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"In STEM education, most kits teach you to build and code, but what happens when things go wrong? In the real world, engineers spend more time fixing problems than following instructions. Yet, few tools teach students, hobbyists, or future innovators the critical skill of debugging. Without it, they’re left unprepared for the challenges that define engineering. We saw this gap and decided to fix it."
"Enter Bug in Circuit—a hands-on STEM platform built around a powerful ESP32 microcontroller with WiFi and Bluetooth. It’s not just another IoT kit; it’s a real-world learning experience. Each board comes with an intentional 'bug' that stops it from working out of the box. To unlock its potential, you’ll need to troubleshoot and fix it—learning to analyze circuits, test connections, and solve problems like a pro. With three variants—2-channel, 4-channel, and 6-channel with built-in power conversion—it scales from simple smart devices to advanced systems, all while teaching you skills that last a lifetime."
The Debugging ExperienceAt the heart of Bug in Circuit is its signature feature: a built-in bug. Out of the box, the board won’t function as expected—relays won’t trigger, lights won’t blink, or connectivity might fail. This isn’t a flaw; it’s the point. Users must use the included tools (multimeter, soldering iron, and wires) and their wits to diagnose and resolve the issue. The bug could be a short circuit, a missing connection, or a misconfigured component—each kit varies slightly to keep the challenge fresh. A comprehensive tutorial book guides you through the process, teaching techniques like:
- Circuit Analysis: Reading schematics and tracing signal paths.
- Testing: Using a multimeter to check voltage, continuity, and resistance.
- Repair: Soldering or rewiring to fix the issue. By conquering the bug, users gain practical skills that traditional kits overlook, preparing them for real engineering challenges.
Bug in Circuit comes in three distinct versions, each tailored to different skill levels and project ambitions:
- 2-Channel Relay Board
- Overview: Compact and beginner-friendly, perfect for small-scale IoT projects like smart lights or remote-controlled appliances.
- Power: Operates on 5V DC (via USB or external supply).
- Features: Two relay channels, optocouplers for isolation, status LEDs, RF/IR interfaces, and full I/O access for sensors.
- Ideal For: Students or hobbyists starting their IoT journey.
- 4-Channel Relay Board
- Overview: A step up for intermediate users, offering more control for multi-device setups like home automation prototypes.
- Power: 5V DC, same as the 2-channel variant.
- Features: Four relay channels with the same core capabilities—ESP32 with BLE/WiFi, RF/IR control, and sensor compatibility.
- Ideal For: Makers and educators tackling more complex builds.
- 6-Channel Relay Board with Built-In Power Conversion
- Overview: The advanced option, designed for high-power applications and seamless integration into larger systems.
- Power: Built-in 230V AC to 5V DC converter—plug it straight into mains powerno external adapter needed.
- Features: Six relay channels, plus all the connectivity and control options of the smaller variants.
- Ideal For: Experienced users or classrooms building ambitious projects like smart grids or industrial simulations.
Beyond debugging, Bug in Circuit is a fully-featured IoT platform. The ESP32 microcontroller enables seamless cloud connectivity with platforms like Arduino IoT Cloud, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. Control relays remotely via WiFi, Bluetooth, or the included RF/IR interfaces—imagine turning on a fan with your voice or automating lights with a sensor. Male headers provide easy access to I/O pins, letting you connect sensors (temperature, motion, light, etc.) for endless project possibilities. Whether it’s a smart home system or a data-driven experiment, this kit delivers.
Each Bug in Circuit kit is a complete STEM learning package:
- Relay Module: Your choice of 2-channel, 4-channel, or 6-channel board with ESP32.
- IR Receiver and Remote: Control relays with infrared signals.
- RF Receiver and Remote: Add radio-frequency control for extra range.
- Multimeter: Measure voltage, current, and resistance to debug effectively.
- Soldering Iron and Lead: Fix the bug or customize your board.
- Wires and Wire Cutter: Connect components with ease.
- ESP32 with USB Cable: Program and power your projects.
- Tutorial Book: A detailed guide with step-by-step instructions, debugging tips, and 10+ IoT project ideas (e.g., smart irrigation, voice-activated lights).
- Students and Educators: Bring real-world engineering into the classroom with a kit that teaches critical thinking and practical skills.
- Makers and Hobbyists: Build custom IoT creations while mastering troubleshooting—an essential skill for any DIY project.
- Future Engineers: Get a taste of professional hardware development, from debugging circuits to integrating cloud systems.
- ESP32 Microcontroller: Dual-core processor with WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for robust connectivity.
- Relay Isolation: Optocouplers ensure safe, reliable switching of high-power devices.
- RF/IR Control: Dual remote options for flexible operation.
- Scalable Design: Three variants plus sensor compatibility for projects of any scope.
- Built-In Bug: A unique challenge that turns every kit into a learning opportunity.
With Bug in Circuit, you can build:
- A smart doorbell that texts you via the cloud.
- A voice-controlled fan synced with Alexa.
- An automated plant-watering system triggered by soil sensors.
- A multi-device home automation hub powered straight from the wall (6-channel variant). The only limit is your imagination—and your ability to debug!
Smart IoT Kit Workshop @ SRM University
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