Sensors and actuators are electronic components that allow a piece of electronics to interact with the world. As the microcontroller is a very simple computer, it can process only electric signals (a bit like the electric pulses that are sent between neurons in our brains). For it to sense light, temperature, or other physical quantities,… Continue reading Sensors and Actuators
Author: haroon
Anatomy of an Interactive Device
All of the objects we will build using Arduino follow a very simple pattern that we call the interactive device. The interactive device is an electronic circuit that is able to sense the environment by using sensors (electronic components that convert real-world measurements into electrical signals). The device processes the information it gets from the sensors with behaviour… Continue reading Anatomy of an Interactive Device
Port Identification: Linux
Invoke the Arduino IDE by typing: From the Tools menu in the Arduino IDE, select Serial Port. You will see one or more serial ports with names like /dev/tty. One of the ports will say Arduino/Genuino Uno following the port name. This is the one to select. Once you’ve figured out the serial port assignment,… Continue reading Port Identification: Linux
Granting Permission on the Serial Ports: Linux
The serial ports that the Arduino uses are normally restricted to administrators, so you will need to grant yourself permission to use those serial ports. Do this by adding yourself to the dialout group by typing: you will be asked to provide your password to authenticate. After typing your password the command is finished, but it won’t… Continue reading Granting Permission on the Serial Ports: Linux
Configuring the Drivers: Linux
The Arduino Uno uses a driver provided by the Linux operating system, so there is nothing to install.
Installing the IDE: Linux
When the file download has finished, go to the folder to which the file was downloaded, which is typically and uncompress the file by typing: (or whatever filename you downloaded.) This will take a few seconds during which nothing is displayed. When it finishes you will find a new folder: Move this folder to wherever… Continue reading Installing the IDE: Linux
Port Identification: Windows
Run the Arduino IDE, either using a desktop shortcut or the Start menu. From the Tools menu in the Arduino IDE, select Serial Port. You will see one or more COM ports with different numbers. One of the ports will probably say Arduino/Genuino Uno following the port name. This is the one to select. If… Continue reading Port Identification: Windows
Configuring the Drivers: Windows
Now that the IDE is installed, connect your Arduino Uno to your computer via a USB cable. The green LED labeled PWR on the board should come on, and the yellow LED labeled L should start blinking. The Found New Hardware Wizard window comes up, and Windows should automatically find the right drivers. NOTE If you have trouble with any… Continue reading Configuring the Drivers: Windows
Installing the IDE: Windows
When the file download has finished, double-click to open the installer. You will be shown a license. Read the license, and if you agree with it, click the I Agree button. You will be given a list of components to install, and, by default, all of them will be selected. Leave them all selected and… Continue reading Installing the IDE: Windows
Port Identification: MacOS
Invoke the Arduino IDE, either through the Applications folder or by using Spotlight. From the Tools menu in the Arduino IDE, select Serial Port and then select the port that begins with /dev/cu.usbmodem or /dev/tty.usbmodem. They will probably also say Arduino/Genuino Uno following the port name. Both of these ports refer to your Arduino board, and it makes no difference… Continue reading Port Identification: MacOS