The S4A EDU controller is Arduino compatible with built in dual motor driver with Bluetooth. The pin configuration is compatible with S4A (Scratch for Arduino) V1.5 making this board an ideal choice for educators.
The S4A EDU controller is a compact, Arduino compatible with built in dual motor drivers. Each motor output is rated 2.5A. If the motor dirvers are not required then they can be disconnected by removing 4 jumpers. This allows pins D5, D6, D10, and D11 to be used for other purposes.
Most I/O pins are broken out with servo compatible 3 pin headers that can be used to supply power to your servos and sensors. The +V pins on the digital pins can be either +5V for powering digital sensors or connected directly to the battery for powering servos. The +V for the analog inputs is always +5V.
A communication header provides power and direct access to the processors RX and TX pins. This ia ideal for connecting a Bluetooth, GPS or LCD module with a serial inferface.
The board will work with input voltages from 6V to 9V. Reverse polarity protection prevents damage if the battery is connected the wrong way.
Scratch is a graphical language that allows young children to create program by dragging blocks about a Scratch program to interect with the real world.
Features:
1.Pin configuration is compatible with S4A (V1.5).
2.Arduino Uno Bootloader.
3.ATmega328P processor @ 16MHz with 32K FLASH, 2K SRAM and 1K EEPROM.
4.Dual motor driver rated at 2.5A per motor.
5.Motor controller pins can be isolated and used as standard digital and PWM pins.
6. 6V – 9V operation with reverse polarity protection.
7.Battery voltage monitor on A7.
8.Serial Communications / Bluetooth header.
9.CP2102 USB serial interface with Mini-B USB socket and 500mA PTC fuse.
10.Built in power Switch and Reset button.
11.Digital pins on servo compatible 3 pin headers with selectable voltage (+Battery or +5V).
12.Analog pins on servo compatible 3 pin headers with +5V and Gnd to power sensors.
13.D13 LED.
14.ISP header.
15.Mounting holes are 50mm x 25mm (aprox. 2″ x 1″) can use 3mm or 1/8th screws.
S4A with Bluetooth
S4A has fixed pin assignments so the pin arrangement of the PCB had to be changed to suit the S4A software. As you can see in the photo below, the Bluetooth module fits neatly on top allowing your robots to remain in contact with the S4A software on your PC as they roam about.
Arduino Compatibility
The board is completely compatible with the Arduino IDE.
Please select Arduino Pro or Pro Mini and ATmega328(5V,16MHZ) as the board type.
Now that the processor has been changed to the ATmega328P you can now use servos without loosing PWM for motor speed control.
The bluetooth option gives you wireless debugging and control although code still needs to be uploaded through the USB socket with the bluetooth module temporarily removed.
Scratch for arduino ( link —> http://s4a.cat/ ) – Graphical Programming Software
You may also need to install VCP (virtual com port) drivers for the CP2102 USB interface. You can download the
latest drivers from here:
http://www.silabs.com/products/mcu/Pages/USBtoUARTBridgeVCPDrivers.aspx
