ARDX

arduino experimentation kit

Arduino
Experimenter’s
Guide

(ARDX)
A Few Words

ABOUT THIS KIT

The overall goal of this kit is fun. Beyond this, the aim is to get
you comfortable using a wide range of electronic components
through small, simple and easy circuits. The focus is to get each
circuit working then giving you the tools to figure out why. If you
encounter any problems, want to ask a question, or would like to
know more about any part, extra help is only an e-mail away [email protected].

ABOUT OPEN SOURCE HARDWARE

All of .:oomlout:.'s projects are open source. What does this mean? It means everything
involved in making this kit, be it this guide, 3D models, or code is available for free
download. But it goes further, you're also free to reproduce and modify any of this
material, then distribute it for yourself. The catch? Quite simple; it is released under a
Creative Commons (By - Share Alike) license. This means you must credit .:oomlout:. in
your design and share your developments in a similar manner. Why? We grew up learning
and playing with open source software and the experience was good fun, we think it
would be lovely if a similar experience was possible with physical things.

More details on the Creative Commons CC (By - Share Alike) License can be found at
http://ardx.org/CCLI

ABOUT .: OOMLOUT :.
We’re a plucky little design company focusing on producing
“delightfully fun open source products”
To check out what we are up to

http://www.oomlout.com

ABOUT PROBLEMS
We strive to deliver the highest level of quality in each and every thing we produce. If you ever find an
ambiguous instruction, a missing piece, or would just like to ask a question, we’ll try our best to help out.
[email protected]
(we like hearing about problems it helps us improve future versions)

Thanks For Choosing .:oomlout:.

 TBCN
.: WHERE TO FIND EVERYTHING :. table of contents

Before We Start
{ASEM} Assembling the Pieces 02
{INST} Installing the Software 03
{PROG} A Small Programming Primer 04
{ELEC} A Small Electronics Primer 06
The Circuits
{CIRC01} Getting Started - (Blinking LED) 08
{CIRC02} 8 LED Fun - (Multiple LEDs) 10
{CIRC03} Spin Motor Spin - (Transistor and Motor) 12
{CIRC04} A Single Servo - (Servos) 14
{CIRC05} 8 More LEDs - (74HC595 Shift Register) 16
{CIRC06} Music - (Piezo Elements) 18
{CIRC07} Button Pressing - (Pushbuttons) 20
{CIRC08} Twisting - (Potentiometers) 22
{CIRC09} Light - (Photo Resistors) 24
{CIRC10} Temperature - (TMP36 Temperature Sensor) 26
{CIRC11} Larger Loads - (Relays) 28

01
01 ASEM
assembling the .: PUTTING IT TOGETHER :.
pieces

Arduino Holder Breadboard Arduino

x1 x1 x1

3mm x 10mm bolt 3mm nut

x4 x4

.: For an introduction to what an Arduino is, visit :.

.: http://ardx.org/INTR :.
02
 .: INSTALLING THE IDE :. 02 INST
This is the program used to write programs for the Arduino installing
(software and hardware)
(meta?). It may seem a little daunting at first but once you have it
installed and start playing around, its secrets will reveal themselves

Step 1: Download the software

Goto
http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
And download the software for your operating system

Windows XP Mac OSX

Step 2: Unzip the Software Step 2: Open The .dmg

Unzip Open (mount)
arduino-00r
r-win.zip (r
r
- version #) arduino-00rr -mac.dmg (r
r
- version #)
Recommended Path
c:\Program Files\

Step 3: Copy The Application

Step 3: Shortcut Icon Goto
"Arduino" (in the devices section of finder)
Open
c:\program files\arduino-00r
r
\ (r
r
- version #)
Move
Right Click "Arduino" Application to the
Arduino.exe (send to>Desktop (create shortcut) ) "Applications" folder

Step 4: Install Drivers

Step 4: Plug In Your Arduino Goto
Plug your Arduino in: "Arduino" device
using the included USB cable, plug your Arduino
Double Click & Install
board into a free USB port
FTDI Drivers for Intel Macs (r_r
_rr
).pkg
Wait for a box to pop up (FTDI Drivers for PPC Macs (r
_r
_r
r
).pkg
Restart

Step 5: Add new Hardware

Skip searching the internet
(click the next box when prompted to do so)
Step 5: Plug In Your Arduino
Install from a Specific destination Plug your Arduino in:
(click “Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)) using the included USB cable, plug your Arduino
Choose the Location board into a free USB port
r
c:\program files\arduino-00r
\drivers\FTDI USB Drivers\
Finished

.: NOTE: :.
.: Encountering problems? :.
.: Would like more details? Using Linux? :.
.: http://ardx.org/LINU :. 03
03 PROG
programming .: A Small Programming Primer:.
primer

ARDUINO PROGRAMMING IN BRIEF

The Arduino is programmed in the C language. This is a quick little primer targeted at people
who have a little bit of programing experience and just need a briefing on the ideosyncrocies of C
and the Arduino IDE. If you find the concepts a bit daunting, don't worry, you can start going
through the circuits and pick up most of it along the way. For a more in depth intro the Arduino.cc
website is a great resource (http://www.ardx.org/ARDU)

STRUCTURE
Each Arduino program void setup(){ } void loop(){ }
(often called a sketch) has All the code between the two This function is run after setup
two required functions curly brackets will be run once has finished. After it has run
when your Arduino program once it will be run again, and
(also called routines).
first runs. again, until power is removed.

SYNTAX
One of the slightly // (single line comment) /* */(multi line comment)
frustrating elements of C is It is often useful to write notes If you have a lot to say you can
its formating requirements to yourself as you go along span several lines as a
(this also makes it very about what each line of code comment. Everything between
does. To do this type two back these two symbols will be
powerful). If you slashes and everything until the ignored in your program.
remember the following end of the line will be ignored by
you should be alright. your program.
; (semicolon)
Each line of code must be
{ } (curly brackets) ended with a semicolon (a
Used to define when a block missing semicolon is often
of code starts and ends (used the reason for a programme
in functions as well as loops) refusing to compile)

VARIABLES
int (integer) long (long)
A program is nothing more
The main workhorse, stores a Used when an integer is not
than instructions to move number in 2 bytes (16 bits). large enough. Takes 4 bytes (32
numbers around in an Has no decimal places and will bits) of RAM and has a range
intelligent way. Variables store a value between -32,768 between -2,147,483,648 and
are used to do the moving and 32,768. 2,147,483,648.

boolean (boolean) float (float) char (character)

A simple True or False Used for floating point math Stores one character using the
(decimals). Takes 4 bytes (32 ASCII code (ie 'A' = 65). Uses
variable. Useful
bits) of RAM and has a range one byte (8 bits) of RAM. The
because it only Arduino handles strings as an
between -3.4028235E+38
uses one bit array of char’s
and 3.4028235E+38.
of RAM.
04
 .:For a full programming reference visit:. 03 PROG
http://ardx.org/PROG programming
primer

MATHS OPERATORS
= (assignment) makes something equal to something else (eg. x
Operators used for = 10 * 2 (x now equals 20))
manipulating numbers. % (modulo) gives the remainder when one number is divided by
(they work like simple another (ex. 12 % 10 (gives 2))
+ (addition)
maths) - (subtraction)
* (multiplication)
/ (division)

COMPARISON OPERATORS
Operators used for == (equal to) (eg. 12 == 10 is FALSE or 12 == 12 is TRUE)
logical comparison != (not equal to) (eg. 12 != 10 is TRUE or 12 != 12 is FALSE)
< (less than) (eg. 12 < 10 is FALSE or 12 < 12 is FALSE or 12 < 14 is TRUE)
> (greater than) (eg. 12 > 10 is TRUE or 12 > 12 is FALSE or 12 > 14 is
FALSE)

CONTROL STRUCTURE
if(condition){ } for(int i = 0; i <
Programs are reliant on else if( condition ){ } #repeats; i++){ }
else { }
controlling what runs Used when you would like to
This will execute the code between
next, here are the basic repeat a chunk of code a number
the curly brackets if the condition
of times (can count up i++ or
control elements (there is true, and if not it will test the
down i-- or use any variable)
else if condition if that is also
are many more online) false the else code will execute.

