Introduction
The AXE055 is more verbosely known as the "T4 PICAXE Trainer". This is a board specifically designed to meet the needs of Ireland's T4 Technology curriculum. Ideal as a ready-to-go board for the classroom it is also an excellent platform for anyone new to the PICAXE or electronics.
Hardware
The AXE055 is a pre-assembled board with 'everything on', so not really suited for those who want something which can be easily modified or re-purposed for some other project, but it's great for people who don't have the experience, want to discover how things work, can learn interfacing by example, or are more interested in making things happen than having to build the hardware themselves.
The board itself is very well equipped allowing a wide range of sensor and control experiments.
On-board is an LDR for measuring light intensities, a small pot with a handy knob and pointer to provide variable analogue input, a DS18B20 for accurate digital temperature measurements and two momentary push button switches.
Outputs are equally well catered for; a 7-segment LED display is included, a piezo sounder, eight LED's of various colours, and then there's an L293D for motor control plus a ULN2003A driver for handling stepper motors and relays. Motor, stepper and servo connections are taken to Molex connectors and 0.2" screw terminals.
A four way DIL switch is used to individually enable the LED's, 7-segment display, piezo and stepper outputs so the board isn't a distracting disco of flashing lights and a cacophony of random sound, unless that's what is desired.
At the core of the board is a socketed PICAXE-18X with serial download interface fitted ( standard 3.5mm jack socket ), a reset button with power supplied via a chunky L7805CV regulator. Power comes in through a standard 2.1mm jack expecting +9V on the centre pin. A power diode is included to prevent damage from reverse power connection and two 100uF capacitors either side of the regulator and the fitted de-coupling capacitors should make for very solid performance. A power LED indicates when power is applied and is extremely useful as a precautionary warning that the board is powered up. Both the L293D and ULN2003A chips are socketed for easy replacement should disaster ever strike.
For the inquisitive, the input and output signals are brought to test points which are clearly labelled so oscilloscopes and multi-meters can be used to see what is happening on the lines. For the more adventurous, these test points can be used to extend the board to drive other circuitry or bring button inputs or reed relay contacts in from off board. The DS18B20 can be removed and an additional 6mm push-button fitted on-board instead.
Advocates of 'hardcore hacking' will have no problem with cutting unwanted sensors, buttons, chips and displays from the board and wiring whatever they want to the input and output test points, although that's not really the purpose of this board. It would be a shame to cannibalise such an elegantly put together board but the option is there if desired.
The board comes with a set of stick-on rubber feet which can be used to keep it off the work surface to prevent scratching as well as stop it slipping around. There's enough space around the board's edge to cut a piece of polystyrene ( such as used as pizza-base packaging ) to size and have it held on with masking tape folded over the edge to completely insulate the under-side.
In terms of size the board feels aesthetically right, 4.6" x 3.5" ( 118mm x 89mm ). Perhaps a little large for embedded project use but just right for something sitting on a desk doing what it's designed for. Being self-contained, and not usually wired to other circuitry, means there is less scope for catastrophe should it be accidentally pulled or knocked from the desk.
Using the T4 PICAXE Trainer
Using the AXE055 is simplicity itself. Connect a 3.5mm download cable between the T4 PICAXE Trainer and the PC, connect the 9V DC power supply and it's up and running, ready for experimenting with. Install and start the free PICAXE Programming Editor software and a quick "Firmware Check" should confirm the PICAXE-18X is working then you're ready for programming.
Designed for education and classroom use, the board is well suited for the student learning how to use each input sensor and control the various outputs. A structured course would lead through each of the options and possibilities in turn with students focused on just one aspect of the system at a time. A very good way to learn and build on what has been previously learnt.
Individuals buying an AXE055 who aren't students won't get the benefits of structured tutoring but it's a board which can be used for self-teaching quite easily in precisely the same manner. It is a good choice for anyone who hasn't already got the experience or know-how more complicated alternatives demand.
It's also not to be sniffed at by longer-term professionals and those already experienced. There's often nothing more useful than a board which has just what's needed already fitted when you want it. No messing with bread-board or building circuits to do a simple test. No time-wasting, no hunting through parts drawers for a particular component, straight in, fire it up and start working.
The only thing notably lacking on-board is I2C Eeprom, and anyone wishing to experiment with that should find it quite easy to add on a small vero-board or strip-board circuit with flying leads to the test points. Lack of I2C on an educational trainer isn't a serious lack and the PICAXE-18X includes 256 bytes of on-chip, non-volatile data Eeprom anyway.
Although more limited than a built-for-purpose project board would be, the T4 Trainer is still a board around which a number of practical projects can be built. With LDR, DS18B20, variable pot and two push buttons it cries out to me to be used as a smart thermostat. With the various coloured LED's it should make a great board on which to experiment with traffic light control; a particular favourite project of mine. Add I2C Eeprom and it becomes a simple datalogger. Using the AXE055 beyond its primary intent is really just a case of having the imagination to do so.
The AXE055 is currently available by itself at just under £30 and as a part of the AXE056 bundle with an AXE027 USB download cable plus PWR009 Power Supply at £42. The boards are supplied pre-assembled and tested.
Conclusion
For anyone who is looking for a hassle-free introduction to the PICAXE or wants to discover what they can do with the powerful mid-range PICAXE-18X and a variety of sensors without the worry of getting circuitry built and right, this is an excellent fast-track to doing so.
More information on the AXE055 T4 PICAXE Trainer can be found here ...
http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/docs/cat_12.pdf
This review was produced entirely independently of Revolution Education Limited and the views expressed here are those of the author alone. PICAXE is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Inc licensed to Revolution Education Limited. I2C is a registered trademark of Philips Corporation.
