The USB-connected Arduino Shield (BL0055) serves as a robust microcontroller programming and debugging platform for PC. It's compatible with programming languages like Assembly, C, Arduino IDE, and Flowcode, offering versatile options for users.
Learn electronics with Locktronics
Locktronics is a range of products that simplifies the process of learning and teaching electricity and electronics. The core range consists of more than 200 electronic components ⟨ANSI and DIN⟩ mounted on rugged plastic carriers which are printed with the corresponding circuit symbol. Students use the carriers, in conjunction with a baseboard with interconnecting metal pillars to build up a working circuit, then use the worksheets provided to carry out experiments. All solutions are provided in sturdy storage solutions and with up-to-date curricula always available online. Solutions are designed to be used in one kit between two students. A demo panel is also available.
Why Choose Locktronics
- Makes learning easier
- Extensive free curriculum
- Rugged and reliable
- Covers range of subject areas
- Vast range of components
- Sturdy storage for solutions
- More instruments available
- Minimal assembly required
Locktronics in Education
The Locktronics range helps students of many disciplines to apply electrical theory to electrical practice. The Locktronics range is used by thousands of educational institutions and training organizations across the world for electrical training, from primary school students through to automotive apprentices and trainee aviation maintenance engineers.
Locktronics Curriculum
There are over 40 different curriculum packs available for the Locktronics range covering a wide spectrum of topics: from simple electricity for wiring technicians, through to advanced transistor characteristics for undergraduate electronic engineers. The curriculum consists of a number of worksheets and experiments, as well as lesson plans and teachers’ notes.
Locktronics Solutions
Our range of solutions is divided into nine main subject areas: physics, basic engineering, computer science, aviation, automotive, robotics & mechatronics, electrical installation, electronic engineering and electrical installation. The solutions can also be used to provide a core of essential components which can be expanded with more specialist parts once the basic principles have been mastered.
Modern electrical machines training system is a revolutionary way of safely studying the characteristics of different motor types in a learning environment. This solution includes eight different types of machines, an integrated power supply and control box and PC-based applications for advanced controllers of the different machine types. Further to this, we provide four separate curriculum manuals for teaching electrical machines principles using manual control with external meters, using PC control and also control using MATLAB.
Each component is attached to the main workstation with quick-release latches, allowing students to build and dismantle each experiment quickly. A full free curriculum is provided with easy-to-follow worksheets.
System Benefits
- Safe Operation; all moving parts covered
- Operates on 24V power, AC or DC
- Use manual or full PC Controls for the motors
- Measure voltage, current and power in DC and AC
- All machines are small footprint and low power
- Equipment can be easily stored and packed away
PC Software
Three phase control software with integrated oscilloscope.
Close up of oscilloscope plot – users can select from one of 14 on-board instruments.
Gauges show key values such as current and voltage.
Set output frequency and waveform type – in this case digital or pseudo-sine.
Software allows you to monitor RPM and torque in real-time.
Automatic speed torque graph for any of the machines can be generated by the software.
The system is designed to be used manually or via connection to a laptop or PC. When utilizing the PC control option, the user should download the app from the Resources page on this site. Above are a range of screenshots showcasing the ways the proprietary software can be used to control each type of machine in the range.
Through experimentation, users can review the results of altering the voltage, load etc of each machine and the subsequent effect this has on each machine’s current, torque etc. over time.
Now with Internet Control
The electrical machine systems are now supplied with internet-based control as standard. This means the system can be used remotely by students, for distance or blended learning purposes. For more information, check out this document that explains how this works.
Control Box
At the heart of both manual and PC control of the machines is our control unit. The control unit houses all of the electronics including motor drivers, to control the modern electrical machines training system. By hovering over the controls on the image below, you can see the capabilities of our system, including the dials for manual control of voltage etc.
The aluminum cradle which houses our dynamometer features a rugged and safe sliding mechanism in to which each of the other six motors in the range fix into position. The motor coupling meets the dynamometer in a protected housing and allows for safe study of each machine type at 24 volts.
When using our system in manual mode, it is likely you will require two (per set) HP1324 Fluke 115 True RMS Digital Multimeter and one HP8067 Tektronix Digital oscilloscope.
Using with MATLAB
A suite of API calls are provided which allows the system to be used with both MATLAB and Labview software. This allows students to understand the characterization of electromechanical systems using mathematical formulae and to compare simulated results with real world values.
The Process Control training system from Matrix, is an innovative way of studying this commonly taught engineering subject. Controlled, portable and safe, these kits allow students to effectively investigate the principles of industrial process control, using independent Temperature, Pressure, Flow and Level based training systems.
The system is equipped with a common controller for all applications and the advanced 16bit dsPIC processor operating system is generously equipped with USB, WiFi, Bluetooth and LAN communication.
For each of the process control systems, data can be collected and viewed on the internal graph or saved to a file for later analysis and comes ready to plug in with 110-240V operation.
Full documentation is supplied with each of the units, including a manual for the equipment and a full curriculum workbook, which guides students through the use of Process control systems and the Control function. Each curriculum comes with hours of learning, workbooks and tutor’s notes. Transfer functions can be studied using MATLAB or equivalent software.
System Benefits
- Rugged metal work which stands up to an educational setting
- USB, WiFi, Bluetooth and LAN connections
- Full free curriculum
- Remote connection capability
- Three different software options
- MATLAB / Lab view compatibility
- Small footprint, allows for easy classroom learning and storage
This compact open-circuit sub-sonic wind tunnel training equipment is designed for benchtop use.