DIGITAL
pinMode(pin, mode); digitalWrite(pin, value); int digitalRead(pin);

Used to set a pins mode, pin Once a pin is set as an OUTPUT, Once a pin is set as an INPUT
is the pin number you would it can be set either HIGH (pulled you can use this to return
like to address (0-19 (analog to +5 volts) or LOW (pulled to whether it is HIGH (pulled to
0-5 are 14-19). the mode can ground). +5 volts) or LOW (pulled to
either be INPUT or OUTPUT. ground).

ANALOG
int analogWrite(pin, int analogRead(pin);
The Arduino is a digital value);
machine but it has the ability Some of the Arduino's pins support When the analog input pins are set
to operate in the analog pulse width modulation (3, 5, 6, 9, 10, to input you can read their voltage.
11). This turns the pin on and off very A value between 0 (for 0
realm (through tricks).
quickly making it act like an analog volts) and 1024 (for
Here's how to deal with output. The value is any number 5 volts) will be
things that aren't digital. between 0 (0% duty cycle ~0v) and returned
255 (100% duty cycle ~5 volts).

05
04 ELEC
electronics .: A Small Electronics Primer:.
primer

ELECTRONICS IN BRIEF
No previous electronic experience is required to have fun with this kit. Here are a few details
about each component to make identifying, and perhaps understanding them, a bit easier. If
at any point you are worried about how a component is used or why its not working the
internet offers a treasure trove of advice, or we can be contacted at [email protected]

COMPONENT DETAILS
LED What it Does: No. of Leads:
(Light Emitting Diode)
Emits light when a small current is 2 (one longer this one connects to positive)
passed through it. (only in one direction) Things to watch out for:
Identifying: - Will only work in one direction
Looks like a mini light bulb. - Requires a current limiting resistor
More Details on Wikipedia:
http://ardx.org/LED
Diode What it Does: No. of Leads:
The electronic equivalent of a one way 2
valve. Allowing current to flow in one Things to watch out for:
direction but not the other. - Will only work in one direction (current will
Identifying: flow if end with the line is connected to ground)

Usually a cylinder with wires extending from More Details on Wikipedia:

either end. (and an off center line indicating polarity) http://ardx.org/DIOD

Resistors What it Does: next page)

Restricts the amount of current that can No. of Leads:
flow through a circuit. 2
Identifying: Things to watch out for:
Cylinder with wires extending from either - Easy to grab the wrong value (double
end. The resistance value is displayed check the colors before using)
using a color coding system (for details see More Details on Wikipedia:
http://ardx.org/RESI
Transistor What it Does: No. of Leads:
Uses a small current to switch or amplify a 3 (Base, Collector, Emitter)
much larger current. Things to watch out for:
Identifying: - Plugging in the right way round.(also a
Comes in many different packages but you current limiting resistor is often needed on the base pin)

can read the part number off the package. More Details on Wikipedia:
(P2N2222AG in this kit and find a datasheet online) http://ardx.org/TRAN

Hobby Servo What it Does: No. of Leads:

Takes a timed pulse and converts it into 3
an angular position of the output shaft. Things to watch out for:
Identifying: - The plug is not polarized so make sure
A plastic box with 3 wires coming out one it is plugged in the right way.
side and a shaft with a plastic horn out More Details:
the top. http://ardx.org/SERV
DC Motor What it Does: No. of Leads:
Spins when a current is passed through it. 2
Identifying: Things to watch out for:
This one is easy, it looks like a motor. - Using a transistor or relay that is rated
Usually a cylinder with a shaft coming out for the size of motor you're using.
of one end More Details on Wikipedia:
http://ardx.org/MOTO

06
 04 ELEC
electronics
COMPONENT DETAILS (CONT.) primer

Piezo Element
What it Does:
A pulse of current will cause it to click a No. of Leads:
stream of pulses will cause it to emit a 2
tone. Things to watch out for:
Identifying: - Difficult to misuse.
In this kit it comes in a little black barrel, More Details:
but sometimes they are just a gold disc. http://ardx.org/PIEZ
IC (Integrated Circuit)
What it Does: No. of Leads:
Packages any range of complicated 2 - 100s (in this kit there is one with 3 (TMP36) and
electronics inside, an easy to use form factor one with 16 (74HC595)
Identifying: Things to watch out for:
The part ID is written on the outside of the - Proper orientation.(look for marks showing pin 1)
package. (this sometimes requires a lot of More Details:
light or a magnifying glass to read) http://ardx.org/ICIC

Pushbutton What it Does: No. of Leads:

Completes a circuit when it is pressed 4
Identifying: Things to watch out for:
A little square with leads out the bottom - these are almost square so can be
and a button on the top. inserted 90 degrees off angle.
More Details:
http://ardx.org/BUTT
Potentiometer
What it Does: No. of Leads:
Produces a variable resistance dependant 3
on the angular position of the shaft. Things to watch out for:
Identifying: - Accidentally buying logarithmic scale.
They can be packaged in many different More Details:
form factors, look for a dial to identify. http://ardx.org/POTE

Photo Resistor
What it Does: No. of Leads:
Produces a variable resistance dependant 2
on the amount of incident light. Things to watch out for:
Identifying: - Remember it needs to be in a voltage
Usually a little disk with a clear top and a divider before it provides a useful input.
curvy line underneath. More Details:
http://ardx.org/PHOT

RESISTOR COLOR CODE first digit LEAD CLIPPING

second digit Some components in this kit come with very long wire
Examples:
green-blue-brown - 560 ohms # of zeros leads. To make them more compatible with a breadboard
red-red-red - 2 200 ohms (2.2k) a couple of changes are required.
brown-black-orange - 10 000 ohms (10k) tolerance
LEDs:
Clip the leads so the long lead is ~10mm (3/8”) long and
the short one is ~7mm (9/32”)
Resistors:
Bend the leads down so they are 90 degrees to the
0 - Black 5 - Green 20% - none cylinder. Then snip them so they are ~6mm
(1/4”) long.
1 - Brown 6 - Blue 10% - silver
Other Components:
2 - Red 7 - Purple 5% - gold Other components may need clipping
3 - Orange 8 - Grey use your discretion when doing so.
4 - Yellow 9 - White
07
 .:Getting Started:.
CIRC-01
.:(Blinking LED):.

WHAT WE’RE DOING:

LEDs (light emitting diodes) are used in all sorts of clever things
which is why we have included them in this kit. We will start off
with something very simple, turning one on and off, repeatedly,
producing a pleasant blinking effect. To get started grab the parts
listed below, pin the layout sheet to your breadboard and then plug
everything in. Once the circuit is assembled you'll need to upload the program. To do this plug the
Arduino board into your USB port. Then select the proper port in Tools > Serial Port > (the
comm port of your Arduino). Next upload the program by going to File > Upload to I/O
Board (ctrl+U). Finally bask in the glory and possibility that controlling lights offers.

