Littlebits Space Kit Version 1 User manual
ACTIVITIES CREATED IN COLLABORATION WITH NASA SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS.
HERE’S TO A UNIVERSE
OF ASTRONAUTS,
SCIENTISTS, THINKERS
AND TRAILBLAZERS.
g
!
love,
WARNING
• This product contains small magnets. Swallowed magnets can
stick together across intestines causing serious infections
and death. Seek immediate medical attention if magnets are
swallowed or inhaled.
• Most modules are small parts. DO NOT allow children under 3
years old to play with or near this product.
• NEVER connect any modules or circuits to any AC electrical
outlet.
• Do not touch or hold any moving parts of modules while they
are operating.
• Keep conductive materials (such as aluminum foil, staples,
paper clips, etc.) away from the circuit and the connector
terminals.
• Always turn off circuits when not in use or when left
unattended.
• Never use modules in or near any liquid.
• Never use in any extreme environments such as extreme hot or
cold, high humidity, dust or sand.
• Modules are subject to damage by static electricity. Handle
with care.
• Some modules may become warm to the touch when used in
certain circuit designs. This is normal. Rearrange modules or
discontinue using if they become excessively hot.
• Discontinue use of any modules that malfunction, become
damaged or broken.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE
• Several projects in this kit involve the use of a box cutter
and/or a hot glue gun. These tools should be used ONLY under
direct adult supervision and ONLY by children capable of using
them safely.
INSTRUCTIONS
We recommend using littleBits brand 9-volt batteries, but
standard alkaline or standard rechargeable batteries may also
be used. Properly discard and replace exhausted batteries.
Do not connect the two battery terminals to any conducting
material.
CARE AND CLEANING
Clean modules ONLY by wiping with a dry cloth. If necessary,
isopropyl alcohol on a cloth may be used sparingly.
DO NOT use any other cleaning products on modules.
Congratulations for reading this fine print. Your dedication
and persistence will serve you well.
RADIO AND TELEVISION INTERFERENCE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
Changes and Modifications not expressly approved by the
manufacturer or registrant of this equipment can void
your authority to operate this equipment under Federal
Communications Commissions rules.
GOT A QUESTION?
Visit littleBits.cc/faq for troubleshooting
and additional support.
www.littleBits.cc
littleBits Electronics, Inc.
60 E. 11th Street, Fifth Floor
NY, NY 10003
(917) 464-4577
You are a proud owner of the Space Kit v1.
Over 1,000,000 combinations?! Are you serious?
Yep, www.littleBits.cc/mathmagic
Released under CERN Open Hardware License, Version 1.2
Designed By: littleBits Electronics, Inc.
Information in this activity booklet was created in
collaboration with the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
and the AURA program. © littleBits Electronics, Inc. 2014
Made in Dongguan City, China
littleBits, Bits, Circuits in Seconds, and Make Something That
Does Something are trademarks of littleBits Electronics, Inc.
LITTLEBITS
BASICS
1
CIRCUITS IN SECONDS
littleBits makes an expanding
library of modular electronics
that snap together with
magnets.
Y
w
e
p
d
e
n
w
25
littleBits +
The modules are just the begin-
ning. Combine them with craft
materials, building sets, and
other toys to electrify your life.
We’ll show you how!
COLOR CODED
Modules are grouped into four diff erent
categories, which are color coded:
POWER is needed in every circuit and the
start of all your creations.
INPUT modules accept input from you and
the environment and send signals to the
modules that follow.
OUTPUT modules DO something–light,
buzz, move…
WIRE modules expand your reach and
change direction–great for helping to
incorporate modules into your projects.
4
MAGNET MAGIC
littleBits modules snap together
with magnets. The magnets are
always right, you can’t put
modules together the wrong way.
3
ORDER IS IMPORTANT
Power Modules always
come rst and Input
Modules only aff ect the
Output Modules that
come after them.
n
d
n
r
i
n
TM
N
E
E
D
H
E
L
P
?
For troubleshooting
and additional support,
visit littleBits.cc/faq
3
TM
This power module lets you use a 9-volt battery to supply
electricity to your other modules. Snap in the battery & cable
(both included) and ip the switch to turn it on.
This is the Space Kit, Version 1
Learn more and shop for individual
modules at littleBits.cc/Bits
POWER p1
i t
e.
tt
r
KNOW
YOUR BITS
MODULES
The remote trigger lets you use a common remote control with
your modules. Make your littleBits circuit and point your remote
control at the remote trigger’s sensor. Then, press any button on
your remote control to activate the module. It will work with almost
any button on a remote that uses infrared light to send signals.
