Content:
- Introduction to Arduino
- Setting up of hardware and software
- Delay and millis function
Process:
It was the first day of our Arduino course and as beginners interacting with the Arduino, we were first given an introduction about the capabilities of Arduino, the set-up of the Arduino, and how to use to Arduino. We first embarked on a small task, which was to set-up one blinking LED. To do this, we were required to understand how to set a circuit up and the workings of the bread board. We had to understand the sequence of the breadboard, the pins on the Arduino, and had to use a resistor to avoid burning out the LED. We then had to tackle to software aspect of the task. We were introduced to the logic behind the Arduino programme which runs on the C programming language, relatively new to the most of us. However with the instruction of the trainers, we were able to complete the basic task while gaining some minute understanding of the programming language.
The next task we had was to send out the SOS signal with the blinking of the LED. The signal consists of 3 short taps, 3 long taps, followed by a final 3 short taps.. This task was not difficult and we were able to solve it easily using the delay function. The next part however, was much more difficult. The trainer required us to use the millis function as an alternative method to avoid some drawbacks of the delay function. Although not needed on this task, he wanted us to practise using it. The drawback of the delay function was that it would stop the whole Arduino from functioning for the set period of time. While the delay function was in effect, the Arduino would not be able to work on anything else. On the other hand, the millis function keeps track of time instead of stopping the Arduino for a period of time. Using the millis function, we would be able to set the Arduino to light up at certain instances in time without compromising other programmes running on the Arduino. With some difficulty, we were eventually able to complete the task, learning an important function in the process.
Reflection:
I am very glad that we were given the opportunity to pick up this course. Arduino holds alot of capabilities and possibilities, and it is not too hard for us to pick one up and experiment ourselves. Arduino however, would require me to pick up a new programming language, which although time-costly, will improve my overall programming flexibility and knowledge. I am interested in exploring and learning more about the Arduino and I might consider purchasing one to experiment on and embark on several self learning projects. I am very excited for the next Arduino workshop where we would be allowed to conduct some of our own projects. During the week in between, I would self-learn more of the C syntax which can help me during the next lesson.
Personal Development:
Personally, I have only heard of Arduino but not tried it out. This lesson was my first experience in handling and using the Arduino. I actually enjoy what I have attempted so far and am willing to get more of such opportunities. I would also start to learn more different programming languages so as to improve myself and my capabilities in different areas of computing. Personally, I enjoyed the trainers' methods of conducting the workshop. There was little guidance from him which encouraged us to think and solve problems on our own. The sense of achievement from completing a task, besides the knowledge we have gained, made the first lesson of the workshop extremely enjoyable.
About Arduino
Arduino is an open-source platform used for building electronics projects. Arduino consists of both a physical programmable circuit board (often referred to as a microcontroller) and a piece of software, or IDE (Integrated Development Environment) that runs on your computer, used to write and upload computer code to the physical board.
The Arduino platform has become quite popular with people just starting out with electronics, and for good reason. Unlike most previous programmable circuit boards, the Arduino does not need a separate piece of hardware (called a programmer) in order to load new code onto the board – you can simply use a USB cable. Additionally, the Arduino IDE uses a simplified version of C++, making it easier to learn to program. Finally, Arduino provides a standard form factor that breaks out the functions of the micro-controller into a more accessible package.
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