32 new Projects, Practical Examples and Exercises with the Elektor Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board
Electronics and microcontroller technology offer the opportunity to be creative. This practical microcontroller course provides you with the chance to bring your own Arduino projects and experience such moments of success. Ideally, everything works as you imagined when you switch it on for the first time. In practice, however, things rarely work as expected. At that point, you need knowledge to efficiently search for and find the reason for the malfunction.
In this book for advanced users, we delve deep into the world of microcontrollers and the Arduino IDE to learn new procedures and details, enabling you to successfully tackle and solve even more challenging situations.
With this book, the author gives the reader the necessary tools to create projects independently and also to be able to find errors quickly. Instead of just offering ready-made solutions, he explains the background, the hardware used, and any tools required. He sets tasks in which the reader contributes their own creativity and writes the Arduino sketch themselves.
If you don’t have a good idea and get stuck, there is, of course, a suggested solution for every project and every task, along with the corresponding software, which is commented on and explained in detail in the book.
This practical course will teach you more about the inner workings of the Arduino Nano and its microcontroller. You will get to know hardware modules that you can use to realize new and interesting projects. You will familiarize yourself with software methods such as ‘state machines,’ which can often be used to solve problems more easily and clearly.
The numerous practical projects and exercise sketches are once again realized on the Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board, which you may already be familiar with from the course book ‘Microcontrollers Hands-on Course for Arduino Starters’, and which contains all the hardware peripherals and operating elements we need for the input/output operations of our sketches.
Readers who do not yet own the Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board can purchase the required hardware separately, or alternatively, build it on a breadboard.
The Elektor Laser Head transforms the Elektor Sand Clock into a clock that writes the time on glow-in-the-dark film instead of sand. In addition to displaying the time, it can also be used to create ephemeral drawings. The 5 mW laser pointer, with a wavelength of 405 nm, produces bright green drawings on the glow-in-the-dark film. For best results, use the kit in a dimly lit room. Warning: Never look directly into the laser beam!
The kit includes all the necessary components, but soldering three wires is required.
Note: This kit is also compatible with the original Arduino-based Sand Clock from 2017. For more details, see Elektor Magazine 1-2/2017 and Elektor Magazine 1-2/2018.
Upgrade your Andonstar AD409, AD409 Pro, or AD409 Pro-ES to the Max model with this enhancement kit. The newly designed, oversized Max station provides ample workspace, making it perfect for larger projects and ideal for professional soldering tasks.
Included
1x Stand with 2 LEDs
1x Repair mat
1x Beam
1x Column
1x Tool holder
1x Soldering Helping Hands
This multi-axis robot perfectly balances power and size.
Features
6 Axis
Payload: 3.5 kg
Reach: 700 mm
Repeatability: 0.1 mm
Max Speed 1000 mm/s
Applications
Machine Tending
Bin Picking
Mobile platform
Lab Automation
Robotic Research
Durable Collaborative robots for your automation
Industrial-grade harmonic drive and servomotors guarantee 24/7 working without stop.
Crafted from Carbon fiber, 15 kg weight makes it possible for easier deployment.
Flexible deployment with safe feature
Hand teaching, lightweight, space-saving and easy to re-deploy to multiple applications without changing your production layout. Perfectly for recurrent tasks.
Collision detection is available for all of our cobots. Your safety is always the top priority.
Graphical interface for beginner-friendly programming
Compatible with various of operation systems, including macOS and Windows.
Web-based technology compatible with all major browsers.
Drag and drop to create your code in minutes.
Powerful and open source SDK at your fingertips
Fully functional open-source Python/C++ SDK provides more flexible programming.
ROS/ROS2 packages are ready-to-go.
Example codes help you to deploy the robotic arm smoothly.
