The CardBoard Microcontroller can control one or two servomotors. A potentiometer or light sensor can be used to move 180-degree servos to a specific angular position, or change the speed and rotational direction of continuous servos. The board can also run servo(s) automatically, with direction, speed and range written into the Arduino program. Making use of the ATtiny85, the CardBoard is designed to be inexpensive and simple enough to use in classrooms and out-of-school programs, yet robust enough to travel and display with interactive PaperMech projects. This design requires some basic soldering, which can be done by learners or by educators beforehand. Learn how to build one yourself using the resources and video below.
How-To: CardBoard MicrocontrollerÂ
- DIY CardBoard Microcontroller – Handout with activity guide, templates, and materials list (pdf)
- CardBoard template for laser cutting or printing (pdf)
- Color Coded Wires – Wire lengths with ruler
- How to program an ATtiny85 for the CardBoard Microcontroller (google slides)
Arduino sketches for CardBoard Microcontroller
- Automatic movement of a 180-degree servo
- Potentiometer control of a 180-degree servo
- Photoresistor (light sensor) control of a 180-degree servo
- Automatic movement of a continuous (360 degree) servo
- Potentiometer control of a continuous (360 degree) servo
- Photoresistor (light sensor) control of a continuous (360-degree) servo
- Arduino Library for Servo Control
Arduino sketches can be modified to control how far and fast a servo moves, or how it responds to inputs like a potentiometer (dial) or photoresistor (light sensor).