Hardware
Details of the latest Play Computer hardware revision
Overview
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Play Computer
Exploration :- thorough examination of a subject.
The best way to learn is through exploration. It provokes the innovative and creative skills of a child.
A friend to push you through challenges and ideas is one of the best gifts.
Play Computer is a product of the idea to bring out the best in a child and a companion to provide the opportunity to build yourself to a greater level. It acts as the platform where a child can explore, innovate and grow. Play Computer is the best way to travel through the rough and interesting routes of science and technology.
The Play Computer is a device designed to integrate robotics, science and technology into the process of learning. The play computer is an easy to use device meant for kids. It uses a microcontroller to take in data from various sources, analyse the data using the processor and provide output as required. The Play Computer can be used to create various technologically enabled toys, utility items, accessories and even fun pranks. What more? You can even attach a plethora of accessories to your Play Computer and expand its horizons. You are only limited by your own imagination when you’re innovating with the Play Computer.
The Play Computer has a temperature sensor on board. This external temperature sensor is mounded towards the right side of the board between the port jacks and is used to sense the ambient temperature.
How does the Play Computer work?
The Play Computer is a little computer that’s fun, easy to use and capable of doing many interesting things! It consists of various input devices, a processor and a few output devices. The input devices work as the eyes and ears of the device, they take in information made available to them. Next up, this information flows through onto the processor, which functions like the brain of the device. The Processor makes sense of the data received through the input devices and sends it to the output devices. The output devices are like our mouth and face, helping us speak and express. These output devices display the processed information in a way that humans can sense and understand. Only for the Play Computer, it can express through a screen and buzzer onboard. You can also connect a variety of other devices to the Play Computer, greatly broadening its output capabilities. This applies to input devices as well, letting you add on a whole new variety of exciting accessories.
Board Description
Hardware description and block diagram
ESP32
ESP32 is a series of low-cost, low-power systems on chip microcontrollers on which the play computer run time code exists and is where the program runs. It is also the place where the bluetooth and WiFi stack exists in flash memory and has the ability to control all the Input/Output lines of the play computer.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Esp 32 |
| Core architecture | Tensilica Xtensa 32-bit LX6 |
| Rom | 448 KB |
| Flash memory | 4MB |
| SRAM | 520 KB |
| Debugging | J-tag |
Bluetooth
Esp 32 has got an inbuilt Bluetooth transceiver. Bluetooth stack is written into the run time code which enables Play Computers to interface with Smart phones, tablets.It also enables play computers to work in a mesh network and communicate with others play computers in the surrounding.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth stack | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Frequency Band | 2.4Ghz |
| Power Dynamic control range | up to 21 dB |
| Sensitivity | -94 dBm |
For more information refer to the datasheet.
Wifi
Esp 32 also has an inbuilt Wifi Capability which allows play computer to connect to the internet and work with IOT.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | 802.11b/g/n |
| Speed | 150 Mbps |
| Power | 20.5 dBm (Adjustable) |
For more information refer to the datasheet.
Touch Pad
There are four touch buttons enabled on the Play Computer.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Touch type | Capacitive touch |
| Response time | 0.125µS |
| Touch Pad | GPIO |
|---|---|
| 0 | I/O 32 |
| 1 | I/O 2 |
| 2 | I/O 12 |
USB Slot
The Play Computer has a USB slot which it can draw power from. The need of the USB slot is to make a Play Computer connectable to adaptor or computers USB ports which can act as a power source. It is also use to upload program from Plode Desktop version.
Note:- Fast chargers are not allowed.
Input Devices
These are the various input devices present on board the Play Computer. The function of these Devices or Sensors is to acquire information or data and send it to the processor.
Output Devices
These devices are how the Play Computer will put across processed data that has come from the input devices and processor. You wouldn’t see an end result for your work without these parts of the play computer.
4 smile LEDs (White)
The Play Computer has a set of LEDs arranged in the shape of a smiley. You’ll be seeing a bright smile from the Play Computer when you turn it on as most of these LEDs are white. It consists of two types of LEDs.
RGB LEDs @ the eye
2 Individual Serially connected addressable RGB LEDs are used. This LEDs add colour to the learning experience and is used to express emotions.
RGBs are connected to GPIO 21 of ESP 32
LEDs Pins
| LED no. | GPIO |
|---|---|
| 1 | I/O 19 |
| 2 | I/O 18 |
| 3 | I/O 16 |
| 4 | I/O 17 |
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | WS2812B |
| IO | 21 |
| Refresh rate | 30fps |
| Data speed | 800Kbps |
| scan frequency | not less than 400 Hz/s |
| Total number of colours possible | 16777216 |
| Range of Brightness of primary colour | 0 - 255 |
Buzzer on board
The buzzer attached to the Play Computer can be used to makes tones.
It can makes tunes based on the inputs received.
List of 4 in 1 Sensors On Board
It’s a 4 in 1 sensors and it uses a APDS 9960 module.
It can only work one at a time.
| Pin Type | GPIO |
|---|---|
| I2C_SEK | I/O 27 |
| I2C_SDA | I/O 13 |
It’s a 4 in 1 sensors and it uses a APDS 9960 module.
It can only work one at a time.
- Distance Sensor
The Distance Sensor or Proximity Sensor is there so that the Play Computer senses when certain objects are near it. It sends out signals and senses for changes in the signal, such as the intensity and time taken to return when the signal returns to the sensor. - Light Sensor
The light sensor detects the light falling on it and than sends the signals out. You can make use of light sensor for a project, to perform actions when light is detected. - Colour Sensor
This sensor senses changes in the intensity of colour on objects and surfaces that it is programmed to read. For example, if you wanted to make a device that only drew patterns on red coloured paper, you’d need the colour sensor. Instead to make the colour sensor work, the smile LEDs must be ON. - Gesture Sensor
The Play Computer is also capable of recognizing various real time gestures that the user will make using their hands. It can be programmed to look for and recognize specific motions. For example, you can program the device to play a jingle every time it is shaken, which is only possible with gesture recognition. The maximum distance for the gesture sensor to work is 1.5cm.
