The circuit for this project is trivial, consisting only of a hobby servo motor. You will also need a solderless breadboard and some jumper wires1. In Driving Bigger Loads (Motors, Lamps, and the Like) in Ch. 5, you learned how to control a simple DC motor. This type of motor is designed to turn continuously rather quickly,… Continue reading Internet Connected Fistbump: The hardware
Introducing MQTT: the Message Queueing Telemetry Transfer protocol
Communicating on the internet utilizes a stack of protocols. The lowest level protocols interface directly with the hardware, while protocols higher up interface with those below them. This allows a variety of protocols to be developed without having to re-implement the lower levels. In terms of data, the lower level protocols handle individual bytes, slightly… Continue reading Introducing MQTT: the Message Queueing Telemetry Transfer protocol
An internet connected “fistbump”
Hopefully by the time you read this the COVID pandemic will be well under control, but at the time of writing, social distancing is very much still necessary and we have all gotten used to giving gentle “fistbumps” (if that) rather than hugs or shaking hands. This project will allow someone to send you a… Continue reading An internet connected “fistbump”
Introduction
As mentioned earlier, one of the wonderful things about these powerful ARM based Arduinos is the ability to handle complex networking protocols. We’ll show you how to make a simple internet connected project based on the MKR WiFi 1010. As the name suggests, this board has a build-in module that allows you to connect to a… Continue reading Introduction
Things to Try on Your Own
This is a complex project with many different components. There are endless things you can do differently. Here are a few suggestions:
Testing the Finished Automatic Garden Irrigation System
NOTE Always test your projects in modules individually at first, in whatever way the project allows you to do this. Start by testing the Arduino and Proto Shield without the two power supplies connected. This means that your computer is providing power to the Arduino. As before, use the Blink example to test each digital… Continue reading Testing the Finished Automatic Garden Irrigation System
Assembling Your Project into a Case
Now we need to consider mounting the project in a case. Your best bet is a case that is not too deep to allow easy access, and lay everything out with a bit of room around them. Remember that the Arduino has a shield on top of it, and perhaps the RTC is standing vertically,… Continue reading Assembling Your Project into a Case
Testing Your Assembled Proto Shield
First test your shield without the valves or valve power supply. Plug the shield into your Arduino. Make sure the male header on the shield goes into the correct Arduino pins. Look between the two and make sure that no connections from the bottom of the shield are touching anything on the Arduino. If they… Continue reading Testing Your Assembled Proto Shield
Soldering Your Project on the Proto Shield
For a great tutorial on how to solder, study the “Adafruit Guide to Excellent Soldering.” Now, finally, you’re ready to start soldering! WARNING Don’t rush. Be careful. Remember to breathe and relax. Double-check the schematic for each connection before you solder it. Inspect your work often for bad solder joints or other mistakes. Don’t try to… Continue reading Soldering Your Project on the Proto Shield
Laying Out Your Project on the Proto Shield
The first step is to think about what needs to fit on here, and where they will be. We need to make room for the MOSFETs, relays, LEDs, and screw terminals. The screw terminals should be along a side that is accessible, and it would be nice if the LEDs were near the appropriate screw… Continue reading Laying Out Your Project on the Proto Shield