Compass Lab

Adds a digital compass (HMC5883L/QMC5883L) so a robot knows which direction it is moving, which is useful for swarms of robots.

Kit photo coming soon

 

Key Features

  • Uses the HMC5883L / QMC5883L Compass
  • Uses the Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040
  • Uses the SSD1306 128×64 OLED

Key Benefits

  • Free, open lessons. The STEM Robots textbook has the kit page, wiring, and MicroPython code.
  • Classroom friendly. Built on a solderless breadboard or no-solder connectors.
  • Instant feedback. Students see their code's results on lights or a display.
  • Real-world data. Students read sensors and turn measurements into decisions.
  • Budget. About $2–$3 for the HMC5883L compass module on eBay (QMC5883L versions are $5–$8 in some listings); it is an add-on to a robot.

Parts

Part (price)Role
Raspberry Pi Pico ($4)Microcontroller
HMC5883L / QMC5883L CompassSensor
SSD1306 128×64 OLEDDisplay
830-Point Breadboard ($1.10)Breadboard
Micro-USB Data Cable ($2.50)Power and programming cable

Microcontroller listed first. Prices shown only where known; see the source book for quantities, wiring, and current prices.

About this kit: From the STEM Robots collection.
Source: STEM Robots