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The Digital Control Unit (DCU) gives you an easy way to use LabPro, CBL 2™, or original CBL™ digital ports for exciting, do-it-yourself projects. It allows you to provide useful current (up to 600 mA) for controlling electrical devices. Using the DCU and simple programs, you can control motors, lamps, LEDs, buzzers, stepper motors, and other DC devices. You can even develop more elaborate projects, such as robots or automated scientific apparatus. The most exciting DCU projects involve combining sensors with control.
The Digital Control Unit is a small box with a short cable that plugs into a digital connector on the LabPro or CBL. An external power supply is required (not included). Most people will use the CBL power supply or the Vernier AC Adapter, but batteries or other power supplies can be used. Inside the DCU are visible LEDs that indicate the status of the six output lines. A socket is provided for connecting electronic devices that you build. A cable with bare wires on one end is provided for your first projects.
- DCU Project Ideas:
- Pulse a speaker to generate sound
- Flash lamps or LEDs
- Temperature-controlled environment
- Robots with sensors and feedback
- Moving displays
- Alarm systems
- Electromagnetic mass driver
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The user’s manual included has project ideas, wiring diagrams, and explanations of how to write DCU programs. Graphing Calculator, Visual Basic® (Windows), and REALbasic® (Macintosh) sample programs are provided. These programs let you try out your DCU right away and can also serve as a starting point for programs that you write. |
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