Modest Maker Files
Introduction to Arduino and DC Circuits

Last Update: 10/11/2019

Part I: Introduction to a Popular Open Source Hardware Platform

YouTube plalylist with introduction here

Code included in chapter description where applicable.

Chapter 1: What is it and what can it do?

Summarizes the basics of Arduino, what it is, and what it can do.

 

Excel workbook with links

Chapter 2: DC Electronics – Voltage, Current, Resistance – Part I

Presents basic concepts of voltage, current, and resistance. These are presented using water flow as an analog for electricity. This will set us up nicely for more advanced topics like Ohm’s Law, voltage dividers, and power.

 

Make: Electronics: Learning Through Discovery 2nd Edition

Chapter 3: DC Electronics – Voltage, Current, Resistance – Part II

Continues our discussion of voltage, current, and resistance, and introduces new concepts like volt meters, breadboards, and Ohm’s Law. These elements will help us better understand the capabilities and limitations of our Arduino.

 

Chapter 4: Integrating Hardware with Software - Part I

Discusses Arduino hardware, briefly explores the Arduino integrated development environment, and shares an example of applying Ohm’s Law to a simple circuit for the protection of an LED. 

 

Chapter 5: Integrating Hardware with Software - Part II

Summarizes potentiometers, voltage dividers, environmental sensors, analog to digital conversion, pulse width modulation, and coding of input and output pins on our Arduino. 

 

Chapter 6: Integrating Hardware with Software - Demonstrations

Brings together most of the concepts presented in chapters 1 through 5 by demonstrating some code for monitoring and controlling input and output pins on our Arduino. This will be demonstrated through a series of five sketches. 

 

5 demonstration sketches in zip format

Chapter 7: Power Considerations

Summarizes concepts of power and work, discusses different options for powering your Arduino and components that may be attached to it, and summarize associated limitations. 

 

Chapter 8: What is a Motor?

Summarizes motors, how they work, and shares a conceptual demonstration of how we can control them using an Arduino. This chapter further solidifies concepts presented in chapters 1 through 6.

 

Chapter 9: Programming Servos, Motors, and Working with Transistors

This chapter explains and demonstrates how to control servos and DC motors using an Arduino.


Motor and servo demonstrations in zip format

Chapter 10: Exploring Stepper Motors with an Arduino

Explains how to control the popular and widely used 28-byj-48 stepper motor with your Arduino. Steppers may be of interest since they can be attached to cameras or solar panels and remotely engaged for precision positioning.


Stepper Motor Sketches

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