If you are having trouble uploading, a full trouble shooting guide can be found here: http://ardx.org/TRBL

THE CIRCUIT:
Parts:
CIRC-01 10mm LED
2 Pin Header
Breadboard sheet x1 Wire
x4
x1
560 Ohm Resistor
Green-Blue-Brown
x1

Schematic
Arduino
pin 13

longer lead
+
LED
(light emitting diode)

resistor (560ohm)
(green-blue-brown)

gnd
(ground) (-)

The Internet
.:download:.
breadboard layout sheet
http://ardx.org/BBLS01
.:view:.
assembling video
http://ardx.org/VIDE01

08
CODE (no need to type everything in just)
CIRC-01
File > Examples > Digital > Blink
(example from the great arduino.cc site check it out for other ideas)

/* Blink
* Turns on an LED on for one second, then off for one second,
* repeatedly.
* Created 1 June 2005 By David Cuartielles
* http://arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/Blink
* based on an orginal by H. Barragan for the Wiring i/o board
*/
int ledPin = 13; // LED connected to digital pin 13

// The setup() method runs once, when the sketch starts

void setup() { // initialize the digital pin as an output:
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); }

// the loop() method runs over and over again,

// as long as the Arduino has power
void loop() {
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // set the LED on
delay(1000); // wait for a second
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW); // set the LED off
delay(1000); // wait for a second
}}

NOT WORKING? (3 things to try)

LED Not Lighting Up? Program Not Uploading

LEDs will only work in one This happens sometimes, Still No Success?
direction. Try taking it out and A broken circuit is no fun, send
the most likely cause is a
twisting it 180 degrees. us an e-mail and we will get
(no need to worry, installing it confused serial port, you
back to you as soon as we can.
backwards does no permanent can change this in
[email protected]
harm) tools>serial port>

MAKING IT BETTER
Changing the pin: Control the Brightness:
The LED is connected to pin 13 but we can use any of Along with digital (on/off) control the Arduino can control
the Arduino’s pins. To change it take the wire plugged some pins in an analog (brightness) fashion. (more details on
into pin 13 and move it to a pin of your choice (from 0- this in later circuits). To play around with it.
13) (you can also use analog 0-5 analog 0 is 14...) Change the LED to pin 9: (also change the wire)
ledPin = 13; -> int ledPin = 9;
Then in the code change the line:
int ledPin = 13; -> int ledPin = newpin; Replace the code inside the { }'s of loop() with this:
Then upload the sketch: (ctrl-u) analogWrite(ledPin, new number);
Change the Blink Time: (new number) = any number between 0 and 255.
Unhappy with one second on one second off? 0 = off, 255 = on, in between = different brightness
In the code change the lines: Fading:
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); We will use another included example program. To open go to.
delay(time on); //(seconds * 1000)
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW); File > Examples > Analog > Fading
delay(time off); //(seconds * 1000) Then upload to your board and watch as the LED fades in and
then out.

MORE, MORE, MORE:

More details, where to buy more parts, where to ask more questions.

http://ardx.org/CIRC01
09
 .:8 LED Fun:.
CIRC-02
.:Multiple LED’s:.

WHAT WE’RE DOING:

We have caused one LED to blink, now its time to up the
stakes. Lets connect eight. We'll also have an opportunity to
stretch the Arduino a bit by creating various lighting
sequences. This circuit is also a nice setup to experiment with
writing your own programs and getting a feel for how the Arduino works.

Along with controlling the LEDs we start looking into a few simple programming methods to
keep your programs small.

for() loops - used when you want to run a piece of code several times.
arrays[] - used to make managing variables easier (its a group of variables)

THE CIRCUIT:
Parts:
CIRC-02 5mm Green LED
2 Pin Header
Breadboard sheet x8 Wire
x4
x1
560 Ohm Resistor
Green-Blue-Brown
x8

Schematic

pin 2 pin 3 pin 4 pin 5

LED
resistor
560ohm
gnd
pin 6 pin 7 pin 8 pin 9

LED
resistor
560ohm
gnd

The Internet
.:download:.
breadboard layout sheet
http://ardx.org/BBLS02
.:view:.
assembling video
http://ardx.org/VIDE02

10
CODE (no need to type everything in just)
CIRC-02
Download the Code from ( http://ardx.org/CODE02 )
(and then copy the text and paste it into an empty Arduino Sketch)

//LED Pin Variables * will then turn them off

int ledPins[] = {2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9};
//An array to hold the void oneAfterAnotherNoLoop(){
//pin each LED is connected to int delayTime = 100;
//i.e. LED #0 is connected to pin 2 //the time (in milliseconds) to pause
//between LEDs
void setup() digitalWrite(ledPins[0], HIGH); //Turns on LED #0
{ //(connected to pin 2)
for(int i = 0; i < 8; i++){ delay(delayTime); //waits delayTime milliseconds
//this is a loop and will repeat eight times ...
pinMode(ledPins[i],OUTPUT); ...
//we use this to set LED pins to output digitalWrite(ledPins[7], HIGH); //Turns on LED #7
} //(connected to pin 9)
} delay(delayTime); //waits delayTime milliseconds
//Turns Each LED Off
void loop() // run over and over again digitalWrite(ledPins[7], LOW); //Turns off LED #7
{ delay(delayTime); //waits delayTime milliseconds
oneAfterAnotherNoLoop(); ...
//this will turn on each LED one by
//one then turn each oneoff -----more code in the downloadable version------
//oneAfterAnotherLoop();
//this does the same as onAfterAnotherNoLoop
//but with much less typing
//oneOnAtATime();
//inAndOut();
}
/*
* oneAfterAnotherNoLoop() - Will light one then
* delay for delayTime then light the next LED it

NOT WORKING? (3 things to try)

Starting Afresh
Some LEDs Fail to Light Operating out of sequence Its easy to accidentally
It is easy to insert an LED With eight wires it's easy to cross misplace a wire without
backwards. Check the LEDs a couple. Double check that the noticing. Pulling everything out
that aren't working and ensure first LED is plugged into pin 2 and and starting with a fresh slate
they the right way around. each pin there after. is often easier than trying to
track down the problem.

MAKING IT BETTER
Switching to Loops:
in the loop() function there are 4 lines. The last Extra Animations:
three all start with a '//' this means the line is Tired of this animation? Then try the other two
treated as a comment (not run). To switch the sample animations. Uncomment their lines and upload
program to use loops change the void loop() the program to your board and enjoy the new light
code to: animations. (delete the slashes in front of row 3 and then 4)
//oneAfterAnotherNoLoop();
oneAfterAnotherLoop();
//oneOnAtATime(); Testing out your own Animations:
//inAndOut(); Jump into the included code and start changing
things. The main point is to turn an LED on use
Upload the program, and notice that nothing has
digitalWrite(pinNumber, HIGH); then to turn
changed. You can take a look at the two
it off use digitalWrite(pinNumber, LOW); .
functions, each does the same thing, but use
Type away, regardless of what you change you won't
different approaches (hint the second one uses a
break anything.
for loop)

MORE, MORE, MORE:

More details, where to buy more parts, where to ask more questions.

http://ardx.org/CIRC02
11
 .:Spin Motor Spin:.
CIRC-03
.:Transistor & Motor:.

WHAT WE’RE DOING:

The Arduino's pins are great for directly controlling small electric
items like LEDs. However, when dealing with larger items (like a
toy motor or washing machine), an external transistor is required. A
transistor is incredibly useful. It switches a lot of current using a
much smaller current. A transistor has 3 pins. For a negative type (NPN)
transistor you connect your load to collector and the emitter to ground. Then when a small current
flows from base to the emitter a current will flow through the transistor and your motor will spin (this
happens when we set our Arduino pin HIGH). There are literally thousands of different types of
transistors, allowing every situation to be perfectly matched. We have chosen a P2N2222AG a rather
common general purpose transistor. The important factors in our case are that its maximum voltage
(40 v) and its maximum current (600 milliamp) are both high enough for our toy motor (full details
can be found on its datasheet http://ardx.org/2222 )
(The 1N4001 diode is acting as a flyback diode for details on why its there visit: http://ardx.org/4001)

THE CIRCUIT:
Parts:
CIRC-03 Transistor
2 Pin Header P2N2222AG (TO92) Wire
Breadboard sheet
x4 x1
x1
Diode 2.2k Ohm Resistor
Toy Motor (1N4001) Red-Red-Red
x1 x1 x1

