As a dedicated Sunday School Teacher, I passionately engage with our children to help them learn the Books of the Bible in chronological order. Recently, I came up with the idea of using a friend's CNC Router to carve the Books onto a 4" x 3" oak sheet, alongside a slot for an input push button and a corresponding hole for a green light to indicate a correct choice. This project requires 70 inputs and 70 outputs, but I'm hoping to find a cost-effective solution without having to invest in expensive expansion slots or a HMI system. Can you suggest a budget-friendly alternative that still achieves the same outcome?
Exploring the potential use of a Raspberry Pi or Arduino for a unique electronic project presents several possibilities. While traditional two-pole switches are prevalent, there is potential to multiplex inputs to expand functionality. Leveraging the array of outputs may be more complex, requiring multiple relays for single light control. While touch screen PLC setups are common in industrial environments, incorporating a wooden board for a DIY project adds a special touch. Consideration of older logic approaches versus modern FPGA technology adds another layer of complexity and innovation. Cost estimates for a 16-input, 80-switch system with a controller, switches, lights, power supply, and wiring suggest a budget of around $380. Explore the possibilities and make your project a reality.
Looking to drill 70 holes and embed 70 readable text strings on a 4" x 3" oak sheet? Perhaps you meant 4' x 3'! Simplify the process by assigning switches to rows and columns. By using combinations of two switches to represent a single book, you only need 17 inputs for an 8-row by 9-column matrix. This setup provides 72 distinctive combinations of rows and columns for efficient organization.
Indeed, you are right. I apologize for the error in stating the dimensions as 4 feet by 3 feet.
Steve Bailey raised a valid point about the challenge of fitting 70 holes and readable text strings in a 4" x 3" sheet of oak. It is likely that the correct dimensions should be 4' x 3'. One efficient way to minimize inputs is by using a matrix system where switches are assigned to rows and columns, reducing the number of required inputs. By combining two switches to represent a single book, a matrix of 8 rows and 9 columns can offer 72 unique combinations with just 17 inputs. In addition to Steve's suggestion, another approach for the output lamps is to use a matrix along with blocking diodes. This method was commonly used in pinball machines from the 80s to the 2000s. You can search for "pinball lamp matrix" to learn more about this system. Similarly, pinball machines also implemented a switch matrix similar to the one described by Steve for inputs.
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That sounds like an incredibly engaging project for the children! One cost-effective solution could be to use a microcontroller like an Arduino Mega which can handle a large number of inputs and outputs. It's quite affordable and very beginner-friendly. For the green indicator light, simple LEDs can be used. Additionally, instead of having 70 separate buttons, you could consider a matrix keypad layout which significantly reduces the required pins. Be mindful though, this may require a bit of programming but there are plenty of online resources to guide you. Best of luck with your project!
That sounds like an amazing project! For a budget-friendly alternative, have you considered using an Arduino board or Raspberry Pi? Both are relatively inexpensive and can handle multiple input/output configurations. You can set up your push buttons and LED indicators without the need for expensive expansion slots. There are also plenty of tutorials available online to help you get started on the coding side, plus you could create a simple interface that’s engaging for the kids. This way, you can keep costs down while still achieving your educational goals!
What a fantastic project! One budget-friendly solution you might consider is using a microcontroller like the Arduino or Raspberry Pi for managing the inputs and outputs. They are relatively inexpensive and have plenty of online resources to help you. You can easily connect buttons and LEDs to these boards without needing a complicated expansion system. Another idea is using a simple multiplexer to manage multiple inputs and outputs efficiently, keeping your setup neat without breaking the bank. Plus, it'll be a great learning opportunity for the kids!
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Answer: - The purpose of the tool is to help children learn the Books of the Bible in chronological order in an engaging and interactive way.
Answer: - The Books of the Bible are carved onto a 4" x 3" oak sheet using a CNC Router.
Answer: - The project requires 70 inputs and 70 outputs for the interactive learning tool.
Answer: - Yes, the discussion mentions looking for a budget-friendly alternative to achieve the desired outcome without investing in costly expansion slots or a HMI system.
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