handy-tutorial

Getting Started WithHandy Boards and Handy LogobyRobbie BergDepartment of PhysicsandFranklyn TurbakDepartment of Computer ScienceWellesley CollegeThe Handy Board and Handy Logo were developed by members of theEpistemology and Learning Group at the MIT Media Lab as part of theProgrammable Bricks project. For more information please seehttp://lcs.www.media.mit.edu/groups/el/elprojects.htmlGetting Started WithHandy Boards and Handy LogoFigure 11. Setting Up Your Handy BoardThe Handy Board is a hand-held, battery-powered computer that can receive inputsfrom electronic sensors (including touch, light, and sound sensors) and operate smallmotors. It is designed for a variety of educational robotics uses, including mobile robotprojects, data-taking applications, and “ubiquitous computing” applications (projects thatembed computers in the world around us). A schematic drawing of the Handy Board isshown in figure 1 above.To use your Handy Board you will need to transfer computer instructions from aMacintosh computer to the Handy Board. Instructions are sent to the Handy Board via acable that is connected to the Macintosh’s modem port.The connections for downloading Handy Logo programs to the Handy Board areshown in figure 2 below. Make sure the Handy Board is turned on; you should hear a“boot beep” when you turn on the Handy Board and the green power light should comeon. (If you don’t see the green light, it probably means that the battery is dead. If ...