Thursday, January 16, 2014

Raspberry Pi: 37 Sensors and Output devices for less than $100


I saw this in my daily eBay alert, and just HAD to post it (already ordered one :-)
I will copy the pertinent information directly from the listing (with some interesting translation, note that the "hydrargyrum-switch sensor" is probably a "mercury-switch sensor").

This is the seller's "store" in case the listing goes away, they have a lot of other interesting stuff, including Arduino):

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New SunFounder 37 modules Raspberry Pi Sensor Kit ,T-Cobbler

This new 37 Modules Sensor Kit provides all kinds of funny and completed modules for Raspberry Pi open source fans. These modules will output valuable signals directly by connecting Raspberry Pi Board. It is extremely easy for RPi fancier to control and use these modules. This kit will help you control the physical world with sensors.

Specification:

1.Passive Buzzer Module
2.common-cathode RED&GREEN LED Module
3.Knock sensor module
4.Shock-switch sensor Module
5.Photo resistor sensor Module
6.Push button Module
7.tilt-switch Module
8.RGB LED Module
9.infrared-transmit Module
10.RGB LED Module
11.hydrargyrum-switch sensor Module
12.two-color commoncathode LED Module
13.Active buzzer Module
14.Analog-temperature sensor Module
15.Colorful Auto-flash Module
16.Magnet-ring sensor Module
17.Hall sensor Module
18.Infrared-receive sensor Module
19.Analogy-Hall sensor Module
20.Magic-ring Module
21.Rotate-encode Module
22.Light break sensor Module
23.Finger-Pulse sensor Module
24.Magnetic spring Module
25.Obstacle avoidance sensor Module
26.Tracking sensor Module
27.Microphone sensor Module
28.Laser-transmit Module
29.Relay Module
30.18b20 temperature sensor Module
31.Digital-Temperature sensor Module
32.Linear-Hall Sensor Module
33.Flame sensor Module
34.High-sensitive voice sensor Module
35.humiture sensor Module
36.Joystick PS2 Module
37.touch sensor Module
38.400 Point Breadboard
39.Jump Wire x65
40.T-Cobbler with 26-Pin GPIO Cable
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Looks like a pretty good deal, free shipping from Hong Kong. If you had to go and source all of those items separately, would cost a lot more I am sure (if you could even get them in one of quantities).

I have bought a number of items from Hong Kong (even some from mainland China) without a problem, although shipping times can be a bit long. If it is a no show, eBay will refund you anyway (if you meet all the terms and conditions).

When I get it I will post a review.

EDIT 1: I actually found a review here for the Arduino version of the package. Looks like the hardware is not too bad, but documentation a little skimpy and code samples not the best.

EDIT 2: I received this item in about 2 weeks. Here is the box they came in:





Here is the rather meager documentation. The small item in the lower left is a little booklet that gives the pinouts for each device:



And here are the contents of the box spread out on the table:


The sensors all look of reasonable quality parts and workmanship, the raspberry pi to breadboard adapter does not fit perfectly to the small breadboard power supply rails, I had to bend the power supply pins a bit to make it fit, but it seems to connect. I ended up taking off the yellow plastic spacers and bending the pins 30 degrees one way, then back and the fit is better:




There is a website referenced in the documents  www.sunfounder.com  but there does not seem to be anything there. I emailed the seller, and he responded within a day that there is no specific documentation and code examples for the Raspberry Pi (they are working on it). The only documentation is the version for the Arduino:



I have taken a look at it, and there is a detailed PDF that describes each part, and gives some example Arduino code. By reverse engineering the Arduino code, you should be able to get them working on a Raspberry Pi with the language of your choice, but this is not a project for the newbie, IMHO. Some of the sensors are a simple digital 1/0 value, others are an analog value and others are a more complex protocol. When I get some code going, I will post it here.

Also make note that they all seem to be 5 volt supply and signals, so you will have to convert the logic levels from 3.3 to 5 volts. Also, the Raspberry Pi does not have direct Analog inputs, so you will have to use an external PICAXE or another A/D converter chip. 

He also offered to replace the breadboard adapter, but I don't think that I will bother at this time. I have to admit that I was rather amazed by the speedy and friendly email response, the vendor is clearly trying hard to provide customer satisfaction. 



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1 comment:

  1. I just got this same kit; well, minus the nice blue plastic case. I didn't have any issues with connecting the extension board (mine says v2.2) but I was just curious what (if any) advancements you've made with this?

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