REMOTE TRIGGER i7
pam
a u n
yiim
am
9oa&b lW
rstBr9o
bi rae
sdbbim
ae
4
g
ps
The light sensor measures how much light is shining on it. It has
two modes: “light” and “dark.” In “light” mode, the more light
the sensor receives, the higher the signal it sends out. In “dark”
mode, it’s just the opposite – the signal increases as light
decreases.
LIGHT SENSOR i13
u lu ,u
yot 3yi
5 k
cltr
MS
C r
m slt
ok
The microphone module translates sound into the electronic
language of littleBits. You can use it to turn sounds into light
or motion, or use it with the speaker module like a small
megaphone! Make sure the switch is set to “sound” when you’re
using it with the speaker, and “other” for all your other modules.
MICROPHONE i21
The wire is just what it sounds like – it allows you to physically
separate your modules, turn corners and build your circuit in
any direction. Try it whenever you need to break up your chain,
like when you need to put a sensor on the top of your rover!
You’ll nd many situations where you’ll want a wire.
WIRE w1
cs=
mmsy
crc=
mmsy
5
I ibte b e
udctl
ir3l e
g
The IR LED (or infrared light-emitting diode) module sends out
light with longer wavelengths than visible light, similar to the
light in your remote control. It’s invisible to the eye, but many
digital cameras can see it! Try using it to activate the light
sensor or remote trigger.
IR LED o7
dyn r
The number module gives you a look into how your modules work:
it displays information about the signal it’s receiving from your other
modules. It has two modes: in “value” mode, it displays a number
from 0 to 99 based on the input. In “volts” mode, it displays the
actual voltage it is receiving, from 0.0 to 5.0 volts.
NUMBER o21
The speaker amplies sound from modules like the microphone
or other sources like mp3 players. It also features a headphone
output for personal listening. The speaker is connected with 3M
Dual Lock so it can be removed from its circuit board. To reattach,
hold module and press together rmly.
SPEAKER o22
TM
TM
The DC (or “direct current”) motor rotates a
shaft when you send it an on signal. It has
a switch to set the direction of rotation. Try
attaching various things to make robotic space
arms, orbiting satellites, and rovers.
DC MOTOR o5
i
The motorMate works with the DC motor.
This makes it easy to attach wheels, paper,
cardboard, and lots of other materials to the
motor. Simply slide it on the “D” shape on the
shaft. A LEGO axle also ts in the end.
This little purple screwdriver
is used to modify any module
with a micro adjuster.
This cable is for connecting
your microphone or speaker
module to an audio source,
like an mp3 player or
smartphone.
MOTORMATETM a10
The bright LED is a small module that puts out
a big light. Just like our other LED modules,
it’s a great way to shed some light on your
creations. Choose the bright LED when you
want a lot of bright white light.
BRIGHT LED o14
L-gmo”
dyn r
SCREWDRIVER a4
AUDIO CABLE a16
ije
TM
p
o
7
8
n
n
TRY
THESE
CIRCUITS
Get started with these, but don’t let
us hold you back – every module ts
with every other module – feel
free to experiment.
microphone
power wire
SOUND OFF! Amplify your voice!
n
sm
si
m
’
!
e
u
a
d
t
speaker
8
n
n
n
bright
LED
aai
scu
power
power
remote
trigger bright LED
power light sensor number
power wire DC motor
yedt
lr
sgDts e
l
m
i
pu
s
r o
DISTANT STAR
Control modules from across the room.
LIGHT READER Learn how to measure light.
INTRO TO DC MOTOR Get to know the motor.
visit us at LITTLEBITS.CC/TIPS
for some amazing TIPS & TRICKS
9
WHAT IS
ENERGY?
Energy comes in many forms and can transform
from one type of energy to another.
10
An electromagnetic wave can also be described in
terms of its energy – in units of measure called
electron volts (eV). Moving along the spectrum from
long to short wavelengths, energy increases as the
wavelength shortens. Consider a jump rope with its
ends being pulled up and down. More energy is needed
to make the rope have more waves.
WAVELENGTH The distance from crest to crest or trough
to trough of a wave.
2E
EWu
piu,
bii
y
ae
4S
Tgse
tney
s.
5E
ELet
brti
ee -
mcr
c
dr
tg
ace
i
s
¡
¡
Sound waves are both potential
and kinetic energy. When the
speaker moves, it compresses air
molecules nearby, giving that
air potential energy. When the
air expands, potential energy is
transformed into kinetic energy.
Waves created by compressing and
expanding matter – such as air
molecules – are called compres-
sion waves.
lw=
le sr=
me
1P
E ti
po
( r
S
C
I
E
N
C
E
I
N
A
C
T
I
O
N
try the
Wave Generator
Project p.13
3K
Tmi
ee
(v
be .
