity sensor had to be turned 180 degrees, which I subsequently did):
Combining levels on racks:
Next turntable:
FURTHER must be connected SECOND servo: connect it to pins D10. The servo wiring must match the yellow pin on the microcontroller.
Next – connect via cable (USB Type-B – Type-A, included) to the computer and launch the Arduino development environment (if not installed – there are an innumerable number of lessons on the Internet), then download each library (link – archive on Dropbox ).
Installing libraries: in the Arduino program, select Sketch – Include Library – Add .ZIP Library in the top menu. Perform such an action with each (5 libraries are required). PAYING ATTENTIONthat libraries need to be installed from this site. I had similar ones installed, but the constructor did not work correctly. After installing the libraries, you need to write the following code:
Next, select Tools – Com Port (select Arduino Uno) and select Board – Arduino Uno. Com port may be different. Ultimately it should be like this:
Compile (checkmark), if the compilation was completed without errors, press the firmware download button (arrow pointing to the right). The servo will have to turn a certain angle.
We disconnect the designer from the computer and continue to assemble the platform.
The servos come with attachments. We put one of them in the allotted place, tighten it with self-tapping screws and press in the servo drive with our fingers (the effort is quite large, but you should not overdo it so as not to damage the gear connection). Additionally, I recommend tightening the bolt.
Next, we fix the last part of the platform and tighten it with bolts
Next, we repeat the steps that were carried out with the second servo, with the first, connecting the contacts to the D9 pin line and using the following code:
Does the servo turn to the specified angle? We disconnect the constructor from the PC and install it on the platform (on which the nozzle in the form of + is installed), tighten it with a bolt. In the end, everything is put on the constructor itself.
Level with solar panel (solar panel is glued with double-sided tape):
Next, the part with the solar panel is installed on the turntable
The most inconvenient part of the job is connecting wires to certain contacts. The instructions describe in great detail which sensors to connect to which contacts. IMPORTANT! Do not mix contacts + (VCC, usually red) with — (Ground, usually black), since you can burn the modules themselves or the microcontroller.
After assembling all components, it is necessary to check the correctness of the assembly and the operability of all sensors and modules, for which lessons are downloaded (link to Dropbox):
- Lessons 1-3 can be skipped. They describe how to work with the simplest element – the LED;
- Lesson 4 – checking the buzzer (beep with a certain frequency);
- Lesson 5 – checking the display (outputting the text Hello, World on a seven-segment indicator);
- Lesson 6 – checking photoresistors (data output to the port monitor);
- Lesson 7 – checking the humidity and temperature sensor (data output to the port monitor);
- Lesson 8 – checking the light sensor (data output to the port monitor);
- Lesson 9 – checking servos;
- 11 is the final code of the finished constructor.
If you encounter problems during the check, you should double-check that the contacts are connected correctly.
As a result, we have the following design, which adapts to the light source. Unfortunately, there has been no sun in recent days, so I used a flashlight and a softbox with several lamps as sunlight.
The solar panel adapts quite accurately to the light source. The speed of position change can be adjusted by pressing the button (the value of res is displayed on the display), the higher the value, the faster the panel adapts to the sun’s rays, but jitter and unstable operation appear. I draw your attention to the fact that the solar panel adapts only to 1 light source, when several appear, the work is not entirely correct.
The temperature and humidity sensor shows a similar result with a hygrometer from Xiaomi.
As a leisurely charge for a smartphone or headphones, this platform is also suitable. It gives out 0.76A, after which the voltage sags significantly.
findings
The designer who gave me a lot of positive emotions and a wonderful evening. There are no complaints: the components are of high quality, the instructions are very detailed (minus – only in English, which can be solved in a few steps), accompanied by illustrations for each step, as well as checking each element after assembly to figure out what could be the problem. I highly recommend buying (at the time of publication there will be a good discount + Aliexpress coupons), an excellent New Year’s gift for yourself or your child.
You can buy the Keyestudio KS0530 solar panel in the official Keyestudio store (besides the panel, there are a lot of different kits).
In addition, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the collections of similar sets:
- 10 programmable electronic kits from Aliexpress
- 10 electronic designers on Arduino from Aliexpress
Thank you for your attention.