SET-PiEng Lab - HTU

THL Resources

The SET Take-Home Lab at Al Hussein Technical University (HTU) offers students the opportunity to work on their various engineering projects, specifically in the fields of control systems, mechanical, electronic, and programming. This lab was selected to incorporate Raspberry Pi kits to enhance student outcomes through hands-on learning and to provide an alternative to traditional Arduino-based projects. By integrating these kits, HTU aims to provide students with practical, real-world experience, in line with its commitment to innovative education in engineering.

University

Al Hussein Technical University (HTU)

Targeted Groups

Undergraduate students in various levels of the School of Engineering Technology, specializing in Electrical, Mechanical, and Energy disciplines.

THL Components

Overview of the concept and key components

The THL kit offers hands-on learning and experimentation in electronics and engineering. With an advanced microcontroller at its core, it equips students to explore diverse range of projects, electronics, electrical systems, sensors, and actuator control. What makes this kit special is that it's not just a microcontroller, but a complete package. From essential wires to batteries and cables, it ensures that every necessary component for various engineering experiments is readily available.

  • Raspberry Pi Microcontroller
  • Camera module
  • Display (LCD, LED Dot Matrix Display, 7-Segment Display, RGB LEDs, LED Bar Graph)
  • Sensors (IR, Temp, pressure, speed, Touch, LDR, RFID, Encoders, Joystick)
  • Motors (DC motor, Servo motor)
  • Electronics (Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, Diodes, Transistors, ADC, Amplifiers)
  • Other Outputs (Buzzers, Relays, Speaker)
  • Other Inputs (Potentiometer, Push Buttons, switches, Keypad)
  • LI-ION Rechargeable Batteries with Charger

Kit full components

  1. Raspberry Pi 4 model B 1GB
  2. LCD16X2 with I2C
  3. Raspberry Pi B+ 40 Pin T connector Breakout Blue GPIO T-Type Extension Board
  4. 5 MP Raspberry pi camera module - made in china
  5. Speaker 0.5W 8 OHM trumpet, Diameter 36mm
  6. DC Motor Standard 130 toy motor
  7. RFID Card Reader/Writer 13.56MHZ RC522
  8. Joystick Module
  9. ROTARY ROTATION ENCODER MODULE
  10. Breadboard Power Supply
  11. Red LED Dot Matrix Display Module (MAX7219)
  12. Mini Servo Motor SG90 9g Servo 180 Degree
  13. 7 segment 4 digit display 0.5-inch Common Cathode
  14. Breadboard 830 tie-point Solderless Prototype board
  15. Keypad 4x4
  16. MKA-14103 Tone Leads Glass N/O SPST Reed Switch 10-15AT 2 x 14mm A
  17. IR Infrared obstacle avoidance module
  18. Speed Encoder Sensor Module for Arduino
  19. DHT11 Digital Temperature and Humidity Sensor Module
  20. TTP223 Touch button Module Capacitor type Single Channel
  21. PROPELLER For DC MOTOR STANDARD 130 - TOY MOTOR
  22. 1 Channel Relay Module with light coupling 5V OPTO COUPLERED
  23. POTENTIOMETER 50K
  24. Micro Normally Open Close Limit Switch
  25. Push Button Switch 6*6*7mm
  26. SPDT 3 Pin PCB Panel Mini Vertical Slide Switch
  27. 5V Magnetic Buzzer
  28. Passive Buzzer Module 5v
  29. 74HC595 8-Bit Serial to Serial/Parallel
  30. Zener Diode, 5.1V 0.5 W
  31. rectifier diode 1N4007 1A 1000V
  32. Thermistor 10k 5% Accuracy
  33. SW520D tilt sensor module switch microcontroller
  34. Capacitor 10 uF 50V
  35. Green led 5 mm
  36. Yellow led 5 mm
  37. Blue led 5 mm
  38. RED led 5 mm
  39. white led 5mm
  40. RGB 5mm 4pins LED Common CATHODE
  41. Ceramic Capacitor 104pf/0.1uf/100nf 50V Ceramic Disc Capacitors
  42. Capacitor 10 NF
  43. LDR 5MM Photoresistor 5528 Light Dependent Resistor
  44. 40 wires Female to Male 20cm 40P
  45. 40 wires Male to Male 20cm 40P
  46. 40 wires Female to Female 20cm 40P
  47. 2N3904 NPN Transistor
  48. 2N3906 PNP General Purpose Transistor
  49. 100pcs E4-3 Resistance Kit (1/4W 1%)
  50. Mini Digital Amplifier Board 2x3W PAM8403
  51. LED bar Graph
  52. adc 0834
  53. BMP180 Digital Barometric Sensor
  54. Audio Cable Aux 1m
  55. 20cm 40Pin Colored GPIO Ribbon Wire For Raspberry Pi
  56. 18650 3.7V LI-ION RECHARGEABLE BATTERY1000MAH UP TO 4.2V (18650)
  57. BATTERY HOLDER 2X18650 3.7V with Cover and Switch
  58. Dual Charger For 18650 3.7V Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
  59. Really Useful Plastic Storage Box
  60. for Raspberry pi 4 ( case + sd card + hdmi cable + power + heat sink)
Training Material