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE
Electricity can be static, like the energy that can make
your hair stand on end. Magnetism can also be static, as it
is in a refrigerator magnet. A changing magnetic field will
create a changing electric field and vice-versa, the two are
linked. These changing fields form electromagnetic waves.
ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
Electromagnetic energy travels in
waves and spans a broad spectrum
from very long radio waves to very
short gamma rays. The human eye can
only detect a small portion of this
spectrum called visible light.
102
name of
wave
Radio Waves Microwaves Infrared
Visible Spectrum
Ultra Violet X-rays Gamma
wavelength
(meters)
about the
size of
10110-1 10-2 10-3 10-4 10-5 10-6 10-7 10-8 10-9 10-10 10-11 10-12
100
Lilriso
csi se
wby e set
ld y b
c
T
r
Lw
va
ce
r
mcd
pd c bi v a n
ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY
When you tune your radio, watch TV, send a text message, or pop popcorn in a microwave
oven, you are using electromagnetic energy. Without it, the world you know could not exist.
11
S
C
I
E
N
C
E
I
N
A
C
T
I
O
N
try the
Energy Meter
Project p.14
PROJECTS
Enhanced instructions plus tons more
projects online, littleBits.cc/space
DOWNLOAD ACTIVITIES ONLINE AT
WWW.LITTLEBITS.CC/SPACE
p13 Wave Generator p16 Measuring the
Atmosphere
p22 Star Chart
p14 Energy Meter p18 Data
Communication
p25 Satellite Orbit
p15 Make a Spectrum
p19 Satellite Dish p28 Grappler p30 Mars Rover
m
p
s m
Start with this circuit.
Play song on mp3 player and gently
touch speaker cone.
Attach spoon to speaker with tape.
Pour milk into spoon, then
play some songs.
Turn up your volume and check
out the cool wave patterns!
p
WAVE GENERATOR
PROJECT 1: An introduction to speakers and mechanical waves.
TIME: 15 mins
DIFFICULTY:
power wire speaker
te
udct
pn3l
dpr
c
a?
s
wg
wp
Be o
ms!
be e
rb
Y
O
U
’
L
L
N
E
E
D
Describe how different music causes
different reactions in the liquid.
a
c
5
3
Hl
Tft l
yems 13
W
H
Y
’
D
I
T
D
O
T
H
A
T
?
refer back to
What is Energy
on p.10
1
2 4
Digital cameras create
images by measuring light
energy. This is similar to
how NASA satellite images
are created by measuring
energy reflecting off the
Earth’s surface.
Start with this circuit.
Walk around and nd di erent
sources of energy. Record
your ndings in table.
Move the sensor closer
or farther from the
energy source. Record
your observations in table.
Can you see any energy
coming from a TV remote
control? What happens if
you point it at the energy
meter and press a button?
What sources of energy can you
find?
Describe what happens when you move
the sensor closer to or farther
from the energy source.
What happens if you point a house-
hold remote at the light sensor?
1.
2.
3.
4.
p
ENERGY METER
PROJECT 2: Discover sources of light energy around you.
TIME: 15 mins
DIFFICULTY:
t
m
ed
yytywc
noffiyr
Faedu
ct ,
lb,
ia
power light sensor number
te
Y
O
U
’
L
L
N
E
E
D
NASA images by Reto Stöckli,
based on data from NASA and NOAA
a i
(tmt
L)
i li
eas
si
1
2
3
4
14
W
H
Y
’
D
I
T
D
O
T
H
A
T
?
refer back to
Electromagnetic
Energy on p.11
For expanded activity, go to
littleBits.cc/energymeter
Y
O
U
’
L
L
N
E
E
D
Cw
p
wire bright LED
te A SPECTRUM is a range
of electromagnetic
waves in order of
their wavelength. You
can always remember
the order by thinking
of “ROY G BIV.” From
longest to shortest –
Red, Orange, Yellow,
Green, Blue, Indigo,
Violet.
As white light bends, each color in the
spectrum bends at a slightly different
angle because their wavelengths are
different sizes. Shorter wavelengths will
bend more and longer
wavelengths will bend
less.
Why does a CD behave
like a prism? They both
act as “diffraction
grating.” The grooves
on a CD diffract light
into several beams
like you saw in this
experiment!
Make this circuit.
MAKE A SPECTRUM
PROJECT 3: Explore light waves you can see.
TIME: 15 mins
DIFFICULTY:
Find a dark place and set the
refl ective side of the CD opposite
a white wall or piece of paper.
