Tiny URL = http://tinyurl.com/4at2f4

Introduction

This page contains information and instructions on how to purchase and begin using the Arduino open-source electronics prototyping platform. According to the Arduino website, the device is “intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments.” For our purposes, the Arduino will serve as an introduction to physical computing programming whereby we program a micro-controller rather than a computer. What's the difference you may ask? Well consider this:

Would you rather create a program that only provides feedback on a computer screen, such as a tic-tac-toe game, or would you rather create a program that can control physical motors that can operate and move a robotic device that can serve as an actual tic-tac-toe opponent? The choice seems obvious to me. The physical connection is much more exciting and I feel a better motivator when learning programming skills and concepts.

While the creation of a tic-tac-toe playing robot is probably not within the course objectives, the process of learning how to create a program is. So let's begin/enhance our knowledge of programming by breaking out our Adruino boards and creating our first program entitled, “Hello Arduino!”

Getting Started
Before you get started, I recommend watching the following YouTube video that I created for my personal blog. It's an unboxing video of the Arduino Starter Pack from Adafruit Industries. In the video I provide information about where to obtain an Arduino Starter Pack and what is included. I know, it's a bit cheesy. But I'm all about the cheese! My personal favorite is Gouda.

Driver and Software Installation
Visit the How To Get Arduino Running on Windows page and review the process that was used to install the drivers and the software on the computers in the electronics lab. Follow these instructions closely to install the drivers and software on your personal computer. Our first program, “Hello Arduino!” is created by following the steps found on the lower fourth of the page. These directions are also found on the Ladyada Arduino Lesson 1 Tutorial which will be used in the next section.

The Hello Arduino! (blink) program
Now that the hardware driver and programming software have been installed, it's time to connect an LED to the Arduino and load a program to verify operation. This is where the “Hello Arduino!” program (or blink program) comes into play. Before beginning, watch the video below that I prepared (Would you like a cracker to go with that cheese?). In the video I describe the components of the Arduino, run quickly through the first program's (“Hello Arduino!”) lines of code and then demonstrate how to operate the Arduino with the LED connected. Be sure to pay attention to the last part of the video as I also provide a challenge for you that will be the basis for your homework.

Use the Ladyada Arduino Lesson 1 Tutorial and recreate the blinking light on your own Arduino. If you purchased your Arduino as a stand alone unit and did not purchase the starter pack, remember that you will have to provide power using the power supply on the electronic benches and your own LED. Consult the lab tech if you don't understand how to use these power supplies. Of course the onboard Arduino LED can be used to verify operation – but it’s much more fun with a red LED and you will need LEDs in later labs.

Homework
Part 1: Review and complete the second Ladyada Arduino Tutorial. This tutorial explains each line of code. Pay particular attention to code that does not immediately make sense such as lines that contain variables as demonstrated by the code below:

int ledPin = 13; // LED connected to digital pin 13

Be sure to complete the exercises at the end of the tutorial to enhance your understanding of how the program and the Arduino operates.

Part 2: As mentioned, there is a meaning to the pattern of the blinking lights. I have placed that section of the video below so it can easily be replayed.

Work together in small groups of 2 or 3 to determine the meaning and then individually create a program that will duplicate that pattern. Before submitting your programs via Blackboard, remember to add the proper remarks statements.

Part 3: Now create another program with the keyword, IVYTECH. This will make more sense after determining what the pattern of the blinking lights mean. Again, modify/add the proper remarks statements. Also use EOL remark statements to document each line of code.

Part 4: Review the parts list from the third Ladyada Tutorial. Before next week, be sure to have all supplies in hand. You may also want to completely read the tutorial to know what to expect.

Part 5 (optional): If you purchased the Arduino Starter Pack from Adafruit Industries, you may want to assemble the Proto Shield using the Ladyada instructions. Before beginning, review the Ladyada Proto Shield information page. You'll learn that the Proto Shield preforms several functions. First it protects your board, second it allows you quickly utilize switches, connectors and an onboard LED. Lastly the Proto Shield provides a rest ares on top of the Arduino for the mini breadboard that comes with the starter pack.

Recommended Reading
Wanna learn more about electronics, physical computing platforms and basic to advanced Arduino concepts? Check out the wonderful book by Tom Igoe entitled Making Things Talk. This book is NOT required, but merely offered to those of you who want to keep rolling with physical computing after this class.