The THL kit offers hands-on learning and experimentation in electronics and engineering. With an advanced microcontroller at its core, it equips students to explore diverse range of projects, electronics, electrical systems, sensors, and actuator control. What makes this kit special is that it's not just a microcontroller, but a complete package. From essential wires to batteries and cables, it ensures that every necessary component for various engineering experiments is readily available. HTU has started developing training materials to guide faculty and staff in effectively utilizing these kits, with ongoing efforts to refine and expand educational resources. The following are the general outlines of training material guide:

Curriculum

Link to the existing and planned curriculum and/or experiment categories:

  • 102102 - STEM Lab
  • 101535- Mechatronics Lab
  • 103240- Electronics Circuit and Devices Lab
  • 103250 - Instrumentation and Control Lab
  • 103232- Further Control Lab
  • Internet of Things (IoT) Lab

Status of THL availability for the students

We are building an online structured content through our HTUx online platform:
https://htux.org/product/rl4eng_htu-take-home-lab/
https://htux.org/product-category/raspberry-pi_htu-take-home-lab/

Status update of Training materials

Module 1: Introduction to Raspberry Pi

  • What is a Raspberry Pi?
  • Setting up the Raspberry Pi: power supply, keyboard, mouse, and monitor
  • Basic operating system (OS) installation (e.g., Raspbian)
  • Navigating the Raspbian desktop
  • Using the terminal (command-line interface)
  • Managing files and folders
  • Installing and uninstalling software

Module 2: Interfacing with Hardware 

  • Introduction to GPIO (General-Purpose Input/Output) pins
  • Electronics (Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, Diodes, Transistors, ADC, Amplifiers).
  • Controlling sensors (IR, Temp, pressure, speed, Touch, LDR, RFID, Encoders, Joystick) and other inputs using GPIO.
  • Controlling outputs (Motors (DC motor, Servo motor), Display (LCD, LED Dot Matrix Display, 7-Segment Display, RGB LEDs, LED Bar Graph), Buzzers, Relays and Speaker) using GPIO.
  • Using libraries like GPIOfor simplified hardware interaction

Module 3: Programming with Python

  • Introduction to Python programming
  • Basic Python syntax and data types
  • Variables, operators, and control flow
  • Functions and modules
  • Simple Python programs for the Raspberry Pi (e.g., LED control, GPIO input/output)

Module 4: Projects and Applications

  • Building simple projects (e.g., weather station, home automation system)
  • Exploring other potential applications (e.g., robotics, IoT)
  • Raspberry Pi Microcontroller
  • Camera module
  • Display (LCD, LED Dot Matrix Display, 7-Segment Display, RGB LEDs, LED Bar Graph)
  • Sensors (IR, Temp, pressure, speed, Touch, LDR, RFID, Encoders, Joystick)
  • Motors (DC motor, Servo motor)
  • Electronics (Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors, Diodes, Transistors, ADC, Amplifiers)
  • Other Outputs (Buzzers, Relays, Speaker)
  • Other Inputs (Potentiometer, Push Buttons, switches, Keypad)
  • LI-ION Rechargeable Batteries with Charger

Adapted courses which take advantage of RL/THL equipment (Current update)

  • 101535- Mechatronics Lab (we have started using THL kits in Spring 2023/2024 Semester)
  • Internet of Things (IoT) Lab (we have started using THL kits in Fall 2024/2025 Semester)
  • 102102 - STEM Lab
  • 103240- Electronics Circuit and Device.
  • 103250 - Instrumentation and Control Lab
  • 103232- Further Control Lab
Students Trained

Most significant value created by having students use your lab experiments

  • Building and programming various physical projects allows students to experiment with coding, sensors, and various components, gaining practical skills in a real-world context.
  • They can progress to dealing with more advanced controllers after acquiring knowledge of Arduino controllers.
Students Feedback

Pre-Survey for Take Home Labs (THLs) Post-Survey for Take Home Labs (THLs)

We have gathered student feedback through the following video:
Click here

Instructors/staff Feedback

Didactical needs

  • Encouraging participation through discussions, presentations, group projects.
  • Providing tutorials, example projects, and troubleshooting guides to support self-learning.
  • Designing assignments and projects that hands-on.
  • Utilizing LMS (Learning Management Systems) to enhance learning.

Obstacles or limitations

  • Proper use, tracking, and maintenance of Raspberry Pi kits across multiple semesters.
  • Some students might struggle with self-paced learning, requiring additional motivation and structured follow-ups.
  • Expanding the program to more courses and students while maintaining hardware availability.

Lessons Learned

  • A long-term plan for hardware maintenance, course selection, and funding ensures the continuity of the program.
  • Students gain deeper understanding when they work on real projects rather than just theory.
  • Setting up help sessions and online support channels helps students overcome challenges.
  • Encouraging students to work in teams improve creativity and problem-solving skills.
Contact Information

Al-Hussein Technical University (HTU)
School of Engineering Technology
SET Take-Home Lab
Dr. Feras Kafiah
Lab Coordinator
KHBP: P.O.Box: 783 Amman 11831
Feras.kafiah@htu.edu.jo

Photos




“Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”

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