Slick.
I have a lingering suspicion though that the cross connector pads, despite looking identical, serve their own specialized functions and cannot be freely mixed. I.e. it would be highly challenging to have all the pads accept USB or HDMI.
I have a lingering suspicion though that the cross connector pads, despite looking identical, serve their own specialized functions and cannot be freely mixed. I.e. it would be highly challenging to have all the pads accept USB or HDMI.
The current PCB routing is done such that about 90% of blocks can be interfaced at almost/all positions. (I'll make a more formal statement later after verifying this number.)
This was in fact a foundational aspect of the design -- "How can the classic breadboard be made (a lot) more powerful at the cost of as little flexibility as possible?"
But I like the concept. I understand that the pads are indexed with magnet locks? What happens if a user crams a component in incorrect orientation anyway?
Good point. I stand corrected.
> orientation
Two features ensure (and encourage) the block placement at the correct orientation.
- layout of the 4 magnets' polarities at each position (and complementary layout on each Block).
- plastic protrusions within the casing (with mating features on each Block).
Just an interesting note: The latter also serve to provide a bi-axial constraint on a Block after attachment, to prevent easy detachment. Together with the (neodymium) magnets, they create a very strong hold, important for Blocks like the Soil moisture sensor demo'ed in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwnpbNNyzdQ&list=UU49EYw900L...