The Arduino Esplora is a ready-to-use,
easy-to-hold controller that lets you explore the infinite possibilities
you have in the world of Arduino, without having to deal with
breadboards or soldering. Shaped like a game controller, it’s designed
to be used out of the box without extra parts since it comes with many
sensors and actuators already on it.
It combines an Arduino-compatible processor with a light sensor, a
temperature sensor, a 3-axis accelerometer, a joystick, a set of
pushbuttons, a slider, an RGB LED, and a buzzer.
The Esplora can emulate a mouse or keyboard, allowing you to create
your own controller for musical software, 3D modeling tools, or even a
word processor. It actually comes pre-programmed with a game controller
script, so you can plug it into your computer and start playing as soon
as you open the box (requires the free Super Tux Cart videogame).
There is no limit to the applications you can program – amusing,
educational, useful. You can even add a couple of extra sensors and
actuators if you need them.
If the near future Arduino will release a color LCD module that can
be plugged on the Esplora to create your very own open source console.
The Esplora is 100% Arduino software compatible but doesn’t provide
Arduino Shield connectors (i.e. it can’t be used with Arduino Shields
directly).
The Arduino Esplora is a microcontroller board derived from the
Arduino Leonardo. The Esplora differs from all preceding boards in that
it provides a built-in, ready-to-use set of onboard sensors, targeted
for user interaction.
Like the Arduino Leonardo it has a 16 MHz crystal oscillator, a micro
USB connection, an ICSP header, and a reset button. It contains
everything needed to support the microcontroller; simply connect it to a
computer with a USB cable to get started.
The Esplora has built-in USB communication, therefore it can appear
to a connected computer as a mouse and keyboard, in addition to a
virtual (CDC) serial / COM port. It also has other implications for the
behavior of the board; these are detailed on the getting started page.
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