Controlling Jumperless with Excel or Chrome
Workshop: Code
This is a workshop about creating a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for Jumperless (https://www.crowdsupply.com/architeuthis-flux/jumperless-v5). The techniques used can easily be adapted to other devices with a serial command line interface. We’ll start with a short demo to show what’s possible, then get people setup with a copy of these GUI examples to alter to your heart’s content. The Excel GUI might be of interest if you’re looking to develop an off-line capable tool or one that can be used collaboratively from anywhere in the world (polar opposites, I know). If you’re looking for something that isn’t as platform restrictive, the Google Colab approach can create a GUI that will work for anyone with a Chrome browser and a USB cable, but does require an internet connection. Paring either of these tools with Jumperless, a breadboard with software-controlled connections, allows you to change the way real hardware is connected together without touching the breadboard or writing a line of code!
During the workshop, I will highlight some unusual features (and quirks) of Excel, Chrome, and Jumperless. I will also outline how they can be leveraged for interfacing with hardware. Topics covered will include:
- Serial communication (UART & USB Serial)
- Command Line Interface (CLI) design
- User interface design
- Excel features
- Chrome (webserial, Python, and JavaScript)
- Jumperless features
While the hardware and software listed below is recommended to be able to follow along, anyone is welcome to attend. It will still be possible to remotely control the demonstration hardware from most phones and there will also be some of the new Jumperless V5 boards to play with during the workshop.
Recommended hardware & software:
A computer with at least 1 USB-A port (or adapter) and either:
— Google Chrome & a Google Account (for interacting with Google Colab)
— Excel 365 on a Windows computer (for creating your own Excel GUI)