Real-time devices at practical prices: low cost laboratory projects

It is a challenging task to develop a course in software methods which also includes a laboratory in which to experiment with the concepts. The challenge is made even more difficult when funds for such an endeavor are scarce. Practical and low-cost projects were implemented which give students hands-on experience with electronic devices while learning the software requirements of real-time systems. Students designed and built systems and wrote controlling software for a model train, floppy drive components, a balance beam, a robotic arm, and an elevator model. In all the projects, the problems are open ended so the instructor can require simple or more complicated solutions, depending on the abilities of the students and the course objectives.