K1184 Experimenter Module – Suitable for PICAXE 20M2 Microcontroller Learning & Project Module

The K1184 Experimenter Module is a practical, classroom-ready platform designed around the PICAXE 20M2 microcontroller. It brings the key components needed for introductory programming and electronic control activities together on one convenient board, including three LEDs, a piezo sounder, push-button switch, LDR light sensor, L293D dual motor controller, infrared input, and USB-C power connection.
Having these components permanently located on one board makes classroom electronics easier to organise and manage. Teachers do not need to distribute numerous individual LEDs, sensors, switches, motor driver ICs, and connecting components for every activity, while students spend less time looking for misplaced parts or rebuilding basic circuits. At the end of the lesson, the complete module can simply be stored ready for the next activity.
Students can begin with basic LED and push-button programs before progressing to analogue sensing, sound, infrared control, motor speed and direction, robotics, and complete automated systems. This makes the K1184 suitable for introductory PICAXE activities as well as more advanced student design projects.

Key Features

• Suitable for the PICAXE 20M2 microcontroller
• Convenient USB-C power input
• 3 × onboard LEDs
• Onboard piezo sounder
• Push-button switch input
• LDR light sensor input
• L293D dual motor controller
• Infrared input
• Multiple learning components conveniently located on one PCB
• Reduces loose components and misplaced classroom parts
• Easy to distribute, collect, and store between lessons
• Suitable for introductory through to project-based programming

Everything Together on One Board

One of the main advantages of the K1184 Experimenter Module is having commonly used input and output devices available on a single board.
Instead of students repeatedly connecting individual LEDs, resistors, switches, sensors, sounders, and motor control components, the K1184 provides a ready-to-use platform for programming experiments.
This allows students to spend more time learning programming and electronic control and less time assembling the same supporting circuits for each activity.

Easier Classroom Management

Electronic components are small and can easily become mixed up, misplaced, or lost during classroom activities. The K1184 helps simplify equipment management by keeping the main experimental components together on one PCB.
For teachers, this means:
• Fewer loose components to distribute
• Fewer parts to collect at the end of a lesson
• Reduced chance of components being lost or mixed between kits
• Easier equipment counting and classroom organisation
• Modules can be stored complete and ready for the next lesson
• Faster setup and pack-up time

USB-C Power

The K1184 includes a USB-C power input, providing a convenient way to power the Experimenter Module from a suitable USB power supply.
USB-C power is particularly useful in the classroom, providing a straightforward power connection for programming exercises and experiments without relying on disposable batteries for normal bench activities.

Onboard Inputs

Push-Button Switch – Introduces students to digital inputs and can be used for start/stop controls, counters, user interaction, games, and control programs.
LDR Light Sensor – Allows students to investigate analogue inputs and create programs that respond to changing light levels.
Infrared Input – Provides opportunities to investigate wireless control and develop projects operated using compatible infrared signals.

Onboard Outputs

Three LEDs – Provide immediate visual feedback from a student’s program. They can be used individually or together for indicators, sequences, traffic lights, warning systems, and programming exercises.
Piezo Sounder – Allows programs to produce tones, alarms, warnings, and audible feedback.
L293D Dual Motor Controller – Allows the PICAXE 20M2 to control suitable DC motors, introducing students to motor direction, speed control, robotics, and electromechanical systems.

Input – Process – Output

The K1184 provides a practical way to demonstrate an electronic Input – Process – Output system.
Students can use the push button, LDR, or infrared input to provide information to the PICAXE 20M2. Their program processes that information and then controls an output such as an LED, piezo sounder, or DC motor.
Students can then combine these elements to create increasingly sophisticated automated systems.

What Students Can Do

Students can progress through activities such as:
• Flashing a single LED
• Creating LED sequences
• Making a traffic-light sequence
• Reading a push-button switch
• Creating a push-button-controlled output
• Generating sounds and warning tones
• Measuring changing light levels with the LDR
• Creating automatic light-activated systems
• Receiving infrared control signals
• Controlling DC motor direction
• Controlling motor speed
• Operating two DC motors
• Building a simple robot
• Combining sensors and outputs into an automated system
• Developing their own solution to a design brief

Classroom Use / Learning Outcomes

Students can use the K1184 to develop an understanding of:
• Microcontrollers and their applications
• PICAXE programming
• Digital inputs and outputs
• Analogue sensor inputs
• Input-process-output systems
• Variables and program timing
• Conditional statements and decision making
• Sensor-controlled systems
• Infrared control
• Motor control
• Programming and debugging
• Testing and evaluating electronic systems
• Developing automated solutions to design problems

Teacher Benefits

The K1184 is designed to make teaching microcontrollers more manageable. Rather than preparing a collection of individual components for every programming exercise, teachers can provide students with a complete Experimenter Module containing the commonly used inputs and outputs.
The board can support a progression of lessons throughout a microcontroller unit, allowing students to become familiar with the same hardware as their programming skills develop. This also makes it easier to move from structured introductory exercises into open-ended design projects without changing to an entirely different control platform.

Perfect For

• Introduction to PICAXE microcontrollers
• Years 8–10 electronics
• STEM classes
• Design and Technologies
• Systems Engineering
• Robotics projects
• Programming exercises
• Electronic control systems
• Input-process-output activities
• Student design briefs
• Classroom electronics laboratories