What is it?

This electronic die is based on the popular ATmega series of 8-bit micro controller chips. It features a set of LEDs to display a random number from 1-6 in a die format, and additionally, a couple of LEDs that act as a “Heads/Tails” coin toss. There are pushbuttons that allow you to “roll” the die or “flip” the coin. This is a low-power, battery-powered project. Approximately 20 seconds after any action, the micro controller will put itself to sleep so as to preserve battery power. So it’s not necessary to unplug or shut off the device.

The kit uses a breadboard as a base for construction. The breadboard has been around for decades and is an easy, versatile way to create prototype circuits. You can tear down the circuit and build it again, or build something new.

Why did you make it?

My 10-year-old nephew wanted to do an electronics project for his birthday. So this is what I came up with. We had a room full of 6th graders making it, to great success. So I decided to sell them online.

What makes it special?

It's low powered, inexpensive, and fun. A great introduction to microcontrollers and breadboard electronics.

What's included?

The kit's contents (aka, the "packing list") includes:

• 1 - 400 pin breadboard.
• 1 - ATmega8a “micro controller” computer chip. This comes preinstalled on the breadboard.
• 1 - 120 ohm resistor
• 1 - 1.5k ohm resistor (the k means 1000, so this is a 1500 ohm resistor)
• 1 - 4.7k ohm resistor (this is a 4700 ohm resistor)
• 1 - 0.1 uF disk capacitor
• 1 - 100 uF electrolytic capacitor
• 7 - Green LEDs
• 1 - Red LED
• 1 - Blue LED
• • • assorted 10cm (4”) jumper wires
• 1 - long regular red wire.
• 1 - long regular black wire.
• 4 - short black wires.
• 1 - short red wire.
• 6 - short green wires.
• 1 - battery pack, for 3 – AA batteries (batteries not included.
• 2 - pushbutton switches