My First Microcontroller with AST Space

Small but mighty.

That's how you describe microcontroller boards like the Arduino Uno. Microcontrollers are the small, single chip computers designed to be the brains of products we use every day. They are used in embedded systems and can be found everywhere from our cars and refrigerators, to watches and HVAC systems.

Join HackLafayette as we explore the AST Space Microcontroller Starter Kit, which includes an Arduino Uno compatible microcontroller board, a custom designed hardware module with sensors, and several other component boards for running experiments. Special guest and kit developer Xiaotian Chen, from the AST team, will be leading us through exercises building three circuits that involve a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a proximity sensor, and an LCD screen. No programming experience needed to participate. We'll have 8 kits available to play with and give away at the end.

AST Space is a multidisciplinary community open lab comprised of artists, makers, developers, designers, scientists, and others. Their goal is share knowledge and turn people's ideas into reality. The space is supported by the Zhejiang Association for Sci & Tech, ZJ University, and the China Academy of Art.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Do I need to bring a computer?

We'll be using a computer lab at Purdue University (SC 183). You will not need to bring your own computer to participate in the event, but you can bring one if you want help installing the software and getting the Arduino connected.

2. Do I need a Purdue University Computer account?

If you don't have a Purdue University computer account (ie. you are not a student, staff, or faculty) we will get you a temporary computer account you can use to login to the computers. Use the form at the link below to give your consent to us sharing your first name, last name, and email address with the university so they can create the temporary account for you.

Temporary Account Signup: https://forms.gle/UPkkE1zroMYbqyDN7

3. Is there close parking?

Parking is available in the University Street Parking garage, on University Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets. https://goo.gl/maps/8zp4w1RG7dJh3QKT9