the 2026 eChallengeCoin

The Challenge

Something isn't right at the British Museum. Artifacts have gone missing. The museum curator suspects foul play. The artifacts were scheduled to be returned to their origin countries but wispers were heard from those who still upheld the existence of the 'British Empire'.

Sara and the TEC Team (Tod Troche, Lory Ester, and Sara Cladlow) are on the case!

Introducing 'Sara and the Missing Artifacts' - the all new 2026 eChallengeCoin text adventure game!

What's New

The 2026 eChallengeCoin is a limited edition release.

This eChallengeCoin can be enjoyed two ways: as a text adventure game and as a CircuitPython development platform!

The 2026 eChallengeCoin has one big honkin' touch pad. It is not used for the text adventure game. It is provided for use with CircuitPython. There are also three groups of Neopixels distributed around the perimeter and a small speaker.

There is no battery this year. The 2026 eChallengeCoin is very much a 'coin' when not connected to a computer.

The driving force behind the design of the 2026 eChallengeCoin is was simple, 'keeps the costs down' while also supporting both a full text adventure game ... and CircuitPython. Then came the idea of making a brass eChallengeCoin. At that point, artistic license trumped frugality.

Whereas prior eChallengeCoins weighted 12-15 grams, the addition of brass gives the 2026 entry an absolutely wonder feel, weighing in at 46 grams.

The 2026 eChallengeCoin is priceless ... by which we mean you can not buy one. There will be about 40 brass 2026 eChallengeCoins made. Demand for eChallengeCoins has waned over recent years and these take a lot more labor to create. If you want to insure one is reserved for you, just reach out on social medial. This will also help to know if more or less units should be crafted.

Now, you are asking, 'If these are not for sale, then how do we get one?' These will be given as gifts for those who's deeds promote STEM and technical skills in our youth. Specifically, a $100 (or greater) confirmed donation to a public charity of your choosing which provides STEM education opportunities to youth. When asked, just present a screen shot or digital receipt and you will be granted one 2026 eChallengeCoin. These will be available in-person and available within the USA by postal mail.

BTW: The remaining 2025 eChallengeCoins will also be available in similar fashion for a $50 (or greater) donation.

The text adventure game is accessed using terminal software and the eChallengeCoin has a Micro-USB connector. As soon as it is connected to the computer with a USB cable. Tt presents as a serial device. The game is TBD. The game may get extended (or get some bug fixes). And, since its is easy to install new firmware, the hardware may get new games in the future.

The 2026 eChallengeCoin also runs CirCuitPython. Once you have completed the text adventure game, the eChallengeCoin is great for creating a mini macropad! Visit CircuitPython.org for the latest firmware build specifically for the eChallengeCoin. Then check out the many learning guides published by Adafruit.