Schematic the transistor will have

Arduino P2N2222AG printed on it
pin 9 (some variations will have
different pin assignments!)
resistor
(2.2kohm)
Transistor
Base P2N2222AG
Collector Emitter
Diode
Motor

gnd
(ground) (-)

+5 volts

The Internet
.:download:.
breadboard layout sheet
http://ardx.org/BBLS03
.:view:.
assembling video
http://ardx.org/VIDE03

12 .:NOTE: if your arduino is resetting you need to install the optional capacitor:.
CODE (no need to type everything in just)
CIRC-03
Download the Code from ( http://ardx.org/CODE03 )
(then simply copy the text and paste it into an empty Arduino Sketch)
int motorPin = 9; //pin the motor is connected to
void setup() //runs once void motorOnThenOffWithSpeed(){
{ int onSpeed = 200;// a number between
pinMode(motorPin, OUTPUT); //0 (stopped) and 255 (full speed)
} int onTime = 2500;
int offSpeed = 50;// a number between
void loop() // run over and over again //0 (stopped) and 255 (full speed)
{ int offTime = 1000;
motorOnThenOff(); analogWrite(motorPin, onSpeed);
//motorOnThenOffWithSpeed(); // turns the motor On
//motorAcceleration(); delay(onTime); // waits for onTime milliseconds
} analogWrite(motorPin, offSpeed);
// turns the motor Off
/* delay(offTime); // waits for offTime milliseconds
* motorOnThenOff() - turns motor on then off }
* (notice this code is identical to the code we
used for void motorAcceleration(){
* the blinking LED) int delayTime = 50; //time between each speed step
*/ for(int i = 0; i < 256; i++){
void motorOnThenOff(){ //goes through each speed from 0 to 255
int onTime = 2500; //on time analogWrite(motorPin, i); //sets the new speed
int offTime = 1000; //off time delay(delayTime);// waits for delayTime milliseconds
digitalWrite(motorPin, HIGH); }
// turns the motor On for(int i = 255; i >= 0; i--){
delay(onTime); // waits for onTime milliseconds //goes through each speed from 255 to 0
digitalWrite(motorPin, LOW); analogWrite(motorPin, i); //sets the new speed
// turns the motor Off delay(delayTime);//waits for delayTime milliseconds
delay(offTime);// waits for offTime milliseconds }
} }

NOT WORKING? (3 things to try)

Motor Not Spinning? Still Not Working?

if you sourced your own Still No Luck? Sometimes the Arduino board
if you sourced your own motor,
transistor, double check with will disconnect from the
double check that it will work
the data sheet that the pinout computer. Try un-plugging and
with 5 volts and that it does
is compatible with a P2N2222A then re-plugging it into your
not draw too much power.
(many are reversed) USB port.

MAKING IT BETTER
Controlling Speed: In the loop() section change it to this
We played with the Arduino's ability to control the // motorOnThenOff();
motorOnThenOffWithSpeed();
brightness of an LED earlier now we will use the same //motorAcceleration();
feature to control the speed of our motor. The Arduino Then upload the programme. You can change the speeds by
does this using something called Pulse Width changing the variables onSpeed and offSpeed
Modulation (PWM). This relies on the Arduino's ability to
Accelerating and decelerating:
operate really really fast. Rather than directly controlling
Why stop at two speeds, why not accelerate and decelerate
the voltage coming from the pin the Arduino will switch
the motor. To do this simply change the loop() code to read
the pin on and off very quickly. In the computer world // motorOnThenOff();
// motorOnThenOffWithSpeed();
this is going from 0 to 5 volts many times a second, but motorAcceleration();
in the human world we see it as a voltage. For example
if the Arduino is PWM'ing at 50% we see the light Then upload the program and watch as your motor slowly
dimmed 50% because our eyes are not quick enough to accelerates up to full speed then slows down again. If you
see it flashing on and off. The same feature works with would like to change the speed of acceleration change the
transistors. Don't believe me? Try it out. variable delayTime (larger means a longer acceleration time)

MORE, MORE, MORE:

More details, where to buy more parts, where to ask more questions.

http://ardx.org/CIRC03
13
 .:A Single Servo:.
CIRC-04
.:Servos:.

WHAT WE’RE DOING:

Spinning a motor is good fun but when it comes to projects
where motion control is required they tend to leave us
wanting more. The answer? Hobby servos. They are mass
produced, widely available and cost anything from a couple of
dollars to hundreds. Inside is a small gearbox (to make the movement more powerful) and
some electronics (to make it easier to control). A standard servo is positionable from 0 to
180 degrees. Positioning is controlled through a timed pulse, between 1.25 milliseconds (0
degrees) and 1.75 milliseconds (180 degrees) (1.5 milliseconds for 90 degrees). Timing
varies between manufacturer. If the pulse is sent every 25-50 milliseconds the servo will run
smoothly. One of the great features of the Arduino is it has a software library that allows
you to control two servos (connected to pin 9 or 10) using a single line of code.

THE CIRCUIT:
Parts:
CIRC-04 3 Pin Header
2 Pin Header
Breadboard sheet x1 Wire
x4
x1

Mini Servo
x1

Schematic
Arduino
pin 9

Mini Servo
signal
(orange)
+5v
gnd (red)
(black/
brown)
gnd
(ground) (-)
+5 volts
(5V)

The Internet
.:download:.
breadboard layout sheet
http://ardx.org/BBLS04
.:view:.
assembling video
http://ardx.org/VIDE04

14
CODE (no need to type everything in just)
CIRC-04
File > Examples > Library-Servo > Sweep
(example from the great arduino.cc site check it out for other great ideas)

// Sweep
// by BARRAGAN <http://barraganstudio.com>

#include <Servo.h>
Servo myservo; // create servo object to control a servo
int pos = 0; // variable to store the servo position

void setup() {
myservo.attach(9); // attaches the servo on pin 9 to the servo object
}

void loop() {
for(pos = 0; pos < 180; pos += 1) // goes from 0 degrees to 180 degrees
{ // in steps of 1 degree
myservo.write(pos); // tell servo to go to position in variable 'pos'
delay(15); // waits 15ms for the servo to reach the position
}
for(pos = 180; pos>=1; pos-=1) // goes from 180 degrees to 0 degrees
{
myservo.write(pos); // tell servo to go to position in variable 'pos'
delay(15); // waits 15ms for the servo to reach the position
}
}

NOT WORKING? (3 things to try)

Servo Not Twisting? Still not Working Fits and Starts

Even with colored wires it is A mistake we made a time or If the servo begins moving then
still shockingly easy to plug a two was simply forgetting to twitches, and there's a flashing
servo in backwards. This might light on your Arduino board, the
connect the power (red and
be the case. power supply you are using is
brown wires) to +5 volts and
not quite up to the challenge.
ground.
Using a fresh battery instead of
USB should solve this problem.

MAKING IT BETTER
Potentiometer Control:
void loop() {
We have yet to experiment with inputs but if you would like int pulseTime = 2100; //(the number of microseconds
//to pause for (1500 90 degrees
to read ahead, there is an example program File > Library- // 900 0 degrees 2100 180 degrees)
Servo > Knob. This uses a potentiometer (CIRC08) to digitalWrite(servoPin, HIGH);
delayMicroseconds(pulseTime);
control the servo. You can find instructions online here: digitalWrite(servoPin, LOW);
delay(25);
http://ardx.org/KNOB }

Self Timing: Great Ideas:

While it is easy to control a servo using the Arduino's included Servos can be used to do all sorts of great things, here are a few of
library sometimes it is fun to figure out how to program our favorites.
something yourself. Try it. We're controlling the pulse directly
Xmas Hit Counter
so you could use this method to control servos on any of the http://ardx.org/XMAS
Arduino's 20 available pins (you need to highly optimize this
code before doing that). Open Source Robotic Arm (uses a servo controller as well as the Arduino)
http://ardx.org/RARM
int servoPin = 9;

void setup(){ Servo Walker

pinMode(servoPin,OUTPUT);
} http://ardx.org/SEWA

MORE, MORE, MORE:

More details, where to buy more parts, where to ask more questions.

http://ardx.org/CIRC04
15
CIRC-05 .:8 More LEDs:.
.:74HC595 Shift Register:.

