Prototyping Lab
Fall 2014 Classes in Microcontrollers and Robotics
We currently offer 4 courses in microcontrollers and robotics (plus, this fall, Robotics Laboratory (see below)). These are "project-based" courses, meaning that each lesson starts with a brief lecture, then the rest of the time is spent working through projects that exemplify the principles featured in that lesson. The courses are nominally 8 or 10 weeks long, including some work at home. If you haven't done this kind of work before, we strongly recommend you start with Introduction to Microcontrollers. Note: All the courses listed below require equipment. You can either use ours, for free (but you'll be limited to using it in the lab), or you can buy your own, which we recommend. Estimated costs are provided in each course description.
Introduction to Microcontrollers - An 8 week introduction to microcontrollers using the popular Arduino microcontroller. Kit is $60, or you can build your own.
Saturdays 9 to noon. Starts 6 September 2014, ends 25 October 2014.
Introduction to Robotics - Study of autonomous robotics using a behavioral robotics approach. Intro to Microcontrollers or other previous experience with Arduino microcontrollers is required before taking this class. Robot is about $80, ordered from Parallax.
Saturdays 9 to noon. Starts 6 September 2014, ends 25 October 2014.
Intermediate Microcontrollers A 10-week course in microcontrollers featuring PIC microcontrollers, and programming in both Assembly and C. Intro to Microcontrollers strongly recommended before taking this class. Plan on spending around $70 for the PicKit2 programmer and other supplies. Also bring a flash drive (or your own laptop).
Saturdays 9 to noon. Starts 6 September 2014, ends 8 November 2014.
Intermediate Robotics - Intro to Robotics strongly recommended before taking this class
We are not running the Intermediate Robotics class this spring. Instead we'll be running a Robotics Laboratory (see below).
Robotics Laboratory -This is an open laboratory. We'll be building Arduino robots, making robot bodies and parts, going deeper into behavioral robotics studies, and possibly developing neural networks. Obviously it will be very open-ended, so please come and contribute your expertise, or just play (like we're going to do). This is your opportunity to make parts with a 3D printer and/or laser cutter. If enough people are interested, we may run the Intro to Robotics course.
Photos and movies from previous ENGR 170 - 173 classes
Questions? Feel free to contact Duncan McGehee at duncan.mcgehee@gcccd.edu
