Modest Maker Files
Introduction to Arduino and DC CircuitsLast 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.
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.
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 formatChapter 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
Compass Template