In this challenge, we are to trick a rock into understanding logic. Programming.
*Some photos of the μC appear to be missing, and have been replaced with video footage
*Some photos of the μC appear to be missing, and have been replaced with video footage
INTRODUCTION TO ARDUINO
An Arduino is a small programmable board used to control things (e.g. lights, motors, piezotransducers) and handle data separate from a computer. One simple plugs the device into a computer through a USB cable and opens up the Arduino editor, whether it be the desktop or online version. You type (or paste) your code in the window, verify it with the checkmark button and upload it to the board. From there you hook up whatever parts you need, both inputs (switches, sensors) and outputs. The board can both read and write data with it's pins, which in turn controls anything hooked up to it.
An Arduino is a small programmable board used to control things (e.g. lights, motors, piezotransducers) and handle data separate from a computer. One simple plugs the device into a computer through a USB cable and opens up the Arduino editor, whether it be the desktop or online version. You type (or paste) your code in the window, verify it with the checkmark button and upload it to the board. From there you hook up whatever parts you need, both inputs (switches, sensors) and outputs. The board can both read and write data with it's pins, which in turn controls anything hooked up to it.
ONE
I set up a program that blinks an LED. Woo.
*My camera does not appear to have a photo of this part. Granted, just imagine an LED going on and off.
I set up a program that blinks an LED. Woo.
*My camera does not appear to have a photo of this part. Granted, just imagine an LED going on and off.
TWO - SPACESHIP INTERFACE
This doesn't do much beyond switch LEDs on and off.
This doesn't do much beyond switch LEDs on and off.
THREE - LOVE-O-METER
FOUR - COLOR MIXING LAMP
*I forgot to chuck the color filters over the photoreceptors. That's probably why it didn't work so well.
*I forgot to chuck the color filters over the photoreceptors. That's probably why it didn't work so well.
FIVE - MOOD CUE
*My camera does not have a photo of this one, yet it does have footage.
*My camera does not have a photo of this one, yet it does have footage.
SIX - LIGHT THEREMIN
*I replaced the photoresistor with a potentiometer. It produces the exact same sound, but with more accuracy.
*I replaced the photoresistor with a potentiometer. It produces the exact same sound, but with more accuracy.
SEVEN - KEYBOARD INSTRUMENT
EIGHT - DIGITAL HOURGLASS
*No photos exist for this activity.
*No photos exist for this activity.
NINE - MOTORIZED PINWHEEL
TEN - ZOETROPE
ELEVEN - CRYSTAL BALL
TWELVE - KNOCK LOCK
THIRTEEN - TOUCHY-FEELY LAMP
EPILOGUE
I programmed an Arduino by copying the circuitry and code line-by-line. At least I have more experience with it now; I might use the one I have at home. I can't express that I learned much when everything involved with microcontrollers is just interpreting, calculating and returning voltages between passive electronics (capacitors, resistors, diodes, switches, etc.) I'd have to say that whatever language they're using has a horrible syntax. It's both heavy on the CamelCase (less natural to type) and is case-sensitive (easier to make small errors). If only Turbo Pascal were still in vogue...
I programmed an Arduino by copying the circuitry and code line-by-line. At least I have more experience with it now; I might use the one I have at home. I can't express that I learned much when everything involved with microcontrollers is just interpreting, calculating and returning voltages between passive electronics (capacitors, resistors, diodes, switches, etc.) I'd have to say that whatever language they're using has a horrible syntax. It's both heavy on the CamelCase (less natural to type) and is case-sensitive (easier to make small errors). If only Turbo Pascal were still in vogue...