The wind tunnel is designed to teach aerodynamic principles and exploration of fluid flow. Suitable for college to undergraduate teaching, it features a computer-controlled fan, data acquisition, and multiple experimental setups controlled by a touchscreen interface and also includes LED flow visualization.
The wind tunnel has a 125mm transparent test section and 25m/s wind speed.
The wind tunnel has a honeycomb structure built into the contraction nozzle (ratio 9.2:1), which ensures uniform flow through the test section. The clear test section allows for visibility and a clear understanding of the observed behavior. The air exits through a variable speed-controlled fan, with a finger guard covering the back.
Built-in data acquisition allows users to have direct output of pressure readings from pitot static tube and pressure tapping's. It also allows for real time lift and drag force components to be logged. Different drag shapes are provided along with multiple NACA profile aerofoils. Simple thread attachment allows students to design their test pieces for analysis.
A smoke generator (provided) can be used to create streamline smoke trails over the test objects for visualization of flow patterns.
Wind Tunnel Experiments
There are over 14 experiments included with the wind tunnel. Along with the following, students can 3D print endless variations by creating a shape and adding a simple M3 thread, which then attaches directly to the 2-force component unit for testing.
Pilot static tube
6 drag shape specimens
Pressure tapped cylinder
3 data acquisition cables
Pressure tapped aerofoil
3 aerofoil shapes
2 component force with angle of attach numerical control
Aerodynamics
The wind tunnel teaches many aerodynamic principles such as:
- Bernoulli’s equation
- Air flow over aerofoils
- Air flows around blunt and streamlined shapes
- Pressure distribution around a cylinder and aerofoil
- Lift and drag forces for blunt and streamlined shapes
- Flow visualization
- Manometers
TecQuipment's Continuous Supersonic Wind Tunnel (AF302) is a suction-type, continuous-operation supersonic (up to Mach 1.8) wind tunnel for investigations into subsonic and supersonic airflow around two-dimensional models. It also allows students to study airflow in two dimensions around aerodynamic models.
Specialist Data Acquisition for TecQuipment Education Equipment
TecQuipment's in-house developed software, VDAS® (Versatile Data Acquisition System) has been tailored to operate perfectly with the TecQuipment products to maximize learning potential.
The digital system is easy to set-up and use with simple USB connections. It provides real-time data-capture, calculation, charting, and data export. Real-time traces of analog signals and advanced signal processing are sometimes possible.
VDAS consists of both hardware and software.
Discover a mobile, laboratory-scale steam plant designed for engaging experiments in fundamental thermodynamic principles. Delve into the intricacies of thermodynamic laws, thermal efficiency, and Rankine cycle analysis. TecQuipment's Thermal Power Plant with Steam (TD1060V) is a compact system features a variable-speed piston pump, an electrically powered flash boiler, and a robust axial turbine. Explore its functionality, potential applications, and even its capability to power devices. Elevate the learning experience with TecQuipment's Versatile Data Acquisition System (VDAS®) for real-time data capture and analysis. Immerse yourself in the world of practical thermodynamics.
Pages
-
Item Number:BL0055 -
Item Number:BL0086The E-blocks2 AVR Programmer (BL0086) supports multiple languages: Assembly, C, Arduino IDE, and Flowcode. It uses the mLoader tool for programming. Equipped with an ATMEGA328P microcontroller, it conveniently connects port pins through E-blocks2 sockets. Power can be supplied externally or via micro USB.
-
Item Number:BL0114The flexible downstream board (BL0114) is perfect for learning and projects. It's compatible with any upstream E-blocks2 programmer, enabling exploration of multiple technologies on a single board.
-
Item Number:BL0032The 16-bit PIC programmer (BL0032) can be used with various programming languages including Assembly, C and Flowcode. To program the dsPIC on the board a free tool called mLoader is available.
-
Item Number:BL0138The E-blocks2 Keypad board (BL0138) is a useful tool as it allows you to enter numeric and textual data into the embedded system. The switches are all push to make type and read by controlling the logic level of the columns and reading back the state of the rows.
-
Item Number:BL0167The E-blocks2 LED board (BL0167) allows you to indicate what is happening or the ongoing real-time status of the system. LEDs can be driven digitally using on or off-output states or an analog way using pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques.
-
Item Number:BL0080The 8-bit microcontroller multi-programmer connects to a PC via USB to provide you with a powerful microcontroller and debugging platform.
-
Item Number:BL0011The USB-connected 8-bit PIC programmer (BL0011) enables robust microcontroller programming and debugging on a PC. It supports programming languages like Assembly, C, and Flowcode, with a free download option for the mLoader tool to program the PIC on the board.
-
Item Number:BL0117The E-blocks2 Prototype Board (BL0117) provides an array of standard 2.54mm pitch holes which can be used to solder electronics onto the E-blocks board permanently. The board is also supplied with a small breadboard, allowing for temporary electronics to be created and tested with the E-blocks2 system.
-
Item Number:BL0145The E-blocks2 Switch x 8 (BL0145) is a valuable tool allowing you to control what is happening in the system. The switches are push to make and active high, meaning the voltage to the microcontroller port pins is low when the switch is not pressed and high when the switch is pressed.
