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Introducing... by Ross Tester It’s not just a brilliant new concept . . . it’s a revolution! D o you remember the thrill of putting together your first Meccano project or Lego construction? Microbric is ready to bring that thrill to a whole new, more technical-savvy generation – a generation which has grown up with personal computers; a generation which is looking for more challenges than simply putting something together. They’re wanting things that work! mother-board containing a programmable microcontroller. The microcontroller is supplied already programmed to use a simple language called BASIC, which can be learned in a relatively short amount of time. And then constructors can program and reprogram the microcontroller as often as they wish to make their Microbric project do, well, whatever they want it to do! It’s now much more than “the thrill of the build” – though that is still important. They want something that will impress family and friends. They want something that won’t sit on the shelf when it is finished, because it does something... and then can be used over and over. Connected to the motherboard are peripheral modules. These modules are what generally interface the motherboard with the outside world. To be progressively released next year, they come in a variety of different shapes and sizes and perform a range of functions. Some typical modules are: Power supply Module - DC Motor Controller Module - Relay Module - Button Module - Temperature Sensor Module - Wireless Communication Modules - And so much more. Microbric is the brainchilld of a young Adelaide designer, Brenton O’Brien. And in conjunction with the leading Adelaide Metropolitan newspaper, the Advertiser, Microbric will be released later this month, with the low-cost Microbric packs available through newsagents every day, building to a full Microbric project . What they are looking for is Microbric, an Australianmade, brand new concept. But what is Microbric? Microbric is a patented system of interconnecting electronic modules, enabling constructors to build, with just a screwdriver, an impressive range of devices. Like Lego and Meccano construction kits they are challenged into building things. The difference is that every Microbric project is alive! At the core of the system is the reusable Microbric Edge and connector “bric” which has three conductors supplying 5V, ground and data. The plastic bric is used to connect two Microbric Edges together (either side-by-side or stacked) then use clamping screws and spacers to not only hold them together, but complete the electrical and data circuits. Every Microbric construction has a pre-assembled 18  Silicon Chip Microbric projects will become available Australia-wide through Dick Smith Electronics. siliconchip.com.au The Microbric concept explained: each Microbric unit clips to another Microbric unit (or to a Microbric motherboard) with a plastic “bric” and screws/nuts to hold it together and also complete the Single Microbric circuit. Units clip together Microbric motherboards are made to a standardised modular design, so a whole number of Microbric units will mate with it perfectly. The concept is so simple, yet so inherently brilliant! Microbric units will be available to sense, measure, control, move, communicate ... Screws hold together AND complete circuit Single Microbric Units – these could be sensors, motors, LEDs, piezos, etc, etc. Plastic “bric” Plastic “bric” Nuts Because of the modular nature of Microbric, its inherent you want your Microbric project to do something different! safety and the fact that it can be re-used almost indefinitely, Each Microbric unit measures 20.3mm x 20.3mm (800 it has already attracted a lot of attention from education mils in the old money!) and is made from double-sided, authorities as a “hands on” teaching gold-flashed 2mm fibreglass tool. Even R&D departments have Nothing more than a screwdriver needed to build! PC board. Both sides have No soldering, no toxic fumes, safe low voltage! expressed interest in Microbric due red and black screening to Or program and reprogram using BASIC! to its modular nature – just screw the clearly identify the + and – Rebuild over and over into different configurations! bits together and they connect! connections. Hobbyists and enthusiasts will benefit Next month, SILICON CHIP from the fact that Microbric is reusable will feature one of the Microbric projects to build yourself – over and over again – you don’t have to buy anything new unless in fact, the “Viper” robot shown on the opposite page. SC Here’s the I-BOT, the first Microbric project which will be launched in the Adelaide Advertiser/Sunday Mail commencing November 21st. Each day, a separate pack (see examples below) will be available from Newsagents. By the end of two weeks with feature articles every day in the paper, this robot will be the result! The IBOT is fully programmable (a “barcode” will be published in the paper to allow it to self-program from its inbuilt sensor). The same sensor makes it a line-follower robot and a special “track” will also be published in the paper. Each section of the robot will be explained as the packs become available. SILICON CHIP is assisting in the preparation of editorial material for the newspaper articles. Microbric IBOT daily packs (below) build to the full IBOT at right! siliconchip.com.au November 2005  19