Petite Ourse – Light-Up DIY Kit

Name: Petite Ourse – Light-Up DIY Kit
Brand: LaSonotheque
SKU: 44
Price: 12.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

Staff pick

For once, no sound! Petite Ourse (Little Dipper) is a DIY kit: a small light-up board with 7 LEDs, arranged like the dots on a die, and a single button.

Depending on how many times you press the button, it becomes an electronic die (1), a sand timer (2), a gently flickering candle (3) or a reflex game (4). A real little Swiss Army knife of light that fits in your hand.

I designed it to be built by children: every component is through-hole and easy to solder. It makes an ideal first soldering project, with an object that is genuinely useful once finished.

It runs on 3 AAA batteries or rechargeables.

If you'd like help with your project, I can help remotely: contact me.

12,00 €

This article is in stock :)
5 units of each version

Secure payment Ships in 1-2 days Shipping from 5 € (details) Designed and made in France 14-day returns (Terms)

Additional information

Solder kit, batteries not included.

Photos, videos, components, colours, version, etc.: non-contractual.

In detail

Kit contents

the board (printed circuit)
the programmed ATtiny85 microcontroller, and its socket
7 × 3 mm LEDs, in the colour of your choice
7 resistors, matched to the chosen colour
1 protection diode, 1 capacitor
1 push button
1 holder for 3 AAA batteries

All that's left is to solder: a soldering iron and some solder are all you need. A glue gun lets you fix the battery holder in place.

The modes

1 press: die. The die rolls, slows down, then stops on a face, which stays displayed for 15 seconds. The roll is genuinely fair.
2 presses: 2-minute sand timer. The dots go out one by one, from 7 to 1, then everything blinks. Perfect for brushing teeth or a timed game.
3 presses: candle. The light flickers softly like a flame, then switches itself off after 30 minutes.
4 presses: reflexes. Seven rounds: a face lights up briefly after a surprise delay, and you must press straight away. Each round is faster than the last, and the final score is displayed. Can you score 7 out of 7?

During any mode, a press stops it and the board goes back to sleep.

Why "Petite Ourse"?

Because the Little Dipper (Petite Ourse in French) is a constellation of 7 stars, just like the 7 lights on the board. It is even drawn on it.

Assembly

All components are through-hole and marked on the board: LEDs with their orientation, resistors, diode and microcontroller. A protection circuit prevents any damage if the batteries are inserted the wrong way round.

The microcontroller comes programmed, with a socket. I recommend soldering the microcontroller directly onto the board, without the socket: it's simpler and sturdier.

For advanced makers: reprogram it!

If you like tinkering, solder the socket instead: the microcontroller can then be removed and reprogrammed with the Arduino IDE. Change the timings, the speed of the die, the feel of the candle, or invent your own modes: Petite Ourse is made for this, and don't hesitate to tell me about your programs!

Certifications, safety and recycling →