Place a bright LED in between the
CD and the wall (or paper).
power
MA!
Hylu
1 2
3
4
15
W
H
Y
’
D
I
T
D
O
T
H
A
T
?
refer back to
Electromagnetic
Energy on p.11
’ll
s i
fi e
mro
as
y o
u
Wi
si .
pltrd
c dm
vm
x
cl
oe
p p
MEASURING THE ATMOSPHERE
PROJECT 4: Learn how satellites detect particles in the atmosphere.
TIME: 30 mins
DIFFICULTY:
Place glass of water over the space between two books.
Y
O
U
’
L
L
N
E
E
D
p b g
w m
b
power wire wire
light
sensor number
bright
LED
t
m td a i
Orient your circuits above and below the glass.
Measure the amount of energy passing through the
bottom of the glass. Record your data.
Make these two circuits.
1
23
16 d
s p
w
Tb
ys
a“
ye
g
p
This project is similar to how satellite
instruments measure the atmosphere.
Since aerosols and gases scatter light
differently, NASA instruments can determine
the composition of the atmosphere by
measuring how light is scattered.
Water
1 drop milk
2 drops milk
3 drops milk
4 drops milk
Bottom Side
(i
L
sr
l
a
(l
gb s
(g)
E
st
(g)
si
Sts koea
wyps “.
plt
s
n
Measure the amount of energy coming through
the side of the glass. Record your data in table.
Add 1 drop of milk and stir. The milk
represents particles in the atmosphere.
What do you think will happen to the number if
you add a drop of milk to the water? Record your
hypothesis. Now conduct an experiment to nd out
if you were right.
Continue adding milk and record your observations.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 and record your data.
4 5
6
717
Wt o
ls O
Ja
Measuring from bottom: With water, the
reading will be high because light is
traveling downward. With milk, the reading
will be lower because light is scattered.
Measuring from side: With water, the reading
will be low because light is traveling
downward. With milk, the reading will be
higher because the light is scattered.
Data Table
Hypothesis:
Was your hypothesis correct?
t
ct
(a
wp?
rr
ct
lm
s
m
bright
LED uri
a o
mmsy
power
DATA COMMUNICATION
PROJECT 5: Learn how to wirelessly transmit music using a digital signal.
mic
light
sensor
speaker
or
IR LED
TIME: 30 mins
DIFFICULTY:
Plug audio cable into microphone
module and an mp3 player and
play your favorite song.
Now swap out the IR LED for the bright LED and
see what happens.
Put di erent materials between the light source
and sensor. What happens?
Place both circuits on a flat surface, like below.
m
p a
c
Make these two circuits.
9
meI
ia0r
ti
a o
mmsy
hb
3al
s
hta2
amg
s
NASA uses electromagnetic
waves to communicate with
satellites orbiting Earth.
mr
ms
awu
1 2
3 4
5
How does it work?
Your digitized music is converted
into a series of light wave pulses.
The pulses are decoded by the light
sensor and converted into sound waves
by the speaker.
c
lsr
ynr
poa
t
m
Y
O
U
’
L
L
N
E
E
D
18
NASA
TODAY
SATELLITE DISH
PROJECT 6: Learn the science behind satellites and make your own parabolic refl ector.
TIME: 60 mins
DIFFICULTY:
Y
O
U
’
L
L
N
E
E
D
b
c
lm
m
p
b
sr p
c c
s
b
hu
b
b
power wire wire
light
sensor number
bright
LED
uri
a o
mmsy
STAY SAFE!Always
use with an adult.
Make these two circuits.
fiao
bil t f
e
an
s
ido
b
Find a paper or plastic bowl and
cover it with foil.
To optimize the amount of light that is refl ected
into your sensor, you’ll need to calculate where the
focus point is.
Use craft stick to make a sensor arm.
Once you have found the ideal focus
point, glue craft stick to bowl.
hu
l s
p
yo
hui
To learn how to calculate
the focus distance, go here:
littleBits.cc/satellitedish
rr/
lu l
plc
luo
1
2 3 4
5
t
m
r-
b 19
gr
soc
oo 11
Create a mounting stick.
Rubberband light sensor to tip of arm.
It should face into bowl.
Stick satellite dish into cup through the slit. Use tape and place number module
on front of cup.
Dty
ab
ao
s
lsr
cm
bnf
Shine bright LED into your dish... what
happens to the number reading?
Cut slit in bottom of cup. 10
Tft
sla
mb
pd f
y
yen
6
7
89
a i t
sc
20
s!
cl
Show us what
satellite dish you made!
littleBits.cc/upload
This manual suits for next models
1
Table of contents
