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The Piper Command Center is a gaming controller your child can build and program

NEWS – Earlier this week, Piper launched a new DIY game controller kit called the Piper Command Center. The Piper Command Center is a build-it-yourself video game controller kit for kids ages 13 and up that teaches them how to build their own game controller.

The kit comes with everything you need for assembly and is powered by an Arduino micro which is compatible with Raspberry Pi just like the Piper Computer Kit. Once it’s assembled, kids can use the game controller with their favorite desktop games on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

The Piper Command Center kit teaches important STEM skills and allows kids to apply their understanding of electronic components into the realm of gaming and other real-life applications.

The kit is priced at $49.99 and is available now from Piper.

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The Piper Command Center is a gaming controller your child can build and program originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 25, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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Makers will love the one button to rule them all

NEWS – Makers, home automation hobbyists, or anyone who loves a good DIY challenge should take a look at the Touch Encoder by Grayhill. This easy to program device can be used to control computers, home audio, HVAC systems, thermostats, drones, or almost anything you can think of. The Touch Encoder features an intuitive dial with a 320X300 touch-screen, and an IP67 rating that makes it water and dust proof.

But how do you program it? Well, there’s an iOS app for that with an Android version coming soon. The tablet-based development platform comes with a library of configurable standard widgets that include things like light dimmers, power controls, and more. Touch Encoder is available now at www.touchencoder.com for $182 (Touch Encoder Only) and $526 (Touch Encoder with Software Development Kit).

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Makers will love the one button to rule them all originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 21, 2019 at 12:00 pm.

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Kano Computer Kit Touch review

REVIEW – Have you ever wanted to learn to program/code? Or maybe you have a young child who wants to write their own programs. The Computer Touch Kit from Kano will not only help you learn the fundamentals of programming, but it will let you do that learning on a touchscreen computer that you build yourself. How much fun is that? Let’s find out?

What is it?

The Kano Computer Touch Kit is a Raspberry Pi based computer kit that helps teach kids and adults how to program using Python and Javascript programming languages.

What’s in the box?

USB Board for connecting other devices
DIY Speaker
HDMI Cable connects the screen to computer
Blocks x3 keeps parts connected
Screen Case protects the screen
Power Cables
Battery
Touchscreen Cable
Custom Raspberry Pi – 1.2GHz quad Cortex A53 – 64bit with 1GB of RAM
Power Board
SD Card
Microphone
Screen
USB Keyboard
Stickers
Storybook / User manual

Build your own touchscreen computer

Kano includes everything you need to build a touchscreen computer along with easy to read step by step instructions with clear illustrations. I felt like a little kid spreading all the colorful components on the floor around me as I sat crosslegged flipping the pages in the storybook which lead me through the steps to build the computer.




No tools are necessary for the build as everything snaps into place on the back of the touchscreen just like your favorite building blocks. Kano even includes wire routing blocks for the cables to keep everything neat and tidy.



As you place each component on the board, the book explains in basic terms the function for each part without being too technical or boring.

The computer even comes with a plastic case to protect the parts and to give it a finished look that allows you to see your handy work.


The whole setup is pretty impressive and the build process was fun without taking too long. I didn’t time it, but I don’t think it took me more than 30 minutes to put everything together.

I built a computer, now what can I do?

After everything is assembled, it’s time to turn it on and start learning to program. This is the point where I ran into two issues. First of all, the USB power adapter that was included in the package that I was sent, had a European plug style. But you can use any USB adapter that you already have. That’s what I did and it worked fine.

The next problem that really threw me for a loop for a few minutes can be seen in the image above. When the Kano computer powered up, the screen was upside down. I immediately thought that I had assembled the computer incorrectly and started feeling bummed that I would have to take everything apart and go through the building steps again. But then I looked closer at the storybook/manual and saw a small note that said you could go into the settings to flip the screen. Whew! Crisis avoided. But, I think the screen flip option should come up immediately upon bootup instead of having to find the setting once everything is running. Or maybe even have a physical switch on the side that will flip the display.

The bootup process starts out at a command line and guides you through typing in a few commands. I liked this part because I’m a Unix nerd and this kind of stuff is right up my alley.  Yeah, don’t pay attention to the fact that I left a space out of the command shown in the screenshot above 😉

After the OS boots, you’ll be greeted with a more modern interface with menus and apps that you can launch with your finger or select with the included wireless keyboard which has a built-in touchpad.

You can learn to program by using the story mode option that lets you wander around a forest to talk to people and go on quests. It reminds me of an old-school Zelda style 8bit video game. The programming sections lead you through learning sessions that help you learn how to use drag and drop modules to build and customize a program.