WHAT WE’RE DOING:

Time to start playing with chips. Or integrated circuits (ICs) as they like to be
called. The external packaging of a chip can be very deceptive for example
the chip on the Arduino board (a micro controller) and the one we will use in
this circuit (a shift register) look very similar but are in fact rather different, for
example the price of the Atmega chip on the arduino board is a few dollars while
the 74hc595 is a couple dozen cents. It's a good introductory chip, and once your comfortable playing around with it
and its datasheet (available online http://ardx.org/74HC595 ) the world of chips will be your oyster. The shift register
(also called a serial to parallel converter), will give you an additional 8 outputs (to control LEDs and the like) using
only three arduino pins. They can also be linked together to give you a nearly unlimited number of outputs using the
same four pins. To use it you “clock in” the data and then latch lock it in (latch it). To do this you set the data pin to
either HIGH or LOW, pulse the clock, then set the data pin again and pulse the clock repeating until you have shifted
out 8 bits of data. Then you pulse the latch and the 8 bits are transferred to the shift registers pins. It sounds
complicated but is really simple once you get the hang of it.
(for a more in depth look at how a shift register works visit: http://ardx.org/SHIF)

THE CIRCUIT:
Parts:
CIRC-05 Shift Register
2 Pin Header
Breadboard sheet 74HC595 Wire
x4
x1 x1
560 Ohm Resistor
Red LED Green-Blue-Brown
x8 x8

Schematic
pin pin pin +5 volts
(560ohm)

4 3 2
resistor

74HC595
LED

(ground) (-)

+5V 0
gnd

1
2
data 3
clock 4
latch There is a half moon
5 cutout, this goes at the top
6
gnd 7

The Internet
.:download:.
breadboard layout sheet
http://ardx.org/BBLS05
.:view:.
assembling video
http://ardx.org/VIDE05

16
CODE (no need to type everything in just)
CIRC-05
Download the Code from ( http://ardx.org/CODE05 )
(copy the text and paste it into an empty Arduino Sketch)

//Pin Definitions
//The 74HC595 uses a protocol called SPI
//Which has three pins
int data = 2; digitalWrite(latch, LOW);
int clock = 3;
int latch = 4; //Pulls the chips latch low
shiftOut(data, clock, MSBFIRST, value);
void setup() //runs once //Shifts out 8 bits to the shift register
{
pinMode(data, OUTPUT);
pinMode(clock, OUTPUT); digitalWrite(latch, HIGH);
pinMode(latch, OUTPUT); } //Pulls the latch high displaying the data
}
void loop() // run over and over again
{ ---------- More Code Online ----------
int delayTime = 100;
//delay between LED updates
for(int i = 0; i < 256; i++){
updateLEDs(i);
delay(delayTime); }
}

/*
* updateLEDs() - sends the LED states set
* in value to the 74HC595 sequence
*/
void updateLEDs(int value){

NOT WORKING? (3 things to try)

Frustration?
The Arduino’s Power
Not Quite Working Shoot us an e-mail, this circuit
LED goes out Sorry to sound like a broken is both simple and complex at
This happened to us a couple
record but it is probably the same time. We want to
of times, it happens when the
something as simple as a hear about problems you have
chip is inserted backwards. If
crossed wire. so we can address them in
you fix it quickly nothing will
future editions.
break. [email protected]

MAKING IT BETTER
Doing it the hard way: //between LED updates
An Arduino makes rather complex actions very easy, shifting out data is for(int i = 0; i < 8; i++){
changeLED(i,ON);
one of these cases. However one of the nice features of an Arduino is delay(delayTime);
you can make things as easy or difficult as you like. Lets try an }
for(int i = 0; i < 8; i++){
example of this. In your loop switch the line. changeLED(i,OFF);
updateLEDs(i) -> updateLEDsLong(i); delay(delayTime);
Upload the program and notice nothing has changed. If you look at the }
code you can see how we are communicating with the chip one bit at a
And upload this will cause the lights to light up one after another and then off
time. (for more details http://ardx.org/SPI )
in a similar manner. Check the code and wikipedia to see how it works, or
Controlling Individual LEDs: shoot us an e-mail if you have questions.
Time to start controlling the LEDs in a similar method as we did in
CIRC02. As the eight LED states are stored in one byte (an 8 bit value) More Animations:
Now things get more interesting. If you look back to the code from CIRC02 (8
for details on how this works try http://ardx.org/BINA. An Arduino is
LED Fun) you see we change the LEDs using digitalWrite(led, state), this is
very good at manipulating bits and there are an entire set of operators
the same format as the routine we wrote changeLED(led, state). You can use
that help us out. Details on bitwise maths ( http://ardx.org/BITW )
the animations you wrote for CIRC02 by copying the code into this sketch and
Our implementation. changing all the digitalWrite()'s to changeLED()'s. Powerful? Very. (you'll also
Replace the loop() code with need to change a few other things but follow the compile errors and it works
int delayTime = 100; //the number of milliseconds
itself out)
to delay

MORE, MORE, MORE:

More details, where to buy more parts, where to ask more questions.

http://ardx.org/CIRC05
17
 .:Music:.
CIRC-06
.:Piezo Elements:.

WHAT WE’RE DOING:

To this point we have controlled light, motion, and
electrons, Lets tackle sound next. But sound is an
analog phenomena, how will our digital Arduino cope?
We will once again rely on its incredible speed which will let it
mimic analog behavior. To do this, we will attach a piezo element to one of the
Arduino's digital pins. A piezo element makes a clicking sound each time it is pulsed
with current. If we pulse it at the right frequency (for example 440 times a second to
make the note middle A) these clicks will run together to produce notes. Lets get to
experimenting with it and get your Arduino playing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'.

THE CIRCUIT:
Parts:
CIRC-06
2 Pin Header Piezo Element
Breadboard sheet Wire
x4 x1
x1

Schematic

Arduino
pin 9

Piezo
Element

gnd
(ground) (-)

The Internet
.:download:.
breadboard layout sheet
http://ardx.org/BBLS06
.:view:.
assembling video
http://ardx.org/VIDE06

18
 CODE (no need to type everything in just) CIRC-06
File > Examples > Digital > Melody
(example from the great arduino.cc site check it out for other great ideas)
/* Melody
* (cleft) 2005 D. Cuartielles for K3
*
* This example uses a piezo speaker to play melodies. It sends digitalWrite(speakerPin, LOW);
* a square wave of the appropriate frequency to the piezo, delayMicroseconds(tone);
* generating the corresponding tone. }
* }
* The calculation of the tones is made following the
* mathematical operation: void playNote(char note, int duration) {
* char names[] = { 'c', 'd', 'e', 'f', 'g', 'a', 'b', 'C' };
* timeHigh = period / 2 = 1 / (2 * toneFrequency) int tones[] = { 1915, 1700, 1519, 1432, 1275, 1136, 1014, 956
* };
* where the different tones are described as in the table: // play the tone corresponding to the note name
* for (int i = 0; i < 8; i++) {
* note frequency period timeHigh if (names[i] == note) {
* c 261 Hz 3830 1915 playTone(tones[i], duration);
* d 294 Hz 3400 1700 }
* e 329 Hz 3038 1519 }
* f 349 Hz 2864 1432 }
* g 392 Hz 2550 1275
* a 440 Hz 2272 1136 void setup() {
* b 493 Hz 2028 1014 pinMode(speakerPin, OUTPUT);
* C 523 Hz 1912 956 }
*
* http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/Melody void loop() {
*/ for (int i = 0; i < length; i++) {
if (notes[i] == ' ') {
int speakerPin = 9; delay(beats[i] * tempo); // rest
} else {
int length = 15; // the number of notes playNote(notes[i], beats[i] * tempo);
char notes[] = "ccggaagffeeddc "; // a space represents a rest }
int beats[] = { 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 4 }; // pause between notes
int tempo = 300; delay(tempo / 2); }
}
void playTone(int tone, int duration) {
for (long i = 0; i < duration * 1000L; i += tone * 2) {
digitalWrite(speakerPin, HIGH);
delayMicroseconds(tone);

NOT WORKING? (3 things to try)

No Sound Tired of Twinkle Twinkle

Can't Think While the
Given the size and shape of Little Star?
the piezo element it is easy to Melody is Playing. The code is written so you can
Just pull up the piezo element
miss the right holes on the easily add your own songs,
whilst you think, upload your
breadboard. Try double check out the code below to
program then plug it back in.
checking its placement. get started.

