Arduino Basics

  Description In this tutorial, I will be evaluating Prextron CHAIN blocks – a new system that allows you to connect your sensors and actuators to an Arduino NANO using clever 3D-printed prototyping boards that can be stacked sideways. This very modular system makes it easy to connect, disconnect and replace project components, and eliminate the “rats nest of wires” common to many advanced Arduino projects. CHAIN BLOCKS are open, which means that you can incorporate any of your sensors or actuators to these prototyping boards, and you can decide which specific pin on Arduino you plan to use. The CHAIN BLOCK connections prevent or reduce common connection mistakes, which make them ideal for class-room projects and learning activities. I am going to set up a project to put these CHAIN BLOCKs to the test: When I place my hand in-front of an Ultrasonic sensor, the Arduino will transmit ...

Have you heard about the EspoTek Labrador ?  A tiny board which can turn your computer into an - Oscilloscope - Waveform generator - Logic analyser - Multimeter - and Power supply. Great for makers or hobbyists with limited bench space or limited funds. Perfect for students and anyone starting out in the field of electronics As you will see in the video below, I take a prototype of the EspoTek Labrador for a spin, and try out all of the functions that this board can provide. I use an Arduino UNO, a couple of 433MHz RF modules, some LEDs and a speaker to see just how useful this board will be for my hobby requirements. I have been wanting an Oscilloscope for quite some time, and while this board does not necessarily win against a benchtop oscilloscope on a side-by-side comparison of specifications, it does make up for it somewhat in terms of price, space (or footprint), usability, and wide range of functionality. But does it actually function as an oscilliscope? Is it useful ? Will ...

WARNING: Please check whether you can legally use RF transmitters and receivers at your location before attempting this project (or buying the components). This project is aimed at those who are looking to automate their home. There are 4 parts to this tutorial: Part 1: Testing the 433 MHz RF transmitter and receiver Part 2: Receive and interpret code from an RF remote Part 3: Transmit a known 433 Mhz RF code to a 433 Mhz RF device Part 4: Record and play back a 433 Mhz RF remote signal - ** you are here ** To get the most out of this tutorial - it is best to start at tutorial Part 1 , and then progress to Part 2 then Part 3 and then do Part 4 last. Doing the RF tutorials in this order will help you to understand the process better. Project 4 : 433 Mhz RF remote replacement tutorial Carrying on from my previous "433MHz transmitter and receiver" tutorials ( 1 , 2 & 3 ): I have thrown away the need to process the signal with a computer. This m...

  There are 4 parts to this tutorial: Part 1: Testing the 433 MHz RF transmitter and receiver Part 2: Receive and interpret code from an RF remote Part 3: Transmit a known 433 Mhz RF code to a 433 Mhz RF device - ** you are here ** Part 4: Record and play back a 433 Mhz RF remote signal To get the most out of this tutorial - it is best to start at tutorial Part 1 , and then progress to Part 2 then Part 3 and then do Part 4 last. Doing the RF tutorials in this order will help you to understand the process better. Project 3: RF Remote Control Emulation In the first tutorial , I introduced the 433 MHz Transmitter and Receiver with a simple sketch to test their functionality. In the second tutorial , the 433MHz receiver was used to receive a signal from an RF remote. The RF remote signal was coded based on the pattern and length of its HIGH and LOW signals. The signals received by the remote can be described by the code below:   Code comparison table ...

There are 4 parts to this tutorial: Part 1: Testing the 433 MHz RF transmitter and receiver Part 2: Receive and interpret code from an RF remote - ** you are here ** Part 3: Transmit a known 433 Mhz RF code to a 433 Mhz RF device Part 4: Record and play back a 433 Mhz RF remote signal To get the most out of this tutorial - it is best to start at tutorial Part 1 , and then progress to Part 2 then Part 3 and then do Part 4 last. Doing the RF tutorials in this order will help you to understand the process better. Project 2: RF Remote Copy In the previous project , we transmitted a signal wirelessly from one Arduino to another. It was there to help troubleshoot communication between the modules. It was important to start with a very short distance (1-2 cm) and then move the RF modules further apart to test the range. The range can be extended by soldering an antenna to the module, or by experimenting with different voltage supplies to the modules (making sure to keep wi...

There are 4 parts to this tutorial: Part 1: Testing the 433 MHz RF transmitter and receiver Part 2: Receive and interpret code from an RF remote Part 3: Transmit a known 433 Mhz RF code to a 433 Mhz RF device Part 4: Record and play back a 433 Mhz RF remote signal To get the most out of this tutorial - it is best to start at tutorial Part 1 , and then progress to Part 2 then Part 3 and then do Part 4 last. Doing the RF tutorials in this order will help you to understand the process better. If you are looking for a way to communicate between Arduinos, but don't have much cash at your disposal, then look no further. These RF modules are not only affordable, but easy to use. They are much easier to set up than an XBee, plus you can use them without the need of a special shield. Before you rush out and buy a ton of these modules, make sure that you are not breaking any radio transmission laws in your country. Do your research, and buy them only if you are allowed...