Introduction

The Sun SPOT is a Java programmable embedded device designed for flexibility. The basic unit includes accelerometer, temperature and light sensors, radio transmitter, eight multicolored LEDs, 2 push-button control switches, 5 digital I/O pins, 6 analog inputs, 4 digital outputs, and a rechargeable battery.

Because of its Java implementation, programming the Sun SPOT is surprisingly easy. This tutorial is designed to familiarize you with the task of developing and deploying applications on a Sun SPOT using the Sun SPOT Software Development Kit (the Sun SPOT SDK).

If you haven't done so already, follow the instructions for Getting Started with Sun SPOTs to download and install the Sun SPOT SDK and prerequisite software.

Roadmap to Sun SPOT Tutorials

The Sun SPOT Java Development Kit includes a basestation and two Sun SPOT devices equipped with sensor boards and rechargeable batteries.

If you have access to physical Sun SPOT devices, go to the Sun SPOT Quick Start Tutorial.

The Sun SPOT SDK includes an emulator capable of running Sun SPOT applications on your desktop computer inside virtual SPOTs. Instead of a physical sensorboard, virtual SPOTs are equipped with a sensor panel where you can set any of the potential sensor inputs (including light level, temperature, digital pin inputs, analog input voltages, and accelerometer values). Your application can control the LED color that is displayed in the virtual SPOT image, just as it would control a real SPOT. Using the mouse you can click on the push button switches in the virtual SPOT image to press and release the switches. Receiving and sending by radio is also supported.

If you do not have access to physical devices, go to the Sun SPOT Emulator Tutorial to learn about programming Sun SPOTs using the emulator.

Next: Sun SPOT Quick Start Tutorial or Sun SPOT Emulator Tutorial.