What’s cooking @ e-Gizmo Episode 7: Cheaper GPS, GSM module, plus more

We never stop thinking of ways to make the hobby more enjoyable to you. Of course one good way to make the kit more enjoyable is by providing you one with a lowest possible price.

We are in the process of redesigning some more of our popular kits to make them more reliable, at the same time cheaper. For example, in the works is a new GPS kit that has at least the same, if not better, performance than our already retired models. It has a gizDuino (Arduino compatible) pin layout: by soldering header pins to the terminals, you can use it like an Arduino shield. Likewise, our GSM modem kit, is undergoing a similar facelift, you will see a replacement model soon. Both promises to cost significantly less than the current model!

GPS Shield

Also due for release this February is a family of low cost adjustable DC/DC converter modules. These modules will allow you to generate various supply voltage derived from a single 5V to 12V supply rail. One variant can produce positive voltages of up to +24VDC, and another will produce a negative voltages of up to -24VDC. These modules are made with the same pin outs of standard three terminal regulators, so you can treat these DC/DC coverter modules as drop in replacement for TO-220 voltage regulator devices.

DC/DC Converter module generates positive adjustable voltage up to +24VDC from a single 5VDC input.

This DC/DC Converter module can generate a adjustable negative supply voltage of -24VDC from a +5VDC power supply input.

We just finished evaluating a handmade prototype of our new color sensor. This sensor has four independent sensors that can simultaneously measure the R,G, B and Luminance content of light, and can provide up to 16 bit conversion resolution. ADCs are on-board, communication with a host controller is carried out via an I2C interface.

And there is more. As I mentioned in my previous blog, this year we are expanding our product line to include analog kit. You might be surprised to know that analog is actually my thing. I love working with analog circuits, including RF and instrumentation circuits.  But I kept my distance with this class of kit for quite some time. Not that I did not want them. It is a token of respect and humility to people who were once close to my heart…