Specifications
UFactory 850
xArm 5
xArm 6
xArm 7
Payload
5 kg
3 kg
5 kg
3.5 kg
Reach
850 mm
700 mm
700 mm
700 mm
Degrees of freedom
6
5
6
7
Repeatability
±0.02 mm
±0.1 mm
±0.1 mm
±0.1 mm
Maximum Speed
1 m/s
1 m/s
1 m/s
1 m/s
Weight (robot arm only)
20 kg
11.2 kg
12.2 kg
13.7 kg
Maximum Speed
180°/s
180°/s
180°/s
180°/s
Joint 1
±360°
±360°
±360°
±360°
Joint 2
-132°~132°
-118°~120°
-118°~120°
-118°~120°
Joint 3
-242°~3.5°
-225°~11°
-225°~11°
±360°
Joint 4
±360°
-97°~180°
±360°
-11°~225°
Joint 5
-124°~124°
±360°
-97°~180°
±360°
Joint 6
±360°
±360°
-97°~180°
Joint 7
±360°
Hardware
Ambient Temperature Range
0-50°C
Power Consumption
Min 8.4 W, Typical 200 W, max 400 W
Input Power Supply
24 V DC, 16.5 A
Footprint
Ø 126 mm
Materials
Aluminum, Carbon Fiber
Base Connector Type
M5x5
ISO Class Cleanroom
5
Robot Mounting
Any
End Effector Communication Protocol
Modbus RTU(rs485)
End Effector I/O
2x DI/2x DO/2x AI/1x RS485
Communication Mode
Ethernet
Included
1x xArm 7 robotic arm
1x AC control box
1x Robotic arm power cable
1x Robotic arm end effector adapter cable
1x Robotic arm signal cable
1x Control box power cable
1x Network cable
1x Mounting tool
1x Quick start guide
This bundle contains the popular Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi Pico and the new Elektor Laser Head Upgrade, offering even more options for displaying the time. Not only can you "engrave" the current time in sand, you can now alternatively write it on a glow-in-the-dark foil or create green drawings.
Contents of the bundle
Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi Pico (normal price: €50)
Elektor Laser Head Upgrade for Sand Clock (normal price: €35)
Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi (Raspberry Pi-based Eye Catcher)
A standard sand clock just shows how time passes. In contrast, this Raspberry Pi Pico-controlled sand clock shows the exact time by "engraving" the four digits for hour and minute into the layer of sand. After an adjustable time the sand is flattened out by two vibration motors and everything begins all over again.
At the heart of the sand clock are two servo motors driving a writing pen through a pantograph mechanism. A third servo motor lifts the pen up and down. The sand container is equipped with two vibration motors to flatten the sand. The electronic part of the sand clock consists of a Raspberry Pi Pico and an RTC/driver board with a real-time clock, plus driver circuits for the servo motors.
A detailed construction manual is available for downloading.
Features
Dimensions: 135 x 110 x 80 mm
Build time: approx. 1.5 to 2 hours
Included
3x Precut acrylic sheets with all mechanical parts
3x Mini servo motors
2x Vibration motors
1x Raspberry Pi Pico
1x RTC/driver board with assembled parts
Nuts, bolts, spacers, and wires for the assembly
Fine-grained white sand
Elektor Laser Head Upgrade for Sand Clock
The new Elektor Laser Head transforms the Sand Clock into a clock that writes the time on glow-in-the-dark film instead of sand. In addition to displaying the time, it can also be used to create ephemeral drawings. The 5 mW laser pointer, with a wavelength of 405 nm, produces bright green drawings on the glow-in-the-dark film. For best results, use the kit in a dimly lit room. Warning: Never look directly into the laser beam!
The kit includes all the necessary components, but soldering three wires is required.
Note: This kit is also compatible with the original Arduino-based Sand Clock from 2017. For more details, see Elektor Magazine 1-2/2017 and Elektor Magazine 1-2/2018.
Examine your circuits with high precision and solder even the smallest SMDs and elements without any hassle.
Features
Multifunctional HDMI Digital Microscope features Full HD, comfortable headroom, improved ergonomy, multiple output signals with different resolutions.
Tilt angle of the wide LCD monitor is adjustable.
Comes with remote control.
Can be used as stand-alone.
