From Scratch to Circuit Code: Arduino Playground (1)

We humans are tactile creatures. From our earliest days as infants, we learn about the world by touching, feeling, and interacting with our environment. This doesn’t fade as we grow older — it evolves. Today the we are going to see something interesting and fun.

After exploring Raspberry Pi, I’m now turning my attention to Arduino. These two platforms, while different, share a common thread: they bring computing into the physical world, allowing us to create projects we can see, touch, and interact with.

As with Raspberry Pi, we will face challenges and errors while working with Arduino. But don’t worry — these setbacks are learning opportunities. We’ll learn together and troubleshoot together.

At its core, Arduino is a user-friendly toolkit for electronic tinkering, consisting of two main components. First, there’s the hardware: a small, programmable circuit board that serves as the brain of your creations. Then there’s the software: a straightforward programming environment you run on your computer. This software lets you write instructions and send them to the board with just a simple USB connection — no complex setup required. The coding language is a simplified form of C++, designed to be beginner-friendly without sacrificing functionality. This means you can start creating interactive projects even if you’re new to programming or electronics. Plus, Arduino’s design makes it easy to connect various electronic components, turning abstract code into tangible, real-world actions.

Building Blocks

1. Hardware: Arduino comes in various shapes and sizes, but all boards share key features: a microcontroller (the brains), a USB port (for power and programming), and input/output pins (to connect components). To kick off your first project, grab an Arduino board, a USB cable, and a handful of electronic parts.

2. Software: The Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is your command center. Available for free from the Arduino website, this software lets you write code and send it to your board. It’s where your ideas take shape in C++, then travel through the USB cable to make your creations live.

3. Code: Arduino programming revolves around two key functions: setup() and loop(). Think of setup() as your project's routine - it runs once when powered on, getting everything ready. loop() is the daily activity, continuously running until you pull the plug. This simple structure makes even complex projects manageable.

4. Basic Components: LEDs, resistors, and switches. These humble components connect to your Arduino’s pins and lay the groundwork for bigger ideas. As you write code to control these parts, you’ll see the direct link between your programming and real-world actions.

5. Libraries: Arduino libraries are pre-written code snippets that save you time and effort. These libraries let you focus on your unique ideas rather than getting bogged down in the details.

What is the Arduino IDE?

The Arduino IDE is a versatile software package that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s designed for Arduino boards but supports other development boards too. This powerful tool combines:

1. A code editor for writing your programs
2. A compiler to translate your code
3. An uploader to send your program to the board

The IDE comes packed with code libraries for various peripherals like serial ports and displays, expanding your project possibilities. In Arduino lingo, programs are called “sketches” and use a language akin to C or C++.

It would be quite challenging to get into every component and type of Arduino in detail, but we can certainly focus on some key points that will be most helpful. In the upcoming blogs, we’ll also see practical examples which will be fun trust me!

Arduino Uno

The Arduino Uno is a compact, versatile board perfect for beginners. It’s powered by an ATmega328P microcontroller with 32 KB of flash memory. The microcontroller is the “brain” of the board, executing your code, while flash memory stores your program — 32 KB is enough for most small to medium projects. The Uno offers 14 digital input/output pins (6 capable of PWM output) and 6 analog inputs. Digital pins handle on/off signals, while PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) allows for simulating analog output, useful for controlling motor speed or LED brightness. Analog inputs can read varying voltage levels, essential for sensors. This combination of pins makes the Uno suitable for a wide range of projects, from LED control to basic robotics.

Arduino Mega

The Arduino Mega 2560 is the Uno’s bigger sibling, designed for more complex projects. It uses an ATmega2560 microcontroller with a whopping 256 KB of flash memory. This increased memory allows for larger, more complex programs to be stored and run. The Mega boasts 54 digital input/output pins (15 with PWM capability) and 16 analog inputs. This significant increase in pins is crucial for projects requiring numerous connections, such as 3D printers or complex robotics. More PWM pins mean more components can be controlled with simulated analog signals, while the additional analog inputs allow for reading more sensors simultaneously. Despite its larger size, it maintains the same easy-to-use USB connectivity and power options as the Uno, making it accessible for users familiar with the Uno but needing more capabilities.

Setting up Arduino

If you any arduino, then you can download Arduino IDE from here. If you don’t have physical arduino we can use online simulator “WOKWI”

1. Basic LED Blink Code

void setup() {
 // put your setup code here, to run once:
 
 // Set the built-in LED pin (usually pin 13) as an output
 pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}
void loop() {
 // put your main code here, to run repeatedly:
 
 // Turn the built-in LED on (HIGH means on)
 digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH);
 
 // Wait for 1 second (1000 milliseconds)
 delay(1000);
 
 // Turn the built-in LED off (LOW means off)
 digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW);
 
 // Wait for 1 second before looping again
 delay(1000);
}        

2. LED Blink at a Fixed Pin (No Variables)

void setup() {
 // This runs once when the program starts
 
 // Set pin 8 as an output (to control an LED or other device)
 pinMode(8, OUTPUT);
}
void loop() {
 // This runs repeatedly in a loop
 
 // Set pin 8 to HIGH (turn on the LED/device connected to pin 8)
 digitalWrite(8, HIGH);
 
 // Wait for 1 second (1000 milliseconds)
 delay(1000);
 
 // Set pin 8 to LOW (turn off the LED/device connected to pin 8)
 digitalWrite(8, LOW);
 
 // Wait for 1 second before repeating the loop
 delay(1000);
}        

3. LCD Text Display Code

#include <Wire.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>

// Initialize the LCD with I2C address 0x27, 16 columns, and 2 rows
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2);

void setup() {
 // Initialize the LCD
 lcd.init();
 
 // Turn on the LCD backlight
 lcd.backlight();
 
 // Display “Hello World!” on the LCD
 lcd.print(“Hello World!”);
}

void loop() {
 // No code needed here, unless you want to add more functionality
}        

Keeping it short and sweet for now! See you next Thursday with something hands-on. Until then, enjoy coding your digital Arduino!