Figure 5-1. The Arduino NOT Logic Gate
The Opposite Switch
The Arduino NOT Logic Gate Computers use electrical signals to make basic decisions. By hard-wiring electric circuits in specific ways, you can actually see simple logic decision operations at work. Ordinary electronic parts, like electrical switches, resistors, and LEDs can make AND, OR, and NOT logic gates when wired together properly. The first computer logic decision circuit… Continue reading The Opposite Switch
It’s Alive! Build a FrankenBot Toy
You can build an interactive toy that responds to changing light levels by removing the 10KΩ potentiometer and adding a photocell wired to a 1KΩ resistor of the Adjustable Twin LED Flasher. Wiring a photocell to a 1KΩ resistor allows the Arduino to read light levels applied to pin A0. Figure 4-10 and Figure 4-11 show the Fritzing and circuit schematic diagrams… Continue reading It’s Alive! Build a FrankenBot Toy
Build the Adjustable Twin LED Flasher
To make the Adjustable Twin LED Flasher, simply add a 10K ohm potentiometer to the device. The flash rate can be adjusted to make the on/off toggling slower or faster. The Fritzing diagram in Figure 4-7 along with the circuit schematic diagram shown in Figure 4-8 will allow you to build the Adjustable Twin LED Flasher. The MakerShield Adjustable Twin LED Flasher is… Continue reading Build the Adjustable Twin LED Flasher
Twin LED Flasher
The circuit theory diagram shown in Figure 4-3 can easily be converted into a cool electronic gadget. You can build a Twin LED Flasher using an Arduino, two 330 ohm resistors, and LEDs, as shown in Figure 4-4. The Twin LED Flasher circuit schematic diagram is shown in Figure 4-5. To make the flasher device compact, you can build it on the MakerShield,… Continue reading Twin LED Flasher
Circuit Theory
An LED is an electronic part that emits light when properly wired in an electric circuit. The LED has positive and negative leads protruding through a plastic body, as shown in Figure 4-1. You can use the Arduino in electronic projects to operate multiple LEDs. Figure 4-3 shows two LEDs wired to the Arduino D13 pin. The Arduino output pins… Continue reading Circuit Theory
Parts List
Figure 4-1. Variety of LEDs Figure 4-2. Twin LEDs block diagram
Introduction
LEDs in Parallel LEDs can be used to light objects or to alert the user about the operating conditions of a device. Light-emitting diodes are easy to use and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, as shown in Figure 4-1. The Arduino has a dedicated tiny LED wired to pin D13. By uploading the… Continue reading Introduction
Circuit Theory
A tilt control switch is an electrical device used to detect orientation. Like using a mini pushbutton and a light detector, a tilt control switch is another way to interact with and control the Arduino. The tilt control switch is a pair of small metal balls that make contact with pins and close the circuit… Continue reading Circuit Theory
A Simple Animatronic Controller Using the Serial Monitor
Tilt control switching can be used in a variety of human machine control and physical computing applications. In the theater, electromechanical puppets are often controlled using electronic sensors and servo motors. The tilt control switch project you built can be used as a simple animatronic controller. Example 3-2 shows an improved Arduino sketch that limits the servo motor rotation… Continue reading A Simple Animatronic Controller Using the Serial Monitor