The standard interface box for control and measuring. Together with the supplied language-based software Smart Move, students will learn to do simple or advanced control work, as well as data collection from a range of analogue sensors available.

Smart Box can also be used with Logicator Control Software!

Control systems are created as flowcharts by dragging commands onto the screen and drawing routes between them. Command instructions are set by simple mouse clicks.

When the program runs, each commands is highlighted as it is executed, and a live window monitors the state of each output, input and motor drive.

Logicator automatically identifies analogue sensors connected to the Smart Box, and gives a live display of readings from them.

The LOG command enables data logging with a live graph display which can be saved, printed or exported.

Logicator software has a comprehensive on-screen Help, and is supplied with a book of photocopiable teaching materials.

They incorporate a range of outputs and sensors, and replicate typical control systems that are familiar to all students.

All the Kickstarts models are suitable students with little or no experience of computer control, although each one offers considerable scope for differentiation and progression.

Each kickstarts model is supplied as a pack of the components needed to build one model. Fully illustrated step by step building instruction are included.

The model then stays built as a permanent resource for use with the Smart Box and Logicator to develop skills in using ICT for control.

By placing the activity in a manufacturing context, they can also help students to develop an understanding of industrial practices and the application of systems and control.

Additional activities for these models in the Kickstarts Book are designed to help students understand advantages of computer controlled automation such as programmability and logging of production data.

Three of the models, Indexing Table, Conveyer, and Plotter, enable students to develop systems to control movement from two motors.

The materials for all the models are structured in the same way, so that they are all equally suitable for students with no previous experience of computer control.

Extension tasks given opportunities for the differentiation.

Teachers' Notes suggests ways of providing evidence for assessment.

The book also includes the solution to student tasks, and further ideas for extending and developing control work with the models, including using them in conjuction with the analogue sensors.