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Motion Detection Explorer Kit

Motion Detection Explorer Kit

A boxed kit for learning how robots sense motion with the MPU6050 MEMS accelerometer/gyroscope, with readings shown on an OLED.

Source book: STEM Robots
Kit page: https://dmccreary.github.io/stem-robots/kits/imu-mpu6050/
Printable one-pager: imu-mpu6050-one-pager.html

Features

  • Uses the HMC5883L / QMC5883L Compass
  • Uses the MPU6050
  • Uses the Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040
  • Uses the SSD1306 128×64 OLED

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 $15 (MPU6050 module about \(1–\)3, 0.96" OLED about $4.40; Pico $4, breadboard $2, wires $1, USB cable $2), plus the box.

Parts

  • Raspberry Pi Pico ($4) — Microcontroller
  • HMC5883L / QMC5883L Compass — Sensor
  • MPU6050 — Sensor
  • SSD1306 128×64 OLED — Display
  • 830-Point Breadboard ($1.10) — Breadboard
  • Micro-USB Data Cable ($2.50) — Power and programming cable