This demonstrates the transmission and reception of icons and sounds over a digital network.

This adds an experiential aspect to the teaching of Outcome ST3-11DI-T of the NSW S&T(K-6) Syllabus  which describes how digital systems
represent and transmit data.

Directions

Step 1: Setup

Connect a buzzer to P2 on each of two Kookaberries.

Step 2: Running the app

Navigate to the Semaphore app and press Button B to run. Press Button C to see the screen shown below

What is showing on the screen?

1. Top Row: Name of app
2. Second Row:
   • Number of transmitted (Tx) signals
   • The signal being transmitted (a Wave in this case)
   • Name of this Kookaberry
3. Third Row:
   • Number of received (Rx) signals
   • The signal being received (none yet in this case)
   • Name of the the Kookaberry sending the signal (none yet in this case)
4. Fourth Row:
   • Button A for Exit as normal
   • Button C to send a Wave (used to send the Wave in the screenshot above)
   • Button D to send a Like
   • Button B to send a sound signal

Step 3: Using the app

Sending and receiving a Wave

Press Button C on one of the Kookaberries (John1) to transmit a Wave icon. The other Kookaberry (JULIA2) will receive it and display the name of the transmitting Kookaberry on the screen.

Sending and receiving a Like

Press Button D on one of the Kookaberries (John1) to transmit a Like icon. The other Kookaberry (JULIA2) will receive it and display the name of the transmitting Kookaberry on the screen.

Sending and receiving a Signal (a call-and-response beep sequence on the connected buzzers)

 Press Button B to create a “Call-and-response” sequence where the Tx signal is answered by all the other Kookaberries in range. Tx (Dum-Dumpty-Dum-Dum); Rx (Dum-Dum).

Open Questions

1. Where is the radio chip located on the Kookaberry? Can you see the antenna/aerial?
2. Compare this to speaking over two tin cans joined together with a taut string. Can you make such a system? What are the similarities between the taut string and the radio signal between two Kookaberries.
3. How far apart can the Kookaberries be taken before the signal is lost?