MAKING IT BETTER
Playing with the speed: char names[] = { 'c', 'd', 'e', 'f', 'g', 'a', 'b',
The timing for each note is calculated based on 'C' };
int tones[] = { 1915, 1700, 1519, 1432, 1275, 1136,
variables, as such we can tweak the sound of each note 1014, 956 };
or the timing. To change the speed of the melody you Composing your own melodies:
need to change only one line. The program is pre-set to play 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'
int tempo = 300; ---> int tempo = (new #) however the way it is programmed makes changing the song
Change it to a larger number to slow the melody down,
easy. Each song is defined in one int and two arrays, the int
or a smaller number to speed it up.
Tuning the notes: length defines the number of notes, the first array
If you are worried about the notes being a little out of notes[] defines each note, and the second beats[]
tune this can be fixed as well. The notes have been defines how long each note is played. Some Examples:
calculated based on a formula in the comment block at Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
int length = 15;
the top of the program. But to tune individual notes just char notes[] = "ccggaagffeeddc ";
int beats[] = { 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1,
adjust their values in the tones[] array up or down 1, 1, 2, 4 };
until they sound right. (each note is matched by its Happy Birthday (first line)
int length = 13;
name in the names[] (array ie. c = 1915 ) char notes[] = "ccdcfeccdcgf ";
int beats[] = {1,1,1,1,1,2,1,1,1,1,1,2,4};

MORE, MORE, MORE:

More details, where to buy more parts, where to ask more questions.

http://ardx.org/CIRC06
19
 .:Button Pressing:.
CIRC-07
.:Pushbuttons:.

WHAT WE’RE DOING:

Up to this point we have focused entirely on outputs, time to
get our Arduino to listen, watch and feel. We'll start with a
simple pushbutton. Wiring up the pushbutton is simple. There is
one component, the pull up resistor, that might seem out of place.
This is included because an Arduino doesn't sense the same way we do (ie button pressed,
button unpressed). Instead it looks at the voltage on the pin and decides whether it is HIGH
or LOW. The button is set up to pull the Arduino's pin LOW when it is pressed, however, when
the button is unpressed the voltage of the pin will float (causing occasional errors). To get the
Arduino to reliably read the pin as HIGH when the button is unpressed, we add the pull up
resistor.
(note: the first example program uses only one of the two buttons)

THE CIRCUIT:
Parts:
CIRC-07 Pushbutton
2 Pin Header
Breadboard sheet x2 Wire
x4
x1
10k Ohm Resistor 560 Ohm Resistor
Brown-Black-Orange Green-Blue-Brown Red LED
x2 x1 x1

Schematic
Arduino
pin 2 pin 3
Arduino +5 volts
pin 13

resistor
LED (10k ohm)

resistor pushbutton
(560ohm)

gnd
(ground) (-)

The Internet
.:download:.
breadboard layout sheet
http://ardx.org/BBLS07
.:view:.
assembling video
http://ardx.org/VIDE07

20
CODE (no need to type everything in just)
CIRC-07
File > Examples > Digital > Button
(example from the great arduino.cc site check it out for other great ideas)
/*
* Button
* by DojoDave <http://www.0j0.org>
*
* Turns on and off a light emitting diode(LED) connected to digital
* pin 13, when pressing a pushbutton attached to pin 7.
* http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/Button
*/
int ledPin = 13; // choose the pin for the LED
int inputPin = 2; // choose the input pin (for a pushbutton)
int val = 0; // variable for reading the pin status
void setup() {
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); // declare LED as output
pinMode(inputPin, INPUT); // declare pushbutton as input
}
void loop(){
val = digitalRead(inputPin); // read input value
if (val == HIGH) { // check if the input is HIGH
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW); // turn LED OFF
} else {
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // turn LED ON
}
}

NOT WORKING? (3 things to try)

Light Not Turning On Underwhelmed?

Light Not Fading
The pushbutton is square A bit of a silly mistake we No worries these circuits are all
and because of this it is easy constantly made, when you super stripped down to make
to put it in the wrong way. switch from simple on off to playing with the components
Give it a 90 degree twist and fading remember to move the easy, but once you throw them
see if it starts working. LED wire from pin 13 to pin 9 together the sky is the limit.

MAKING IT BETTER
On button off button: Fading up and down:
The initial example may be a little underwhelming (ie. I Lets use the buttons to control an analog signal. To do this
don't really need an Arduino to do this), lets make it a you will need to change the wire connecting the LED from pin
little more complicated. One button will turn the LED on 13 to pin 9, also change this in code.
int ledPin = 13; ----> int ledPin = 9;
the other will turn the LED off. Change the code to.
int ledPin = 13; // choose the pin for the LED Next change the loop() code to read.
int inputPin1 = 3; // button 1 int value = 0;
int inputPin2 = 2; // button 2 void loop(){
if (digitalRead(inputPin1) == LOW) { value--; }
void setup() { else if (digitalRead(inputPin2) == LOW) { value++; }
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); // declare LED as output value = constrain(value, 0, 255);
pinMode(inputPin1, INPUT); // make button 1 an input analogWrite(ledPin, value);
pinMode(inputPin2, INPUT); // make button 2 an input delay(10);
} }
void loop(){
if (digitalRead(inputPin1) == LOW) { Changing Fade Speed:
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW); // turn LED OFF
} else if (digitalRead(inputPin2) == LOW) { If you would like the LED to fade faster or slower, there is only
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // turn LED ON one line of code that needs changing;
}
} delay(10); ----> delay(new #);
Upload the program to your board, and start toggling the To fade faster make the number smaller, slower requires a
LED on and off. larger number.

MORE, MORE, MORE:

More details, where to buy more parts, where to ask more questions.

http://ardx.org/CIRC07
21
 .:Twisting:.
CIRC-08
.:Potentiometers:.

WHAT WE’RE DOING:

Along with the digital pins the Arduino has it also
has 6 pins which can be used for analog input.
These inputs take a voltage (from 0 to 5 volts) and
convert it to a digital number between 0 (0 volts) and 1024 (5 volts) (10 bits
of resolution). A very useful device that exploits these inputs is a
potentiometer (also called a variable resistor). When it is connected with 5
volts across its outer pins the middle pin will read some value between 0 and
5 volts dependent on the angle to which it is turned (ie. 2.5 volts in the
middle). We can then use the returned values as a variable in our program.

