Challenge Build One : ETEC 568 (Makerspaces)

 1.    The project: The Blinking LED

     This week I was introduced to the Arduino UNO R3 along with the Arduino program and a simple extension of that program. I utilized the Vilros Ultimate Starter Kit Guide, which came with my Arduino Microcontroller board, and the resources provided in class to help me complete this week's Maker Challenges. My task was to build circuit #1 in my kit guide- The Blinking LED. In the project, I made a circuit requiring three jumper wires, one LED light, a 330W resistor, an Arduino UNO board, a breadboard, and code. The outcome of the project was to be able to explore, build a circuit and execute the code for the program, which would result in making the LED blink. While doing so, the goal was to conduct circuit play, code play, and also try an extension challenge.

2. Blinking LED Light Code: The code is initially input into the sketchbook as provided.     

3.    Photo of the circuit, including Arduino and Breadboard

      

 

 

Above is a photo of the Arduino Micro Controller setup before running the code. The red wire connects the Arduino's 5V(power) section and the breadboard's positive (+) port. The black wire is connected to the Arduino's GND (Analog in) area and the  Negative (-) port on the breadboard. The green wire is connected to port 13 and links to the   e2 port on the breadboard.

 

The LED Anode(+) is connected to c2, and the cathode (-) is connected to c3 of the breadboard. The resistor is connected to a3 and the negative port between 5 and 6. Once the code is verified and uploaded, the light should blink at a delay of (1000) or 1 second.

 

 

4.    Electronic Diagram (Journal)

This is a schematic drawing of The Blinking Light.   I included a key for my notes and drew the schematic on the left according to my starter guide. After conducting some online research, I drew the schematic on the right, titled Schematic Blinking Light; the drawing below helped me visualize better.  

5. The Challenge: Circuit Play and Code Play and How it Works.

6. My Thinking:

       In the beginning, I was very intimidated by the challenge. I received my kit and was excited yet skeptical of my abilities. I began to research online. I found Arduino 101 Fundamentals to be helpful. I was able to gain a perspective of the vocabulary that was contained in creating the code. It clarified the "what and why" questions I had. Understanding and decoding what the symbols and vocabulary meant helped me make the connection. The difficulty that I ran across was the initial setup. I went to the Arduino website and could log in and go into a sketchbook, I typed in the code, and it would not work. I received a programming error. I went to the User's Guide to see if I  had missed anything, and that is when I realized That I had not Downloaded the Arduino IDE correctly and had to install the drivers. That would prove to be critical. Once I was able to get the program running. I successfully ran the first code after fixing a tiny error. I had left out the } curly brace to end the command. 

      As I worked through the challenge, I explored online to find examples and videos of how to write code and how to set up the two LEDs for the extension challenge. At times, some of the code changes just made sense to me. On other occasions, I wasn't sure and needed reassurance, so I did what I knew best, research and troubleshoot. Things became a little easier with the code writing and vocabulary each time I typed the code in for a new challenge. I found that I really had to take my time with things. I had to focus on the task and not give up.

Extension Challenge: Codes and Videos Below

  

 

In the video of the circuit above, two LEDs blink at the same rate.

 

In this circuit video and code, two LEDs blink at different rates.

One LED blinks in this circuit while the other LED stays on.

In this final video, I created the code and circuit program that executes all of the circuits programmed above.

7.  Final Reflection: 

         I learned a lot during this first project. I had to research websites, watch a few video tutorials, and read my starter kit guide. When I felt like giving up, I took a step back and took a breather.  I cannot say that I have retained everything I have done this week, but I had taken notes and am more familiar with coding today than when I started. I will continue to work on my skills to become more proficient with coding and have the ability to execute the program commands; maybe I can even extend my project in the future to create a holiday decoration or light show of some type.

         Similar programs exist in our everyday world, for example,  when driving and coming to an intersection. The lights are programmed to start and stop traffic at specific times/intervals. Holiday decorations and a crosswalk are other examples. Circuits make a lot of our lives easier. With a flick of a switch, we have electricity, and the technology that we use today all contain circuit boards, wires, and programs that involve some type of coding to help things run efficiently.