Make a data logger from a Casio graphics calculator

Most New Zealand High Schools permit students to use Casio graphic calculators in mathematics. The calculators become a data logger if connected to a PICAXE microcontroller chip. Imagine the uses in junior Science, senior Biology, Chemistry and Physics! Download Michael's manual that includes the Casio communications protocol here ... Casio_Picaxe_manual.doc. This will interest teachers following the Mobile Technologies in Science (MOTIS) and Computer Algebraic Systems (CAS) research. CASI robot: an autonomous Mars Rover type vehicle that can also be controlled by the arrow keys on the Casio...

CASI ... the Casio controlled Mars Rover model

" The robot was put together from bits in the shed, an old tamiya bulldozer kit (10+ years old, hand held wire linked remote), chasis modified to RF control and fitted with a dual motor gearbox and I put in a L293D motor controller. The cover is a piece of plastic box downpipe as the picture shows. The Casio sends a keycode to the attached picaxe RF transmitter, the robot just responds accordingly with its picaxe RF receiver. Nothing special so didn't take long to make.

I added a SRF05 from one of my prototpye physics sensor units to the robot so it can't be driven on purpose into obstacles. Robots are dumb but they don't have to be stupid! It will explore the room if it hasn't heard from the Casio in a while. My Calculus class is using robotics as a context for a particular part of their course this term so wondered if I could throw something together for them to use next week. It is very stable climbing over feet, books and marker pens. We'll use CASI to make some calculations and have some fun as well! "

 What next?

UPDATE: Michael has been awarded an eLearning Fellowship for 2008 to continue his work with mobile sensor technology and interactive games. He is developing lesson plans and experiments for the Casio/PICAXE unit suitable for Science and Mathematics.