You will learn the fundamentals of building a program including using loops and variables. You can then make the program which will let you compile and run it. Your completed programs can be saved to memory so you can revisit and change them later.

After you go through all the lessons and built-in games, you can add more by visiting the online Kano community for more creations.

The Kano computer isn’t a one trick pony, it’s an actual computer and even comes with other apps like a YouTube viewer and web browser pre-installed.

Be aware that this isn’t going to be a computer that your child or an adult will want to use as a full-time computer because it isn’t very speedy. Certain functions feel sluggish and sometimes I wondered if the computer had crashed because there wasn’t any type of live status message on the screen that indicated that it was still working.

What I like

  • Step by step instructions make it fun and easy to build
  • Teaches basic programming fundamentals
  • The computer can be used for other things

What needs to be improved

  • Make the internet browser and YouTube apps optional for a parent to install

Final thoughts

When I was a kid, I would have absolutely LOVED the Kano Computer Kit Touch. Heck, I’m an adult now and I thoroughly enjoyed building the computer and going through the learning quests. The colorful components and step by step instructions made the process fun while injecting STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering & Math) knowledge and skills.

Price: $279.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Kano.

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Kano Computer Kit Touch review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 15, 2018 at 3:49 pm.

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Use the magic of Harry Potter to learn programming

NEWS – Kano who produces a variety of STEM kits for kids (and adults) to learn to build their own computers and learn to code have partnered with Warner Brothers to offer the Harry Potter Kano Coding Kit. This kit allows kids to build their own wand and then use it to control onscreen objects and characters through 70 programming tasks inspired by the Wizarding World.

If you’re not already familiar with STEM, it stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and it’s a way to teach these important disciplines to kids and adults.

The wand in the Harry Potter Kano Coding Kit uses a series of gestures that your iOS, Android, Mac and Windows PC will translate into commands to control objects in the Kano app while teaching basic programming fundamentals like IF/THEN logic, loops, variables, and more.

The Harry Potter Kano Coding Kit is priced at $99.99 and ships on October 1st, 2018. Head over to Kano.me or Amazon to pre-order.

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Use the magic of Harry Potter to learn programming originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 26, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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New Minecraft hour of code tutorial + 4 ways Microsoft is changing the way our kids learn

Remember when the most sophisticated item in the classroom was a calculator and maybe a computer with a CD-ROM? Those days are long gone. But it’s not just about bringing devices and Windows 10 into the classroom anymore, Microsoft has been rethinking how we use technology to encourage our kids to learn. Here are 4 ways that Microsoft is using technology to change the way our kids learn. 

1. Minecraft Education Edition

It’s no secret that kids absolutely LOVE Minecraft, so it’s no surprise that Microsoft’s Minecraft Education edition has been a smashing success. To that effect, since its launch a little over a year ago, Minecraft Education Edition now has over 2 million licensed users and over 250 lesson plans available that educators have contributed. Today, Microsoft is releasing a new Minecraft Hour of Code tutorial called Minecraft: Hero’s Journey. The tutorial includes introduces computer science concepts and such as debugging and functions. After kids are done coding their own Minecraft level, they can share it, play it, and even bring the level into Minecraft: Education Edition on a Windows 10 PC.

2. Making 3D Accessible

The Windows 10 Fall Creator’s Update heavily focused on making 3D object creation super simple. Thanks to an update to the Paint app, it has never been this easy for kids (and adults) to create advanced 3D objects. The 3D objects can easily be brought into Office apps like Powerpoint. You can even bring your 3D objects into reality using the Mixed Reality Viewer.

3. Mixed Reality

Think Mixed Reality is just for video games? Think again. Brands like Samsung, Acer, Dell and Lenovo are all releasing relatively affordable mixed reality headsets this holiday season, and all it takes is bringing one into the classroom to change everything for students. I experienced an educational demo where I was transported to Machu Picchu. I learned about the fascinating geography and history behind this world wonder, and was even transported back in time to get a picture of what Machu Picchu looked like over 500 years ago. This type of experience is a game changer in the classroom since it essentially brings the field trip to the classroom – especially when it comes to places and experiences that would otherwise be too expensive or impractical to travel to.

4. Hacking STEM

Despite all this talk of using digital media to educate kids, Microsoft is also aware of how important it is for kids to get “physical” with their learning. Hacking STEM offers free lessons which include hands-on activities. All of the activities can be easily put together using inexpensive everyday materials that Hacking STEM lists on their site. The lesson plans include everything from building a machine that emulates humans, to measuring speed using Hot Wheels tracks and cars.

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New Minecraft hour of code tutorial + 4 ways Microsoft is changing the way our kids learn originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 14, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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