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Study Buddy Kit

Kit photo needed

We don't have a photo of the assembled kit yet. The image below shows a key part.

Key part: mini speakers (store listing)

Key part: mini speakers (store listing)

The smartwatch-display clock kit with a speaker added and study-focused modes, with new modes and quiz decks downloaded over WiFi.

Source book: Clocks and Watches
Kit page: https://dmccreary.github.io/clocks-and-watches/kits/study-buddy/
Printable one-pager: study-buddy-one-pager.html

Features

  • Lab: Architecture
  • Lab: Features
  • Lab: Pack Formats
  • Lab: Audio
  • Lab: Roadmap and Risks
  • Lab: Guide to Multicore Processing on the Study Buddy

Benefits

  • Free, open lessons: the Clocks and Watches textbook has the kit page, wiring, and MicroPython code.
  • Ready-made curriculum: 6 additional lab pages walk students through the build step by step.
  • Wireless-ready: the Pico W option adds Wi-Fi for time sync and web projects.
  • Instant feedback: students see their code's results on lights or a display.
  • Budget: about $19 with a $6 AliExpress display, or about $35 with an eBay display (the 2.1" round display runs about $22 on eBay). Includes Pico W $5, breadboard $2, wires $1, USB cable $2, and a small speaker about $3.

Parts

  • Raspberry Pi Pico W ($5) — Microcontroller with Wireless
  • 74HC595 Shift Register — Output expander
  • GC9B72 Smartwatch Display ($5.39) — Display
  • MAX98357A I2S Amplifier ($0.99) — Audio amplifier
  • PCM5102 I2S DAC — Audio amplifier
  • Piezo Buzzer / Speaker — Sound output
  • WS2812B NeoPixels — LEDs
  • 830-Point Breadboard ($1.10) — Breadboard
  • Micro-USB Data Cable ($2.50) — Power and programming cable