The AXE055 is more verbosely known as the "T4 PICAXE Trainer". This is a board specifically designed to meet the needs of Ireland's T4 Technology curriculum. Ideal as a ready-to-go board for the classroom it is also an excellent platform for anyone new to the PICAXE or electronics.
Hardware
The AXE055 is a pre-assembled board with 'everything on', so not really suited for those who want something which can be easily modified or re-purposed for some other project, but it's great for people who don't have the experience, want to discover how things work, can learn interfacing by example, or are more interested in making things happen than having to build the hardware themselves.
The board itself is very well equipped allowing a wide range of sensor and control experiments.
On-board is an LDR for measuring light intensities, a small pot with a handy knob and pointer to provide variable analogue input, a DS18B20 for accurate digital temperature measurements and two momentary push button switches.
Outputs are equally well catered for; a 7-segment LED display is included, a piezo sounder, eight LED's of various colours, and then there's an L293D for motor control plus a ULN2003A driver for handling stepper motors and relays. Motor, stepper and servo connections are taken to Molex connectors and 0.2" screw terminals.
A four way DIL switch is used to individually enable the LED's, 7-segment display, piezo and stepper outputs so the board isn't a distracting disco of flashing lights and a cacophony of random sound, unless that's what is desired.
At the core of the board is a socketed PICAXE-18X with serial download interface fitted ( standard 3.5mm jack socket ), a reset button with power supplied via a chunky L7805CV regulator. Power comes in through a standard 2.1mm jack expecting +9V on the centre pin. A power diode is included to prevent damage from reverse power connection and two 100uF capacitors either side of the regulator and the fitted de-coupling capacitors should make for very solid performance. A power LED indicates when power is applied and is extremely useful as a precautionary warning that the board is powered up. Both the L293D and ULN2003A chips are socketed for easy replacement should disaster ever strike.
For the inquisitive, the input and output signals are brought to test points which are clearly labelled so oscilloscopes and multi-meters can be used to see what is happening on the lines. For the more adventurous, these test points can be used to extend the board to drive other circuitry or bring button inputs or reed relay contacts in from off board. The DS18B20 can be removed and an additional 6mm push-button fitted on-board instead.
Advocates of 'hardcore hacking' will have no problem with cutting unwanted sensors, buttons, chips and displays from the board and wiring whatever they want to the input and output test points, although that's not really the purpose of this board. It would be a shame to cannibalise such an elegantly put together board but the option is there if desired.
The board comes with a set of stick-on rubber feet which can be used to keep it off the work surface to prevent scratching as well as stop it slipping around. There's enough space around the board's edge to cut a piece of polystyrene ( such as used as pizza-base packaging ) to size and have it held on with masking tape folded over the edge to completely insulate the under-side.
In terms of size the board feels aesthetically right, 4.6" x 3.5" ( 118mm x 89mm ). Perhaps a little large for embedded project use but just right for something sitting on a desk doing what it's designed for. Being self-contained, and not usually wired to other circuitry, means there is less scope for catastrophe should it be accidentally pulled or knocked from the desk.
Using the T4 PICAXE Trainer
Using the AXE055 is simplicity itself. Connect a 3.5mm download cable between the T4 PICAXE Trainer and the PC, connect the 9V DC power supply and it's up and running, ready for experimenting with. Install and start the free PICAXE Programming Editor software and a quick "Firmware Check" should confirm the PICAXE-18X is working then you're ready for programming.
Designed for education and classroom use, the board is well suited for the student learning how to use each input sensor and control the various outputs. A structured course would lead through each of the options and possibilities in turn with students focused on just one aspect of the system at a time. A very good way to learn and build on what has been previously learnt.
Individuals buying an AXE055 who aren't students won't get the benefits of structured tutoring but it's a board which can be used for self-teaching quite easily in precisely the same manner. It is a good choice for anyone who hasn't already got the experience or know-how more complicated alternatives demand.
It's also not to be sniffed at by longer-term professionals and those already experienced. There's often nothing more useful than a board which has just what's needed already fitted when you want it. No messing with bread-board or building circuits to do a simple test. No time-wasting, no hunting through parts drawers for a particular component, straight in, fire it up and start working.
The only thing notably lacking on-board is I2C Eeprom, and anyone wishing to experiment with that should find it quite easy to add on a small vero-board or strip-board circuit with flying leads to the test points. Lack of I2C on an educational trainer isn't a serious lack and the PICAXE-18X includes 256 bytes of on-chip, non-volatile data Eeprom anyway.
Although more limited than a built-for-purpose project board would be, the T4 Trainer is still a board around which a number of practical projects can be built. With LDR, DS18B20, variable pot and two push buttons it cries out to me to be used as a smart thermostat. With the various coloured LED's it should make a great board on which to experiment with traffic light control; a particular favourite project of mine. Add I2C Eeprom and it becomes a simple datalogger. Using the AXE055 beyond its primary intent is really just a case of having the imagination to do so.
The AXE055 is currently available by itself at just under £30 and as a part of the AXE056 bundle with an AXE027 USB download cable plus PWR009 Power Supply at £42. The boards are supplied pre-assembled and tested.
Conclusion
For anyone who is looking for a hassle-free introduction to the PICAXE or wants to discover what they can do with the powerful mid-range PICAXE-18X and a variety of sensors without the worry of getting circuitry built and right, this is an excellent fast-track to doing so.
More information on the AXE055 T4 PICAXE Trainer can be found here ...
http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/docs/cat_12.pdf
This review was produced entirely independently of Revolution Education Limited and the views expressed here are those of the author alone. PICAXE is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Inc licensed to Revolution Education Limited. I2C is a registered trademark of Philips Corporation.
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