Backpack #2: Grove Sensors

SPIKE Prime Backpacks are extensions for LEGO Education SPIKE Prime.

The Pyboard is the brain for this backpack. It allows you to connect Grove sensors to LEGO SPIKE Prime to easily plug in different types of sensors (I2C, analog, digital) to the Grove Backpack.

We also have a Camera Backpack that lets you integrate image processing and machine vision, a Pyboard Backpack that lets you connect to the WiFi, a Micro:bit Backpack that enables radio communication, and a Breadboard Backpack that you can use to prototype circuits.

Pyboard: (link)

Pyboard break out board: (link)

Custom PCBs: Pyboard Bottom PCB Board and Grove PCB Board (Instructions on how to make is given below)

Headers

• 1x14 Male - 2 (link)
• 1x14 Female - 2 (link)
• 1x2 Male (90 degree) - 1 (link)
• 1x4 Male (90 degree) - 1 (link)
• 1x4 Male Grove - 6 (link)
• 1x2 Female - 1 (link)
• 1x4 Female - 1 (link)
• 1x8 Male 1.27 header pins (from Mouser) - 1 (link)

3 V to 5 V level shifter -1 (link)

LEGO beams

• 1x3 -1
• 1x7 -1

LEGO pegs - 6

LEGO Distance Sensor connector -1 (From the SPIKE Prime kit)

Tools

• A color printer (Optional)
• Scissors (or laser cutter)
• Soldering supplies
• PCB Milling machine (Optional)

The PCBs connect the Grove sensors to the SPIKE Prime. There are two PCBs that you will need to print.

To print Grove PCB Board go to the Google Drive folder and download "pyboard-grove.fzz" file. To print Pyboard Bottom PCB Board go to Google Drive folder and download "Spike to Pyboard manufacture version 2.fzz". There are many companies that can manufacture PCBs for you. Find the one that is nearby.

OR,

If you have access to a makerspace and you can use Desktop PCB Milling Machine by Bantam Tool download "pyboardgrove.zip" and "Spike to Pyboard v0.1 othermill version.fzz" files from the next Google Drive folder and print them.

OR,

You can do it at your home. Follow the instructions here. https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-PCB-Etching.... If you want to open the file go to https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-PCB-Etching.... and download/install Fritzing on your computer and open the design on your computer.

Solder two 1X14 Male header pins on the Pyboard Breakout board.

For the Grove PCB Board solder two 1x14 Female header pins, one 1x2 Male header pins (90 degree), one 1x4 Male header pins (90 degree), six 1x4 Male Grove headers and one 3 V to 5 V level shifter .

For the Pyboard Bottom PCB Board solder one 1x2 Female header pins, one 1x4 Female header pins and one 1x8 Male 1.27 header pins.

Find the links to the parts in the Supplies section.

3D print the file. The 3D prints were built using Form 2 Printer. You may need to adjust the dimension based on your printer and you may need to sand down the sides to press fit.

Secure the Pyboard Bottom PCB Board to the 3D printed case using screws.

Connect Pyboard on the Pyboard breakout board and finally on the Grove PCB Board.

Insert the Pyboard and Grove PCB Board assembly inside the 3D printed case and securely connect it to the Pyboard Botton PCB Board.

NOTE: Make sure it's inserted the correct way. Insert the Pyboard PCB at a right angle.

Unscrew the SPIKE Prime Distance Sensor and use the connector with the cable to connect it to the casing.

Color print the paper case design.

If you have access to laser cutter then use laser cutter to cut the design. If not, use scissors to cut them or use X-acto knives. Fold them and wrap them around the 3D printed case. Use beams and pegs to secure the paper on the case.