Before we can jump into the projects, we need to define a shared terminology, and also install the needed software. All the software is free. The electronic components this guide will use are listed below, and can be easily purchased online (like I did).
All the projects here will be small simple electronics projects with a few componets and an Arduino Nano (a clone).
- Arduino IDE: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
- Text editor (Emacs rulez!)
- [Optional] Git: to fix bugs and contribute back, it's not necessary to participate
- CH340 USB driver (see below, in hardware section): https://www.elegoo.com/tutorial/Elegoo%20CH340%20Driver%202019.03.06.zip
You should get all of it in the kit mailed to your addresses Except for optional componets
I plan on using the following parts:
- Arduino Nano (a clone, with CH340 and not FT232)
- USB mini cable
- USB power adapter (5V, 500mA)
- A breadboard
- Jumper wires
- RGB LED
- Rotary encoder
- Piezo buzzer
- Resistors (100Ω, 470Ω)
- Trimpots (10K-50K)
- OLED display
- Clock (spec will be updated soon)
- Memory (spec will be updated soon)
Tools:
- [Optional] Multimeter. Not mandatory, but it's always safer when you know how to measure.
Plan for it like for a long weekly meeting + prep time. About 2 hours.
You can familiarize yourself with the components, and check that the Arduino powers up correctly.
You'll build a simple circuit on a breadboard. No programming required, the use of the Arduino board is only for power management (Arduino is used as a battery), and the breadboard to get used to playing with a breadboard. The same circuit can be built with a battery, a LED and a resistor.
- Breadboard
- Arduino
- Mini USB cable
- Jumper wires
- 470Ω resistor
- RGB LED (or normal LED, if available)
➡️ On to week 1