UNIHIKER - IoT Python Single Board Computer with Touchscreen

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

Gravity

Gravity is DFRobot’s plug-in connector system for sensors, motors and modules, using standard cables to reduce loose jumper wiring. It matters because Gravity-compatible parts can connect directly to these ports, while non-Gravity parts may need adapters or manual wiring.

Gyroscope

A gyroscope measures rotation, such as how fast a board is turning around its X, Y, and Z axes. This matters for projects like gesture controls, balancing robots, and motion tracking where tilt or rotation changes need to be detected.

IoT

Short for Internet of Things, meaning physical devices that connect to networks or the internet to send data or be controlled remotely. It matters if you want projects such as connected sensors, remote controls or classroom data-logging activities.

Jupyter Notebook

Jupyter Notebook is an interactive coding environment where code, notes, results, and graphs can be kept together in one document. It is useful for teaching and experiments because students can run Python step by step and immediately see the output.

LED

A light-emitting diode is a small electronic component that lights up when current flows through it in the correct direction. In this kit, LEDs create the flashing effect, so polarity and correct soldering matter for the project to work.

MQTT

A lightweight messaging protocol often used for IoT devices to publish and receive data through a server called a broker. It matters for home automation and sensor networks because it is simple, efficient, and widely supported.

RAM

RAM is temporary memory used while a device is running, and its contents are lost when power is removed. A “Run in RAM” mode is useful for testing settings without permanently programming the module, but it may not support every feature.

single-board computer

A complete computer built onto one circuit board, usually including the processor, memory, ports, and connectors. This matters because accessories like heatsinks must match the board’s layout and mounting holes to fit properly.

SIoT

SIoT is a local Internet of Things server system used to collect and share data between connected devices, often using MQTT messaging. It matters when choosing a learning kit because it lets a classroom or project network store and exchange device data without relying entirely on cloud services.

SPI

A fast serial communication bus often used for displays, memory cards, and sensors. It matters because SPI devices need specific pins for clock and data, plus a separate chip-select line for each device.

UART

UART is a simple serial connection that sends data over separate transmit and receive wires, often labelled TX and RX. It matters because this module is designed to replace a wired UART cable with a wireless link while keeping the same serial data format.

UNIHIKER

UNIHIKER is a small programmable computer board used in education and maker projects, often connected to external sensors and modules. Compatibility matters because the cable must match the board’s connector type and pin layout.

USB Type-C

A reversible USB connector used for power and data on many modern devices. On this kit it indicates an alternate 5V power input, which may be useful for setup or charging without the solar panel.