fj-hardware

The team from Spark take us through using various sensors for collecting data. We also talk about calibration, ethical and durability concerns

Syllabus

Setup

  • Getting started with the Spark Core (10 mins) NOTE: Could use Spark's existing video?
  • Embedded systems 101: what is an Arduino, what is a Spark Core? (10 mins)
  • Making a circuit on a breadboard (10 mins)
  • Setting up a sensor and producing data (example: light sensor) (10 mins)
  • Consuming and visualizing that data (example: Google Spreadsheets) (15-20 mins)

Intro: on a whiteboard, what types of things can I sense, what are some example use cases, and what sensors would I need? (10 mins)

Examples (5 mins each):

  • light (done above, don't need to do separately)
  • sound (decible meter for construction site, clapper) (10 mins)
  • water (flood preparation, gardening)
  • vibration (potholes, rough handling of packages)
  • chemicals ((localized water (dissolved O_2 and pH) and air quality))
  • biometrics (pulse)
  • geiger counter (radiation)

Other issues to consider (one video, 10 mins total, whiteboard):

  • Calibration
  • Durability
  • Power
  • Noise
  • Error reduction
  • Ethics

Parts