Arduino Beginners Tutorial Series (New and Improved)

Introduction

• Presenter: Paul McWhorter from TopTechBoy.com
• Objective: Updated and improved Arduino tutorials
• Previous series was popular but needed an update due to:
  1. Changes in hardware (new sensors and more options).
  2. Changes in software (newer Integrated Development Environment, IDE).
  3. Improved production quality (better studio setup).

Key Points of the New Series

• Paul's commitment: Higher quality videos, conversion from hot coffee to iced coffee.
• Goal for newcomers: Write first four programs and simple assignments by the end of the video.
• Advanced users: Skip first 4-5 lessons.
• Inclusive approach: From absolute beginners to proficient in microcontroller programming.

Step 1: Get Your Hardware

• Using the super starter kit available at a provided link (cost: $35).
  • This kit allows for a variety of projects with sensors, actuators, and more.
  • If you already have an Arduino, you can start immediately

Step 2: Install the Software

• Search 'Arduino download' on Google.
  • First result should be Arduino software download
  • Download the latest version (e.g., Arduino 1.8.9).
  • Choose Windows Installer (or appropriate version for your OS).
  • Standard installation steps: Accept Terms of Service, choose installation path (default recommended).
  • Once installed, open Arduino IDE.

Initial Setup and First Program

• Open Arduino IDE.
  • Prepare hardware: Connect Arduino to PC using USB cable (expect a 'happy noise' upon connection).
  • Open 'Bare Minimum' example in Arduino IDE: File > Examples > Basics > Bare Minimum.

Key parts of the Arduino program:

• void setup(): Executed once when program starts.

• void loop(): Executed repeatedly.

• Ensure correct communication with Arduino: Tools > Port (select the correct port, e.g., COM3).

• Select the correct board: Tools > Board > Arduino/Genuino Uno.

Writing and Uploading Programs

Program 1: Turn On LED

• Specify pin mode for pin 13 (connected to on-board LED).

  void setup() {
    pinMode(13, OUTPUT);
  }
  
  void loop() {
    digitalWrite(13, HIGH);
  }
  

• Upload to Arduino using the right-arrow button.
• Observe the LED turning on.

Program 2: Turn Off LED

• Change command in void loop:

  void loop() {
    digitalWrite(13, LOW);
  }
  

• Upload and observe LED turning off.

Program 3: Blink LED

• Add delay commands to void loop:

  void loop() {
    digitalWrite(13, HIGH);
    delay(1000);
    digitalWrite(13, LOW);
    delay(1000);
  }
  

• Upload and observe LED blinking.
• Change delay values for different blink patterns (e.g., 100ms on / 900ms off, 900ms on / 100ms off).

Assignments and Next Steps

• Experiment with blink speeds: See how quickly you can make it blink and still perceive the blink (e.g., try lower delay values).
• Post results in comments for community comparison.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to: Like the video, subscribe to the channel, share with others, and purchase the Arduino kit.
• Engage with the TopTechBoy community by leaving comments and feedback.
• Sign-off by Paul McWhorter from TopTechBoy.com.