Arduino Workshop Notes

Introduction to Arduino

• Purpose: Learn how to use Arduino to build electronic projects.
• Topics Covered:
  • Hardware needed
  • Understanding Arduino boards
  • Software requirements
  • Key programming functions
  • Follow-on training to accelerate skills
• Special thanks to sponsors: Altium

What is Arduino?

• A tool to control electronic devices using code.
• Categories of devices:
  • Inputs: Gather information
    • Examples: Temperature sensors, light sensors, touch sensors, etc.
  • Outputs: Perform actions
    • Examples: DC motors, LEDs, speakers, LCD displays, etc.

Getting Started with Arduino

The Arduino Trifecta

1. Arduino Hardware
   • Refers to the physical Arduino board (multiple types available).
   • Microcontroller is the core component of the board.
2. Arduino IDE
   • Integrated Development Environment for writing code.
   • Free and user-friendly.
3. Arduino Code (Sketch)
   • Code written in C/C++ with Arduino-specific functions.
   • A "sketch" is an Arduino program.

Choosing an Arduino Board

Recommended Board

• Arduino Uno Rev 3
  • Best for beginners.
  • Popular, widely supported.
  • 20 GPIO pins available.
  • Requires a type AB USB cable for connection.

Compatibility

• Other Arduino boards (e.g., Mega, Nano) are likely to work as well.
• Arduino is open-source; various companies produce compatible boards.

Alternative Options

• Tinkercad.com offers a free Arduino simulator for beginners without hardware.

Understanding Arduino Board Components

Key Features of Arduino Uno

• Microcontroller: The brain of the Arduino board.
• GPIO Pins: Used for reading inputs or controlling outputs.
• Analog Input Pins: Read continuous signals from sensors.
• Power Section:
  • GND for ground
  • 5V and 3.3V pins for powering components.
• Reset Pin: Resets the Arduino board.

Setting Up Arduino IDE

Downloading the IDE

• Available on the Arduino website (arduino.cc).
• Options: Arduino IDE 1, IDE 2, and Web Editor.
• Installation process covers both IDE 1 and IDE 2.

Example Code

• Using example sketches helps beginners understand how to program.

Uploading Code to Arduino

• Connect Arduino using USB, select board and port in IDE, verify and upload code.

Arduino Programming Basics

Structure of an Arduino Program

• Two main functions:
  • setup(): Runs once to initialize settings.
  • loop(): Runs continuously.

Variables

• Variables are used to store information (e.g., temperature readings).
• Types of variables: Boolean, int, long, float, char, and string.

Control Structures

• Examples include if, else, and switch statements.

Important Arduino Functions

• pinMode(): Sets a pin as an input or output.
• digitalRead(): Reads digital input from a pin.
• digitalWrite(): Writes digital output to a pin.
• analogRead(): Reads analog input from a pin.
• analogWrite(): Writes PWM output to a pin.
• delay(): Pauses the program for a specified time.

Using Arduino Libraries

What is a Library?

• A collection of pre-written code for specific hardware.
• Abstracts complexity of hardware control.

Installing Libraries

• Use Library Manager in Arduino IDE to find and install libraries.

Example: Using a Library

• Example sketches demonstrate how to use libraries effectively.

Conclusion and Further Learning

• Follow the training programs available at Programming Electronics Academy for deeper insights into Arduino programming.
• Topics include Internet connectivity, powering projects, and advanced programming concepts.

Resources

• Altium 365: Free trial available.
• Tinkercad.com: Free Arduino simulator.
• Programming Electronics Academy: Comprehensive training courses.