THE CIRCUIT:
Parts:
CIRC-08 Potentiometer Wire
2 Pin Header
Breadboard sheet 10k ohm
x4
x1 x1
560 Ohm Resistor
Green LED Green-Blue-Brown
x1 x1

Schematic

Arduino +5 volts
pin 13
Arduino
analog
Potentiometer pin 2
LED
(light
emitting
diode)

resistor (560ohm)
(blue-green-brown)

gnd
(ground) (-)

The Internet
.:download:.
breadboard layout sheet
http://ardx.org/BBLS08
.:view:.
assembling video
http://ardx.org/VIDE08

22
CODE (no need to type everything in just) CIRC-08
File > Examples > Analog > AnalogInput
(example from the great arduino.cc site check it out for other great ideas)
/* Analog Input
* Demonstrates analog input by reading an analog sensor on analog
* pin 0 and turning on and off a light emitting diode(LED) connected to
digital pin 13.
* The amount of time the LED will be on and off depends on the value obtained by
* analogRead().
* Created by David Cuartielles
* Modified 16 Jun 2009
* By Tom Igoe
* http://arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/AnalogInput
*/
int sensorPin = 0; // select the input pin for the potentiometer
int ledPin = 13; // select the pin for the LED
int sensorValue = 0; // variable to store the value coming from the sensor
void setup() {
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); //declare the ledPin as an OUTPUT:
}

void loop() {
sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin);// read the value from the sensor:
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // turn the ledPin on
delay(sensorValue); // stop the program for <sensorValue> milliseconds:
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW); // turn the ledPin off:
delay(sensorValue); // stop the program for for <sensorValue> milliseconds:
}

NOT WORKING? (3 things to try)

Sporadically Working Not Working

This is most likely due to a Make sure you haven't
Still Backward
slightly dodgy connection with accidentally connected the
You can try operating the
the potentiometer's pins. This potentiometer's wiper to digital
circuit upside down.
can usually be conquered by pin 2 rather than analog pin 2.
Sometimes this helps.
taping the potentiometer down. (the row of pins beneath the
power pins)

MAKING IT BETTER
Threshold Switching: Then change the loop code to.
Sometimes you will want to switch an output when a value void loop() {
int value = analogRead(potPin) / 4;
exceeds a certain threshold. To do this with a analogWrite(ledPin, value);
}
potentiometer change the loop() code to.
Upload the code and watch as your LED fades in relation to
void loop() {
int threshold = 512; your potentiometer spinning. (Note: the reason we divide the
if(analogRead(potPin) > threshold){ value by 4 is the analogRead() function returns a value from 0
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);}
else{ digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);} to 1024 (10 bits), and analogWrite() takes a value from 0 to
}
255 (8 bits) )
This will cause the LED to turn on when the value is above Controlling a Servo:
512 (about halfway), you can adjust the sensitivity by This is a really neat example and brings a couple of circuits
changing the threshold value. together. Wire up the servo like you did in CIRC-04, then open
Fading: the example program Knob (File > Examples > Library-
Lets control the brightness of an LED directly from the
Servo > Knob ), then change one line of code.
potentiometer. To do this we need to first change the pin int potpin = 0; ----> int potpin = 2;
the LED is connected to. Move the wire from pin 13 to pin Upload to your Arduino and then watch as the servo shaft turns
9 and change one line in the code. as you turn the potentiometer.
int ledPin = 13; ----> int ledPin = 9;

MORE, MORE, MORE:

More details, where to buy more parts, where to ask more questions.

http://ardx.org/CIRC08
23
 .:Light:.
CIRC-09
.:Photo Resistors:.

WHAT WE’RE DOING:

Whilst getting input from a potentiometer can be useful
for human controlled experiments, what do we use
when we want an environmentally controlled
experiment? We use exactly the same principles but instead
of a potentiometer (twist based resistance) we use a photo resistor (light based
resistance). The Arduino cannot directly sense resistance (it senses voltage) so we
set up a voltage divider (http://ardx.org/VODI). The exact voltage at the sensing
pin is calculable, but for our purposes (just sensing relative light) we can
experiment with the values and see what works for us. A low value will occur when
the sensor is well lit while a high value will occur when it is in darkness.

THE CIRCUIT:
Parts:
CIRC-09 Photo-Resistor
2 Pin Header
Breadboard sheet x1 Wire
x4
x1
10k Ohm Resistor 560 Ohm Resistor
Brown-Black-Orange Green-Blue-Brown Green LED
x1 x1 x1

Schematic
Arduino
+5 volts
pin 13
photo
resistor
LED Arduino
analog
pin 0
resistor resistor
(560ohm) (10k ohm)

gnd
(ground) (-)

The Internet
.:download:.
breadboard layout sheet
http://ardx.org/BBLS09
.:view:.
assembling video
http://ardx.org/VIDE09

24
 CODE (no need to type everything in just) CIRC-09
Download the Code from ( http://ardx.org/CODE09 )
(copy the text and paste it into an empty Arduino Sketch)
/*
* A simple programme that will change the //output
* intensity of an LED based on the amount of }
* light incident on the photo resistor. /*
* * loop() - this function will start after setup
*/ * finishes and then repeat
*/
//PhotoResistor Pin void loop()
int lightPin = 0; //the analog pin the {
//photoresistor is int lightLevel = analogRead(lightPin); //Read the
//connected to // lightlevel
//the photoresistor is not lightLevel = map(lightLevel, 0, 900, 0, 255);
//calibrated to any units so //adjust the value 0 to 900 to
//this is simply a raw sensor lightLevel = constrain(lightLevel, 0, 255);
value (relative light) //make sure the value is betwween 0 and 255
//LED Pin analogWrite(ledPin, lightLevel); //write the value
int ledPin = 9;//the pin the LED is connected to }
//we are controlling brightness so
//we use one of the PWM (pulse
//width modulation pins)

void setup()
{
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); //sets the led pin to

NOT WORKING? (3 things to try)

LED is Remaining Dark It Isn't Responding to Still not quite working?

This is a mistake we continue Changes in Light. You may be in a room which is
to make time and time again, Given that the spacing of the either too bright or dark. Try
if only they could make an LED wires on the photo-resistor is turning the lights on or off to
that worked both ways. Pull it not standad, it is easy to see if this helps. Or if you have
up and give it a twist. a flashlight near by give that a
misplace it. Double check its in
try.
the right place

MAKING IT BETTER
Reverse the response: Light controlled servo:
Perhaps you would like the opposite response. Don't Lets use our newly found light sensing skills to control a servo
worry we can easily reverse this response just change. (and at the same time engage in a little bit of Arduino code
analogWrite(ledPin, lightLevel); ----> hacking). Wire up a servo connected to pin 9 (like in CIRC-
analogWrite(ledPin, 255 - lightLevel);
04). Then open the Knob example program (the same one we
Upload and watch the response change.
used in CIRC-08) File > Examples > Library-Servo >
Night light: Knob. Upload the code to your board and watch as it works
Rather than controlling the brightness of the LED in unmodified.
response to light, lets instead turn it on or off based on Using the full range of your servo:
You'll notice that the servo will only operate over a limited
a threshold value. Change the loop() code with.
void loop(){ portion of its range. This is because with the voltage dividing
int threshold = 300;
if(analogRead(lightPin) > threshold){ circuit we use the voltage on analog pin 0 will not range from
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); 0 to 5 volts but instead between two lesser values (these
}else{
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW); values will change based on your setup). To fix this play with
}
} the val = map(val, 0, 1023, 0, 179); line. For hints on what to
do visit http://arduino.cc/en/Reference/Map .

MORE, MORE, MORE:

More details, where to buy more parts, where to ask more questions.

http://ardx.org/CIRC09
25
CIRC-10 .:Temperature:.
.:TMP36 Precision Temperature Sensor:.

