Three-stage training for No-Code Programming

A multi-stage guide to building custom low-cost devices for biological research: using no-code programming to integrate advanced sensors, electronic controllers and wireless communications.

New: expanded 2023 handbook for workshop training and self-paced learning.

Now freely available as a PDF for download. Doubled in size to over 200 pages, and includes new material for Stages 1 and 2 of Biomaker training. The Guide focuses on skills and information required for building prototypes with Arduino microcontrollers and sophisticated off-the-shelf electronic components. It introduces the use of the XOD no-code programming environment with the Seeed Studio Grove Beginner Board as a simple multifunctional microcontroller board. Designed to catalyse extended experimentation with new sensors, displays and actuators, the extended guide contains detailed descriptions of the embedded hardware, as well as a list of external devices - along with the XOD libraries required to use them.

Click here to download the Rapid Prototyping Guide 2023: (204 pages, 18 MB PDF)

Coming Soon: the Advanced Guide

A new guide is being composed to include a nut-and-bolts practical approach to no-code programming for more advanced projects. It is based on the hardware found in the Seeed Studio SenseCAP K1100 kit. This contains the Wio Terminal with in-built RGB LCD screen, LoRa communication board and advanced sensors, including an AI vision sensor. The Guide focuses on new XOD libraries to drive the Wio Terminal and extended hardware including the latest sensors for lab and field work, and IoT and long distance low rate data transmission for environmental monitoring. More information about the hardware can be found with the Stage 3 description.

Stage 1: Beginner’s Kit

Stage 2: Expansion Pack

Adding external components

Learn how to add new devices

Totem Chassis Building Kit
Additional Sensor Pack
Extended Guide and Tutorials

Stage 3: IoT Wireless Kit

Building IoT applications

Build remote sensor IoT prototypes

Wio Terminal with built-in screen
Remote Battery Pack
Long Range (LoRa) Wireless Module

Stage 1: Beginner's Kit

The Biomaker Beginner’s Kit is a great way to get started with Biomaking. Designed for those with little or no previous experience with coding and hardware, the Beginner’s kit will get you started building simple prototypes and give you an idea of how these skills can be applied to biological applications. You can work through this training in your own time using the step-by-step instructions in the No-Code Programming for Biology Beginner’s Guide, join one of our live online training sessions, or catch up with recordings from our previous training sessions.

The beginner’s kit includes:

  • Grove Arduino Beginner's Board

  • XOD Programming Software

  • No-Code Programming for Biology Beginner's Guide

Stage 2: Expansion Pack

The Biomaker expansion pack is designed for those with previous experience, or those who have already completed the No-Code Programming for Biology training. The expansion pack contains a chassis-building kit and a pack of additional sensors useful for a wide range of biological applications. Biomaker can also offer a range of extended training materials and personalised support alongside this pack. You can use the expansion pack to start building your own devices and prototypes for lab and field applications.

The expansion pack includes:

  • Totem Chassis Building Kit

  • Additional Sensor Pack

  • Extended Guide and Tutorials

Stage 3: IoT Wireless Kit

The Biomaker IoT wireless kit is perfect for fieldwork, and other applications where remote sensing and transfer of data is useful. It makes use of the Seeed Studio SensCAP K1100 kit, with Wio Terminal, an Arduino-compatible microcontroller with built-in RGB LCD screen and both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also includes sensor modules with AI vision sensor and long range LoRa module to create wireless communication systems perfect for field and agriculture applications.

Looking to get started? Join our next training workshop

Click to check our Meetup site for upcoming events

Remote from Cambridge, but want to get involved?

The Grover Beginner Kit for Arduino is made by Seeed Studio, and is distributed globally. So the hardware starter component can be obtained locally at low cost. All training materials, including the XOD development environment can be downloaded freely. Click here for links.