For the 2027 HKDSE Design and Applied Technology School-based Assessment (SBA) project
Start with the electronic controls, and spend more time on product design and prototype building.
Designed for the toilet paper dispenser project in the 2027 HKDSE Design and Applied Technology (DAT) SBA. The Beets controller board works with micro:bit and brings the connections for motors, sensors, displays and lights together on one board. It gives teachers and students an electronic control foundation for their prototypes, reducing the initial circuit integration work so they can spend more time on the dispensing mechanism, enclosure, programming and testing.
An electronic control foundation for your dispenser project
The first scenario challenge in the 2027 HKDSE DAT SBA asks students to design and make a toilet paper dispenser for use in public toilets. From contactless dispensing to replacing the roll, students need to combine electronic controls, mechanical structures and practical user needs in a working prototype.
The DAT Toilet Paper Dispenser Controller Board is designed for this process. Used with micro:bit, it brings together connections for a stepper motor, infrared and ultrasonic sensors, displays and lights. Teachers and students can start with this electronic foundation, then add their chosen components and code to build and test their own device.
Put your making time into design decisions
Having the connections together reduces the initial work of building the connecting circuits and helps you move into system integration sooner. The next step is making the device work as you intend: choosing where to place the sensors, how much paper to dispense each time, how to make roll replacement easy, and how to indicate that the paper is running low.
The board provides a starting point for the electronic controls. Students still design the dispensing mechanism, enclosure, component layout and operating process for their chosen use case, then refine them through testing. Each prototype can take its own design direction.
For students: turn an idea into a testable prototype
Once the sensors, motor and indicators are connected in one system, you can focus on building and checking your design. For example, adjust the dispensing settings in your code, test how different rolls feed through the device, or change the enclosure and roll mounting structure to see which arrangement is easier to use. These tests and changes also provide concrete material for your design record.
For teachers: a common starting point for classroom connections
Using the same controller board makes it easier to demonstrate connections in class and check the sensors, motor and indicators step by step. Students can develop different structures and functions from a shared electronic foundation. Teachers can spend more lesson time on design choices, making methods and how test results support improvements.
Ask about the controller board and supporting components
Buying for a class or an individual project? Tell us the quantity you need and which micro:bit and electronic components you already have, so we can advise on a suitable board and component configuration.
Email: enquiry@beets3d.com