WHAT WE’RE DOING:

What's the next phenomena we will measure with our
Arduino? Temperature. To do this we'll use a rather
complicated IC (integrated circuit) hidden in a package
identical to our P2N2222AG transistors. It has three pins
ground, signal and +5 volts, and is easy to use. It outputs 10
millivolts per degree centigrade on the signal pin (to allow measuring temperatures below
freezing there is a 500 mV offset eg. 25° C = 750 mV, 0° C = 500mV). To convert this from the
digital value to degrees we will use some of the Arduino's maths abilities. Then to display it
we'll use one of the IDE's rather powerful features, the debug window. We'll output the value
over a serial connection to display on the screen. Let's get to it.
One extra note, this circuit uses the Arduino IDE's serial monitor. To open this, first upload the
program then click the button which looks like a square with an antennae.
The TMP36 Ddatasheet:
http://ardx.org/TMP36

THE CIRCUIT:
Parts:
CIRC-10
2 Pin Header
Breadboard sheet
x4
x1
TMP36
Temperature Sensor Wire
x1

Schematic
Arduino
analog +5 volts
pin 0

+5v TMP36
(precision
the chip will have
signal TMP36 printed on it
temperature
gnd
sensor)

gnd
(ground) (-)

The Internet
.:download:.
breadboard layout sheet
http://ardx.org/BBLS10
.:view:.
assembling video
http://ardx.org/VIDE10

26
CODE (no need to type everything in just) CIRC-10
Download the Code from ( http://ardx.org/CODE10)
(copy the text and paste it into an empty Arduino Sketch)
/* --------------------------------------------- void loop()
* | Arduino Experimentation Kit Example Code | // run over and over again
* | CIRC-10 .: Temperature :. | {
* --------------------------------------------- float temperature = getVoltage(temperaturePin);
* //getting the voltage reading from the
* A simple program to output the current temperature //temperature sensor
* to the IDE's debug window
* For more details on this circuit:

temperature = (temperature - .5) * 100;//converting from 10

//TMP36 Pin Variables mv
int temperaturePin = 0;//the analog pin the TMP36's //per degree wit 500 mV offset to
//Vout pin is connected to //degrees ((volatge - 500mV) times
//the resolution is
//10 mV / degree centigrade 100)
//(500 mV offset) to make Serial.println(temperature); //printing the result
//negative temperatures an delay(1000); //waiting a second
}
option
/*
void setup() * getVoltage() - returns the voltage on the analog input
{ * defined by pin
Serial.begin(9600); //Start the serial connection */
//with the computer float getVoltage(int pin){
//to view the result open the return (analogRead(pin) * .004882814);//converting from a 0
//serial monitor //to 1024 digital range
//last button beneath the file // to 0 to 5 volts
//bar (looks like a box with an //(each 1 reading equals ~ 5
//antenna)
} millivolts
}

NOT WORKING? (3 things to try)

Nothing Seems to Happen Gibberish is Displayed

This happens because the serial Temperature Value is
This program has no outward
indication it is working. To see
monitor is receiving data at a Unchanging.
different speed than expected. Try pinching the sensor with
the results you must open the
To fix this, click the pull-down your fingers to heat it up or
Arduino IDE's serial monitor.
(instructions on previous page) box that reads "*** baud" and pressing a bag of ice against it
change it to "9600 baud". to cool it down.

MAKING IT BETTER
Outputting voltage: do this first revert to the original code then change:
This is a simple matter of changing one line. Our Serial.println(temperature);
---->
sensor outputs 10mv per degree centigrade so to get Serial.print(temperature);
Serial.println(" degrees centigrade");
voltage we simply display the result of getVoltage().
The change to the first line means when we next output it
delete the line temperature = (temperature - .5) * 100;
will appear on the same line, then we add the informative
Outputting degrees Fahrenheit: text and a new line.
Again this is a simple change requiring only math. to go Changing the serial speed:
degrees C ----> degrees F we use the formula. If you ever wish to output a lot of data over the serial line
( F = C * 1.8) + 32 ) time is of the essence. We are currently transmitting at 9600
add the line baud but much faster speeds are possible. To change this
temperature =
(((temperature - .5) * 100)*1.8) + 32; change the line:
before Serial.println(temperature); Serial.begin(9600); ----> Serial.begin(115200);
Upload the sketch turn on the serial monitor, then change
More informative output: the speed from 9600 baud to 115200 baud in the pull down
Lets add a message to the serial output to make what
menu. You are now transmitting data 12 times faster.
is appearing in the Serial Monitor more informative. To

MORE, MORE, MORE:

More details, where to buy more parts, where to ask more questions.

http://ardx.org/CIRC10
27
 .:Larger Loads:.
CIRC-11
.:Relays:.

WHAT WE’RE DOING:

The final circuit is a bit of a test. We combine what we learned
about using transistors in CIRC03 to control a relay. A relay is
an electrically controlled mechanical switch. Inside the little
plastic box is an electromagnet that, when energized, causes a
switch to trip (often with a very satisfying clicking sound). You can buy relays that vary in size
from a quarter of the size of the one in this kit up to as big as a fridge, each capable of
switching a certain amount of current. They are immensely fun because there is an element of
the physical to them. While all the silicon we've played with to this point is fun sometimes you
just want to wire up a hundred switches to control something magnificent. Relays give you the
ability to dream it up then control it with your Arduino. Now to using todays technology to
control the past. (The 1N4001 diode is acting as a flyback diode for details on why its there visit: http://ardx.org/4001)

THE CIRCUIT:
Parts:
CIRC-11 Diode Transistor Relay
Breadboard sheet (1N4001) P2N2222AG (TO92) (DPDT)
x1 x1 x1 x1
2.2k Ohm Resistor 560 Ohm Resistor
Red-Red-Red Green-Blue-Brown Green LED Red LED
x1 x2 x1 x1

2 Pin Header
x4

Schematic
Arduino
pin 2
resistor
(2.2kohm)
Transistor
Base P2N2222AG
Collector Emitter the transistor will have
P2N2222AG printed on it
Diode (some variations will have
coil

NO NC com
(flyback) the pin assignment reversed)

+5 volts

gnd
(ground) (-)

The Internet
.:download:.
breadboard layout sheet
http://ardx.org/BBLS11
.:view:.
assembling video
http://ardx.org/VIDE11

28
CODE (no need to type everything in just)
CIRC-11
File > Sketchbook > Digital > Blink
(example from the great arduino.cc site check it out for other great ideas)
/*
* Blink
*
* The basic Arduino example. Turns on an LED on for one second,
* then off for one second, and so on... We use pin 13 because,
* depending on your Arduino board, it has either a built-in LED
* or a built-in resistor so that you need only an LED.
*
* http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/Blink
*/
int ledPin = 2; // *********** CHANGE TO PIN 2 ************
void setup() // run once, when the sketch starts
{
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); // sets the digital pin as output
}
void loop() // run over and over again
{
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // sets the LED on
delay(1000); // waits for a second
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW); // sets the LED off
delay(1000); // waits for a second
}

NOT WORKING? (3 things to try)

Not Quite Working

Nothing Happens The included relays are
The example code uses pin 13 No Clicking Sound
The transistor or coil portion of designed to be soldered rather
and we have the relay
the circuit isn't quite working. than used in a breadboard. As
connected to pin 2. Make sure
Check the transistor is plugged such you may need to press it
you made this change in the
in the right way. in to ensure it works. (and it
code.
may pop out occasionally)

MAKING IT BETTER
Watch the Back-EMF Pulse
Replace the diode with an LED. You’ll see it blink each time it “snubs” the coil voltage spike when it
Arduino
turns off. pin 2
resistor
Controlling a Motor
In CIRC-03 we controlled a motor using a transistor. However if you want to control a larger motor a (2.2kohm)
relay is a good option. To do this simply remove the red LED, and connect the motor in its place Transistor
Base P2N2222AG
(remember to bypass the 560 Ohm resistor)
Collector Emitter

Controlling Motor Direction

A bit of a complicated improvement to finish. To control the direction of spin of Diode
coil

NO NC com
a DC motor we must be able to reverse the direction of current flow through it. (flyback)

To do this manually we reverse the leads. To do it electrically we require

+5 volts
something called an h-bridge. This can be done using a DPDT relay to control
the motor's direction, wire up the following circuit. It looks complicated but can gnd
(ground) (-)
be accomplished using only a few extra wires. Give it a try.

MORE, MORE, MORE:

More details, where to buy more parts, where to ask more questions.

http://ardx.org/CIRC11
29
 (ARDX)
arduino experimentation kit

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sa/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 171 Second
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