Project Name: Force B

Team Blaster:

• Dorothy Wong
• Timothy Reyes
• Polina Vorozheykina

Description:

           With the Force B, the MSP430 Launchpad now has Bluetooth wireless connectivity! This wireless function is combined with input sensors and output devices to create a remote status update and control mechanism. Or you can think of it as one big universal control panel! The Force B comes with three pre-programmed modules but it is designed as a base device that can easily be modified with new features by the user. With the Force B, the possibilities are endless! 

   

Features:

• Wireless connectivity through Bluetooth
• Small form factor: sits right on top of the Launchpad
• Goes into low power mode when device is out of range, thus conserving energy
• Simple, easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI)
• Fully customizable per the user’s needs
• Low cost: only $26 for the base model
• Comes with three pre-programmed modules that showcase the wireless capability

Resources: 

     Check our user's guide for instructions on how to add functions to the Force B:

Pre-Programmed Modules: 

By adding any combination of sensors and output, the Force B can be configured for custom use by the user. Here are some possible modules that we pre-programmed into the Force B.

Security and Home Automation:

Ever had a day when you had to run out the door to perform an urgent errand and forgot to turn off the lights? Those days are long gone with the use of the Security and Home Automation Module. This module detects when your Bluetooth device is out of range and automatically locks your door, turns off your stove and turns off your lights. No more worrying! This module also functions as a quick way to asses the status of your home. Just from looking at the display, you can tell if your home is secure, if your door is open or closed or locked or unlocked. You can also lock you door with a click of your mouse and remotely control your stove, A/C and lights. Its a great way to easily check up on your house before going to bed!

 

Entertainment:

Want to hold a Jedi Party, but don't like working across multiple confusing machines? The Entertainment, or Jedi Party module, combines control of essential components of a party into one convenient, simple window. Here you can strobe lights at varying levels, turn music on, and spin the disco ball. A piano is even included to spice up the scene with custom music!

Piano:

This nifty module turns your computer keyboard into, well, a keyboard, but of the musical type. By pressing a key on your computer keyboard, the corresponding note is sent to the Force B hardware speaker. This keyboard features a full chromatic scale, and the keys on the GUI light up to show you the notes!

 

Again, these modules are only a few out of the nearly infinite possibilities of modules that the Force B provides, giving you the flexibility of making your own modules. Try it out! See where your imagination leads you!