Temperature Sensor
The Play Computer has a temperature sensor on board. This external temperature sensor is mounded towards the right side of the board between the port jacks and is used to sense the ambient temperature.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1K NTC |
| Tolerance | ± 5% |
| Beta Value | (25/85) 3435 |
| Temperature range | -40ºC to +125ºC |
Digital MEMS Mic
The Play computer also has a high-performance, low power, digital-output, omnidirectional MEMS microphone which is used to capture voice. There is a standard mic on the Play Computer, which allows it to listen for sound and changes in sound levels. This sensor is an essential part of projects that function based on audio cues or voice commands. You should remember that you can connect more sensors to the device, increasing its input capabilities.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | INMP441 |
| Signal type | I2s |
| Bit rate | 24 bit |
| Signal to noise ratio(SNR) | 61 dBA |
| Sensitivity | -26 dBFS |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz to 15 kHz |
Port Jacks
To make the learning experience more fun and interesting, the Play computer has plenty of GPIO lines that are exposed to the user in the form of audio jacks which can be connected to accessories and extend the capabilities of the Play computer.
Ports Pins
| Ports | pins |
|---|---|
| A1 | 32 |
| A2 | 33 |
| B1 | 2 |
| B2 | 25 |
| C1 | 12 |
| C2 | 26 |
| D1/I2C_SCK | 27 |
| D2/I2C_SDA | 13 |
USB Communications
Play computer has a USB port to which host devices can be connected. programs can be sent to it using UART.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type USB | C-type |
| Standard USB | 2.0 |
| Baud rate | 50bps to 2Mbps |
| Clock speed | 12MHz |
Pins
The pins on the Play Computer allow for many different sensors, output devices and mechanized parts to be connected to it. You can link all sorts of devices like additional microphones, speakers, LEDs, Light Sensors and what not to improve the devices’ functionality.
Edge Connector Pins:-
Edge connector pins are used to connect different input and output devices to the Play Computer.
Edge connector pins are used to connect different input and output devices to the Play Computer.
Firmware Updation Button:-
Firmware updation button is used to update the firmware of the Play Computer.
Click here to know more about the Firmware Update of your Play Computer.
Firmware updation button is used to update the firmware of the Play Computer.
Click here to know more about the Firmware Update of your Play Computer.
Power Supply
Electrical devices that power up a electrical load (Play Computer) is called a power supply.
There are 2 types of power supplies to power up the Play Computer.
First Type:-
- Through USB, which can provide up to 5V and 2Amps
- Through fast charges or P.D
Second Type:-
- Through Edge Connectors
Setting up your Play Computer
The Play Computer might be a versatile device that can do a lot of things, but that does not mean it’s hard to work with. Setting up and using the Play Computer straight out of the box is actually surprisingly easy. Here’s how to get started with the Play Computer.
List of Objects needed to use the Play Computer for the First Time
- Play Computer
- USB Cable
- USB Wall Adapter/PC
- AA Batteries (optional)
Step by Step Guide to Start up the Play Computer
Starting up the Play computer is easy as cake. The play computer opens up a variety of new possibilities, turning it on is merely the first step, here’s how you can get to it.
- Take out the play computer and find the USB port.
- Connect the USB Cable to the Play Computer.
- Now, connect the other end of the USB cable to either a regular USB charger or a PC to power it.
- The Device will now turn on, with all the White LEDs momentarily lighting up to show a smile while playing an audio cue.
- The Play Computer is now on and ready to innovate with.
Now that you have turned on your Play Computer. You better buckle up for this exciting journey into technology, innovation, creativity and science.
FAQ Regarding Play Computer
The Play Computer is not waterproof, it has sensitive electrical equipment and cannot come in contact with water. Make sure your play computer stays far away from any spills.
No, you don’t need batteries in order to use the Play Computer, though AA batteries are supported. The Play Computer can be powered using just a USB cable.
The Play Computer can work with many different sensors and output devices that can be connected to it. It also has other accessories for specific projects like the Spider Bot Project.
The Play Computer, the programmable microcontroller. Oh, and there’s also a C-type USB cable in it so that you can connect me to your computer. And some super cool skins to add over the Play Computer, adding some more fun to the Play and Learn process.
Play computer can be powered by connecting it to a standard +5v USB power supply from either a Mobile charger or a Laptop / Desktop computer
Yes. Play computer runs on Embedded scripting & is programmed using the visual programming interface of Plode App. You can use any other software like Arduino & ESP-IDF to program the Play computer. Note, programming with other software, will erase the functionality that is compatible with Plode App.
Android, iOS, Mac OS X and Windows 10 64-bit
We assure and guarantee that the software provided by us is virus & malware free. In case the anti-virus software blocks or malthe driver, kindly manually unblock it at the anti virus software, to enable the driver install.
Yes, Once you have bought a Play computer, it’s yours to do with as you wish.
Contact/ About the company / for queries.
No. 29, Beratena Agrahara,
Next to Play Factory, Hosur Main Road,
Electronic City Post,
Bangalore – 560100, Karnataka, India
Mail:- [email protected]
Phone:- 8792920231
Next to Play Factory, Hosur Main Road,
Electronic City Post,
Bangalore – 560100, Karnataka, India
Mail:- [email protected]
Phone:- 8792920231
