Arduino Basics

 Using similar principles as before, I have used a potentiometer (variable resistor) as an Analog input. I have mapped the value received from the potentiometer (0 to 1023) and converted the value to a number between 4 and 13, which represent the OUTPUT pins that light up the LEDs. If you would like to see the sketch/code, let me know in the comments.

Using the same LED matrix as before, and swapping the Photo Resistor for a Flex (or Bend) sensor, and a slight modification to the code, I can now have a light show that can be controlled by "Bending". I used my finger to bend the sensor, but I could have attached it to a plant, a tree or anything else that bends. The bending changes the resistance, and therefore the INPUT value at analog pin 0. The parts required: Arduino UNO 10 x Red LEDs 9 x 330 Ohm resistors for the LEDs 1 x 10K Ohm resistors for the flex sensor. 1 x Flex sensor Wires and Breadboard to connect it all together Most of the components needed for this project can be sourced from the Sparkfun Inventor's Kit The video: The Sketch: The Arduino Code:   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 /* Flex Sensor and LEDs created by ScottC on 23rd May 2011 updated on 16/05/2012. --------------------...

The SuperBlink sketch allowed us to create a number of LED animations/transitions. But it is only a matter of time before you opt for something more interactive. In this tutorial, we will make use of a photo resistor (or light dependent resistor : LDR) to create an exciting LED display. Photo resistors are variable resistors which change resistance depending on the amount of light hitting the sensor. When you move your hand closer to the sensor, you tend to block an increasing amount of light, which increases the resistance of the photo resistor. As you move your hand away, the amount of light hitting the surface of the photo resistor increases, thus decreasing the resistance. The change in the resistance of the LDR, will affect the voltage being read at one of the Arduino's Analog Input pins (A0). As resistance increases, the voltage drops (and vice versa). V = IR V = Voltage, I = Current, R = Resistance The voltage reading will be used to select which LED to turn on The Video ...

Now that I have had a chance to play around with various INPUTS and OUTPUTS, I think I need to show you some of my own creations. This is what is so good about Arduino. You can easily build from the experience of others, and introduce your own creative flair. When I got my Arduino out of it's packaging, I did not know how fragile it was, I was so scared that I was going to break it. You'll soon find out that it is not as fragile as it looks, but I tend to treat it like an Egg anyway. Getting Started: Before you even plug your Arduino into your computer, you are going to need some software to program the little gizmo. Luckily the software is FREE ! Get it here . Actually, I would recommend that you read the " Getting Started Guide " at the Arduino Web site: and follow the links for your operating system. I use Windows 7 - so this is the guide that I used - here . I am not going to repeat all of that information, that would be a waste of time. If you have read the guid...

If you have just heard about Arduino and are thinking about getting one, don't just buy the board on it's own. You don't buy a PlayStation / XBox without buying a game, and the same goes for the Arduino. If you just buy the Arduino by itself, you will get bored pretty quickly. In fact, I don't know why the Arduino doesn't automatically come with a breadboard, some wires and a few LEDs. Having said that, there are a few companies out there that have put together some pretty good kits. I am not going to list them, because I am sure you know how to Google, and I am not going to tell you which one to buy, however I will tell you that I decided to buy the Sparkfun Inventor's Kit . You can work out which one suits you. The Sparkfun inventor's kit not only comes with an Arduino UNO, but also a wide array of bits and pieces to muck around with. You can buy it in Australia from Australian Robotics . •Arduino Uno USB •Arduino and breadboard holder •Printed 36-page Oo...

I have to start somewhere, so why not start NOW. This blog aims to capture my journey of discovery as I dive head first into the world of electronics, armed with an Arduino in one hand and a borrowed multimeter in the other. I aim to share my learnings with you, and not only highlight my successes, but also my failures. I have a curious mind, so I hope I don't set anything on fire. If you decide to follow in my footsteps, you do so at YOUR own risk. I would prefer if you used me as an example of what NOT to do, but if I inspire you, please let me know. Image made with Fritzing : http://fritzing.org