The PICAXE Create System is based around a PICAXE-18M2 Motherboard and various input/output modules which connect to the motherboard using patented 'micro-bric' connectors. These connectors, tightened and loosened with the supplied Allen key, are used to connect the various input/output modules to the 13 available motherboard connectors. When the bolts are tightened the plastic brics create both a strong mechanical and electrical joint, so that various circuit configurations can easily be built and adjusted by just swapping modules around – there is no soldering required to reconfigure the system!
Once the input/output modules have been configured as desired the motherboard can be programmed via any software that supports the PICAXE system such as Programming Editor or Logicator.
The motherboard is supplied fully assembled but the input/output modules require a small amount of soldering before first use. Once initially assembled (by the teacher) the students do not need to do any soldering to assemble, disassemble or reconfigure the system - all changes are made using the supplied Allen key.
All modules are also fully compatible with the 13-5006 Microrobot, which uses the same microbric connectors. Input/output modules can also be shared between multiple systems.
The starter pack contains:
PICAXE-18M2 Motherboard
Microbric connectors
Allen key
Touch sensor input
Push switch input
Slide switch input
DS18B20 Temperature Sensor input
LDR input
Infra-red Input
Terminal block generic connector
Infra-red output
Piezo output
LED output
Darlington transistor output (e.g. for buzzer)
L293D reversible motor driver output
Servo Output connector
SRF005 Ultrasonic Range Finder connector (range finder 78-1085 sold separately)
Serial LCD connector (compatible with OLED displays, 13-1276 & 13-1277)
