E-Textiles / Wearables Boards Compared: LilyPad vs GEMMA vs Microbit

Summary

In this video, Steven from Core Electronics explores various wearable boards for e-textiles, highlighting the LilyPad, Gemma M0, and Micro:bit. The LilyPad, a pioneering board, offers ease of use but limited processing power. The Gemma M0 is praised for its compact size and versatility, featuring touch-sensitive pins and multiple programming options. Meanwhile, the Micro:bit stands out with built-in sensors and Bluetooth capabilities, making it ideal for educational projects. Each board is analyzed for its advantages, disadvantages, and best use cases, providing a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts looking to launch their wearable projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 The LilyPad is one of the first wearable boards, setting the standard for e-textiles and wearables.
• 🎉 It features a round profile with large holes for easy sewing with conductive thread.
• 🔋 The LilyPad has a built-in LiPo battery charging capability but can cause damage if used with standard alkaline batteries.
• ⚡ The board operates similarly to an Arduino Leonardo, with multiple analog and digital pins for various functions.
• 💡 The Gemma M0 is a compact board with a powerful microcontroller, offering around 25 times the speed of the LilyPad.
• 🎨 Gemma M0 includes a built-in DotStar LED that can be programmed to display any color.
• 🤚 It has three capacitive touch-sensitive pins, enabling touch input for wearable projects.
• 🛠️ The Gemma M0 can be programmed in multiple languages, including MakeCode, JavaScript, CircuitPython, and Arduino.
• 📦 The Micro:bit is a powerful board with built-in sensors, including temperature, light, and motion detection.
• 🔗 While the Micro:bit is less suited for sewing into garments, it provides excellent functionality and documentation for low-cost wearable projects.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video discusses different types of wearable boards and e-textiles, comparing their advantages and disadvantages.

What is the LilyPad, and what makes it notable?

The LilyPad is one of the first wearable boards, featuring a circular design with large holes for easy sewing with conductive thread. It's an Arduino Leonardo integrated into a lightweight board.

What are some advantages of using the LilyPad?

The advantages include its lightweight design, built-in LiPo charging capability, and compatibility with a battery pack, making it easy to use for various projects.

What precautions should be taken when using the LilyPad with non-rechargeable batteries?

Care should be taken not to connect standard alkaline battery packs to the USB while they are powered, as this can damage the batteries or pose fire hazards.

How does the Gemma M0 differ from the LilyPad?

The Gemma M0 is significantly smaller and faster, with a powerful microcontroller that can handle complex tasks. It also features capacitive touch-sensitive pins and supports multiple programming languages.

What programming options are available for the Gemma M0?

Users can program the Gemma M0 using MakeCode, JavaScript, CircuitPython, or Arduino, providing flexibility depending on the user's skill level.

What features does the micro:bit offer that make it suitable for wearable projects?

The micro:bit includes various built-in sensors such as temperature, light, accelerometer, and magnetometer, alongside Bluetooth capabilities, making it versatile for different projects.

What is a significant drawback of using the micro:bit for wearables?

The micro:bit can be difficult to sew into projects due to its design, requiring careful handling to avoid overlapping on its edge connector pins.

Which other wearable boards are mentioned as alternatives to the ones discussed?

The Adafruit Flora and the Circuit Playground Express are mentioned as alternatives, with the Flora being similar to the LilyPad and the Circuit Playground Express similar to the micro:bit.

What is the key takeaway regarding the recommended boards for e-textiles projects?

The key takeaway is that the LilyPad, Gemma M0, and micro:bit are highly recommended for starting e-textiles and wearable projects due to their unique features and ease of use.