The Longan Cards system is a unique, open-hardware development platform designed by Longan Labs. As a framework for plug-and-play modules, it allows you to build prototype expansion cards quickly and easily. It includes a full set of Arduino libraries and plenty of sample code.

A Versatile Standard for Hardware Expansion

The Longan Cards system consists of Cards and Boards. Longan Cards have male edge connectors and Longan Boards have female sockets for those connectors, which makes the system intuitive for end-users. This unified and flexible interface opens up a world of possibilities for card-based expansion. We very much look forward to seeing what new functionality the community adds to Open Game Station (and what new base platforms it designs for Longan Cards!).

A Wide Variety of Card Types

Longan Cards are classified into various types:

• The main control cards run code and handle the exchange of data between modules. Open Game Station is driven by a Carduino, but peripheral Longan Cards can also be made to work with MicroBit, Arduino, and other development boards.
• Sensor cards record data from their surroundings: temperature, air pressure, the volume of sound, etc.
• Input cards provide a physical interface for you to give commands: buttons, knobs, etc.
• Output cards provide feedback in various forms: screens, buzzers, motor controllers, etc.
• Communication cards transmit data in various ways: Bluetooth, 4G networking, etc.
• Power cards supply power for attached electronics, including the other Longan Cards: batteries, DC power, etc.
• Auxiliary cards handle other tasks: providing additional expansion sockets, facilitating the transfer of code, etc.

A Powerful Learning Tool

In addition to games, the Longan Card system is an excellent platform for interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. There are a number of Longan Cards related to electronic circuit design, mechanical engineering, programming, and the natural sciences. And, of course, the Longan Cards system itself (including the Open Game Station hardware) is a great hands-on learning tool for those interested in DIY electronic prototyping.