JACDAC

The Calliope mini 3 is equipped with two Jacdac connectors, allowing diverse modules to be connected and used together. Jacdac also enables direct interaction via WebUSB with a connected computer – for example, connect a buzzer with LED rings and potentiometers.

Developer/Provider:Microsoft Research
Calliope mini Version:V3
Editor:MakeCode
Extension:https://github.com/microsoft/pxt-jacdac
Browser:Requires WebUSB, e.g., Chrome, Chromium, Brave, Edge

Simple measurement, control, and live data reading

Display and control of modules in real-time.

Plug and Play - Simple, intuitive connection of modules.

Series and parallel connection of modules possible.

How It Works

Establishing a WebUSB Connection

To use modules in real-time, a WebUSB connection must be established between the Calliope mini and the browser.

Adding Programming Blocks

The programming blocks for connected modules are added via the “Add Blocks" button and appear in the Jacdac "Modules" category.

Adding the Extension

Select and add the Jacdac extension.

Transfer the Program

To identify Jacdac modules, the program, including the Jacdac extensions, must be transferred to the Calliope mini once.

Jacdac Extensions Starter Box I

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Video Instructions

Contents:
1 x Slider
1 x Rotary Button
1 x RGB Ring
2 x Key Cap Buttons
1 x Magnetic Sensor
1 x Hub
1 x Light Sensor
5 x Cables

Jacdac Extensions Starter Box II

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Video Instructions

Contents:
1 x Ultrasonic Sensor
1 x Acceleration Sensor
1 x Hub
1 x Relay
1 x Power
1 x Environmental Sensor
1 x Vibration Module
2 x Servo (360°, 180°)
1 x RGB Strip (30 x LED)
5 x Cables


Starter Box I: Slider


Value Range (%): 0-100

The position of the slider (potentiometer) can be queried.

Program Code

Starter Box I: rotary button


Starting Position: 0
Clockwise: increases the value by 1
Counterclockwise: decreases the value by -1

The position of the rotary button can be queried.

Program Code

Starter Box I: RGB Ring


Brightness Range: 0 - 100
Turn Off: Brightness = 0

For high brightness, we recommend additionally connecting the Power Module.
Brightness between 10-20 runs smoothly without the Power Module.

Illuminate RGB LEDs together or separately.
Address LEDs: all or 0-7

Program Code

Starter Box I: Key Cap Button


A button can be pressed, held, and released.

Program Code

Example: Button with two states.

Starter Box I: Magnetic Sensor


Value Range (%): 0 - 100

The two blocks are event blocks.
A continuous display is solved via the continuous loop.

Program Code

Starter Box I: Light Sensor


Value Range (%): 0 - 100

Program Code

Starter Box II: Ultrasonic Sensor


Value Range (Meters): 0 - 3.50m

Program Code

Starter Box II: Acceleration Sensor


The acceleration sensor can measure acceleration and detect various movements.

Program Code

Starter Box II: Relay


The Jacdac relay is designed for applications with low voltage (max. 5V) and low current (max. 1A). Use the relay only under adult supervision.

Example plant station: A pump is controlled by the relay once an hour.

Program Code

Here's the translation of the text:

StartBox II: Environmental Sensor


The environmental sensor measures temperature in degrees Celsius and relative humidity (RH) in percent.

Program code

StartBox II: Vibration Motor


The vibration motor is controlled by various vibration sequences. Try ".", "-" (dash), " " (space), "_" (underscore), "=" (equals), "'" (apostrophe), and "," (comma). The power module is necessary for using the vibration motor. Connect the power module via Jacdac to the Calliope mini and the vibration motor, and plug in another power source (max. 1A) via the USB-C port.

The vibration motor must be powered by the power module.

Program code

StartBox II: Servo


The servo module provides blocks for controlling 180° and 360° (continuous) servomotors.

The power module is necessary for using the servo module. Connect the power module via Jacdac to the Calliope mini and the servo module, and plug in another power source (max. 1A) via the USB-C port.

The servo module must be powered by the power module.

Program code

StartBox II: RGB Strip


In strong brightness, we recommend additionally connecting the power module. Brightness between 10-20 runs smoothly without the power module.

Program code

For more information: https://microsoft.github.io/jacdac-docs/