Specifications
Screen size
7 inch (17.8 cm)
Image sensor
4 MP
Video output
UHD 2880x2160 (24fps)FHD 1920x1080 (60fps/30fps)HD 1280x720 (120fps)
Video format
MP4
Magnification
Up to 270 times (27 inch HDMI monitor)
Photo resolution
Max. 12 MP (4032x3024)
Photo format
JPG
Focus range
Min. 5 cm
Frame rate
Max. 120fps (under 600 Lux Brightness & HDP120)
Video interface
HDMI
Storage
microSD card (up to 32 GB)
Power source
5 V DC
Light source
2 LEDs with the stand
Stand size
20 x 12 x 19 cm
Included
1x Andonstar AD407 Digital Microscope
1x Metal stand with 2 LEDs
1x Optical bracket
1x UV filter
1x IR remote
1x Switch cable
1x Power adapter
1x HDMI cable
2x Screws
1x Screwdriver
1x User manual
Downloads
Manual
Model Comparison
AD407
AD407 Pro
AD409
AD409 Pro-ES
Screen size
7 inch (17.8 cm)
7 inch (17.8 cm)
10.1 inch (25.7 cm)
10.1 inch (25.7 cm)
Image sensor
4 MP
4 MP
4 MP
4 MP
Video output
2160p
2160p
2160p
2160p
Interfaces
HDMI
HDMI
USB, HDMI, WiFi
USB, HDMI, WiFi
Video format
MP4
MP4
MP4
MP4
Magnification
Up to 270x
Up to 270x
Up to 300x
Up to 300x
Photo resolution
Max. 4032x3024
Max. 4032x3024
Max. 4032x3024
Max. 4032x3024
Photo format
JPG
JPG
JPG
JPG
Focus distance
Min. 5 cm
Min. 5 cm
Min. 5 cm
Min. 5 cm
Frame rate
Max. 120f/s
Max. 120f/s
Max. 120f/s
Max. 120f/s
Storage
microSD card
microSD card
microSD card
microSD card
PC support
No
No
Windows
Windows
Mobile connection
No
No
WiFi + Measurement
WiFi + Measurement
Power source
5 V DC
5 V DC
5 V DC
5 V DC
Light source
2 LEDs with the stand
2 LEDs with the stand
2 LEDs with the stand
2 LEDs with the stand
Endoscope
No
No
No
Yes
Stand size
20 x 12 x 19 cm
20 x 18 x 32 cm
18 x 20 x 30 cm
18 x 20 x 32 cm
Weight
1.6 kg
2.1 kg
2.2 kg
2.5 kg
The Andonstar AD407 Pro microscope is suitable for various applications such as soldering SMDs or repair work. The microscope has a large adjustable 7" LCD display and comes with a remote. Compared to AD407, AD407 Pro offers an extra-high stand, which makes soldering of components even easier.
Specifications
Screen size
7 inch (17.8 cm)
Image sensor
4 MP
Video output
UHD 2880x2160 (24fps)FHD 1920x1080 (60fps/30fps)HD 1280x720 (120fps)
Video format
MP4
Magnification
Up to 270 times (27 inch HDMI monitor)
Photo resolution
Max. 12 MP (4032x3024)
Photo format
JPG
Focus range
Min. 5 cm
Frame Rate
Max. 120fps
Video interface
HDMI
Storage
microSD card (up to 64 GB)
Power source
5 V DC
Light source
2 LEDs with the stand
Stand size
20 x 18 x 32 cm
Included
1x Andonstar AD407 Pro Digital Microscope
1x Metal stand with 2 LEDs
1x UV filter (already assembled in the lens)
1x IR remote
1x Switch cable
1x Power adapter
1x Wrench
2x Metal clips
1x HDMI cable
1x Manual
Downloads
Manual
Model Comparison
AD407
AD407 Pro
AD409
AD409 Pro-ES
Screen size
7 inch (17.8 cm)
7 inch (17.8 cm)
10.1 inch (25.7 cm)
10.1 inch (25.7 cm)
Image sensor
4 MP
4 MP
4 MP
4 MP
Video output
2160p
2160p
2160p
2160p
Interfaces
HDMI
HDMI
USB, HDMI, WiFi
USB, HDMI, WiFi
Video format
MP4
MP4
MP4
MP4
Magnification
Up to 270x
Up to 270x
Up to 300x
Up to 300x
Photo resolution
Max. 4032x3024
Max. 4032x3024
Max. 4032x3024
Max. 4032x3024
Photo format
JPG
JPG
JPG
JPG
Focus distance
Min. 5 cm
Min. 5 cm
Min. 5 cm
Min. 5 cm
Frame rate
Max. 120f/s
Max. 120f/s
Max. 120f/s
Max. 120f/s
Storage
microSD card
microSD card
microSD card
microSD card
PC support
No
No
Windows
Windows
Mobile connection
No
No
WiFi + Measurement
WiFi + Measurement
Power source
5 V DC
5 V DC
5 V DC
5 V DC
Light source
2 LEDs with the stand
2 LEDs with the stand
2 LEDs with the stand
2 LEDs with the stand
Endoscope
No
No
No
Yes
Stand size
20 x 12 x 19 cm
20 x 18 x 32 cm
18 x 20 x 30 cm
18 x 20 x 32 cm
Weight
1.6 kg
2.1 kg
2.2 kg
2.5 kg
This upgraded version 2.0 (available exclusively from Elektor) contains the following improvements:
Enhanced protective earthing (PE) for furnace chassis
Extra thermal insulation layer around furnace to reduce odors
Connection to a computer, allowing curve editing on a PC
Features such as constant temperature control and timing functions
The infrared IC heater T-962 v2.0 is a microprocessor-controlled reflow oven that you can use for effectively soldering various SMD and BGA components. The whole soldering process can be completed automatically and it is very easy to use. This machine uses a powerful infrared emission and circulation of the hot air flow, so the temperature is being kept very accurate and evenly distributed.
