Student Mentorship Through Game Console Events

One of Kyoto, Japan university students are leading events centered on creating "CITRUS BOY," an educational activity designed to share the joys of electronics and programming. These events aim to foster a mentorship structure among students while providing participants with hands-on opportunities to learn the basics of electronic circuits and programming.

GitHub: Hmasa2005/DIY-GAMEHARD

Overview of CITRUS BOY

CITRUS BOY is a compatible version of the popular open-source gaming console, "ArduBoy," developed entirely by students at Kyoto Tachibana University. It features the Arduino Micro as its microcontroller. While the original ArduBoy uses an SSD1306 OLED display, CITRUS BOY employs the cost-effective SSH1106 display, successfully reducing production costs without compromising functionality.

Additionally, a custom CITRUS BOY library was introduced to enhance the device's uniqueness. When powered on, the gaming console displays the CITRUS BOY logo, providing an extra layer of branding while making it easy for students to customize and learn programming.

Features of the Event

During these hands-on workshops, participants assemble electronic components onto a circuit board using soldering techniques. Experienced student mentors provide support, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for beginners. The event also includes lectures and practical sessions to teach participants about PCB design and programming fundamentals.

Once completed, CITRUS BOY is ready to play games immediately. Participants can also take their creations home and rewrite game programs, allowing them to explore further creative possibilities. This extends the experience beyond assembly, empowering participants to design and develop their own projects.

Significance of Student Mentorship

One of the key aspects of these events is the formation of a mentorship structure among students. Experienced students guide beginners, fostering knowledge-sharing and community growth within the university's electronics community. This approach benefits both participants and mentors, enhancing their technical expertise and communication skills.

Conclusion

The CITRUS BOY workshop not only spreads the joy of electronics but also strengthens student connections and nurtures mentorship. Through this project, we aim to drive further technological innovation and enrich educational opportunities.