A windowed drawer is designed to hold the work-piece, and allows safe soldering techniques and the manipulation of SMDBGA and other small electronic parts mounted on a PCB assembly. The T-962 v2.0 may be used to automatically rework solder to correct bad solder joints, remove/replace bad components and complete small engineering models or prototypes.
Features
Large infrared soldering area
Effective soldering area: 180 x 235 mm; this increases the usage range of this machine drastically and makes it an economical investment.
Choice of different soldering cycles
Parameters of eight soldering cycles are pre defined and the entire soldering process can completed automatically from Preheat, Soak and Reflow through to cool down.
Special heat up and temperature equalization with all designs
Uses up to 800 Watts of energy efficient Infrared heating and air circulation to re-flow solder.
Ergonomic design, practical and easily operated
Good build quality but at the same time light weight and a small footprint allows the T-962 v2.0 to be easily bench positioned transported or stored.
Large number of available functions
The T-962 v2.0 can solder most small parts of PCB boards, for example CHIP, SOP, PLCC, QFP, BGA etc. It is the ideal rework solution from single runs to on-demand small batch production.
Specifications
Soldering area (max)
180 x 235 mm (7.1 x 9.3")
Power (max)
800 W
Temperature range
0-280°C (32-536°F)
Heating method
Infrared
Processing time
1~8 minutes
Power supply
220 V AC/50 Hz
Display
LCD with Backlight
Control mode
8 intelligent temperature curves
Dimensions
310 x 290 x 170 mm (12.2 x 11.4 x 6.7")
Weight
6.2 kg
Included
1x T-962 v2.0 Reflow Soldering Oven (Elektor Version)
1x USB Stick (with Manual and Software)
2x Fuses
1x Power cord (EU)
Downloads
Manual
The short-wave technique has a very particular appeal: It can easily bridge long distances. By reflecting short-wave signals off the conductive layers of the ionosphere, they can be received in places beyond the horizon and therefore can reach anywhere on earth. Although technology is striving for ever higher frequencies, and radio is usually listened to on FM, DAB+, satellite or the Internet, modern means of transmission require extensive infrastructure and are extremely vulnerable. In the event of a global power outage, there is nothing more important than the short-wave. Amateur radio is not only a hobby, it’s also an emergency radio system!
Elektor’s SDR-Shield is a versatile shortwave receiver up to 30 MHz. Using an Arduino and the appropriate software, radio stations, morse signals, SSB stations, and digital signals can be received.
In this book, successful author and enthusiastic radio amateur, Burkhard Kainka describes the modern practice of software defined radio using the Elektor SDR Shield. He not only imparts a theoretical background but also explains numerous open source software tools.
Develop innovative hardware-based projects in C
The Raspberry Pi has traditionally been programmed using Python. Although this is a very powerful language, many programmers may not be familiar with it. C on the other hand is perhaps the most commonly used programming language and all embedded microcontrollers can be programmed using it.
The C language is taught in most technical colleges and universities and almost all engineering students are familiar with using it with their projects. This book is about using the Raspberry Pi with C to develop a range of hardware-based projects. Two of the most popular C libraries, wiringPi and pigpio are used.
The book starts with an introduction to C and most students and newcomers will find this chapter invaluable. Many projects are provided in the book, including using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to establish communication with smartphones.
Many sensor and hardware-based projects are included. Both wiringPi and pigpio libraries are used in all projects. Complete program listings are given with full explanations. All projects have been fully tested and work.
The following hardware-based projects are provided in the book:
Using sensors
Using LCDs
I²C and SPI buses
Serial communication
Multitasking
External and timer interrupts
Using Wi-Fi
Webservers
Communicating with smartphones
Using Bluetooth
Sending data to the cloud
Program listings of all Raspberry Pi projects developed in this book are available on the Elektor website. Readers can download and use these programs in their projects. Alternatively, they can customize them to suit their applications.
Realize your own projects with the Elektor Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board
The microcontroller is probably the most fascinating subfield of electronics. Due to the multitude of functions, it combines on its chip, it is a universal multi-tool for developers to realize their projects. Practically every device of daily use today is controlled by a microcontroller. However, for an electronic layman, realizing his own ideas with a microcontroller has so far remained a pipe dream due to its complexity. The Arduino concept has largely simplified the use of microcontrollers, so that now even laymen can realize their own electronics ideas with a microcontroller.
Book & Hardware in the Bundle: 'Learning by Doing'
This book, which is included in the bundle, shows how you can realize your own projects with a microcontroller even without much experience in electronics and programming languages. It is a microcontrollers hands-on course for starters, because after an overview of the internals of the microcontroller and an introduction to the programming language C, the focus of the course is on the practical exercises. The reader acquires the necessary knowledge by 'learning by doing': in the extensive practical section with 12 projects and 46 exercises, what is learned in the front part of the book is underpinned with many examples. The exercises are structured in such a way that the user is given a task to solve using the knowledge built up in the theoretical part of the book. Each exercise is followed by a sample solution that is explained and commented on in detail, which helps the user to solve problems and compare it with his own solution.
Arduino IDE
The Arduino IDE is a software development environment that can be downloaded for free to your own PC and that contains the entire software package needed for your own microcontroller projects. You write your programs ('apps') with the IDE’s editor in the C programming language. You translate them into the bits and bytes that the microcontroller understands using the Arduino IDE's built-in compiler, and then load them into the microcontroller's memory on the Elektor Arduino MCCAB Nano Training Board via a USB cable.
Query or control external sensors, motors or assemblies
In addition to an Arduino Nano microcontroller module, the Elektor Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board contains all the components required for the exercises, such as light-emitting diodes, switches, pushbuttons, acoustic signal transmitters, etc. External sensors, motors or assemblies can also be queried or controlled with this microcontroller training system.
Specifications (Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board)
Power Supply
Via the USB connection of the connected PC or an external power supply unit (not included)
Operating Voltage
+5 Vcc
Input Voltage
All inputs
0 V to +5 V
VX1 and VX2
+8 V to +12 V (only when using an external power supply)
Hardware periphery
LCD
2x16 characters
Potentiometer P1 & P2
JP3: selection of operating voltage of P1 & P2
Distributor
SV4: Distributor for the operating voltagesSV5, SV6: Distributor for the inputs/outputs of the microcontroller
Switches and buttons
RESET button on the Arduino Nano module 6x pushbutton switches K1 ... K6 6x slide switches S1 ... S6 JP2: Connection of the switches with the inputs of the microcontroller
Buzzer
Piezo buzzer Buzzer1 with jumper on JP6
Indicator lights
11 x LED: Status indicator for the inputs/outputs LED L on the Arduino Nano module, connected to GPIO D13 JP6: Connection of LEDs LD10 ... LD20 with GPIOs D2 ... D12
Serial interfacesSPI & I²C
JP4: Selection of the signal at pin X of the SPI connector SV12 SV9 to SV12: SPI interface (3.3 V/5 V) or I²C interface
Switching output for external devices
SV1, SV7: Switching output (maximum +24 V/160 mA, externally supplied) SV2: 2x13 pins for connection of external modules
3x3 LED matrix(9 red LEDs)
SV3: Columns of the 3x3 LED matrix (outputs D6 ... D8) JP1: Connection of the rows with the GPIOs D3 ... D5
Software
Library MCCABLib
Control of hardware components (switches, buttons, LEDs, 3x3 LED matrix, buzzer) on the MCCAB Training Board
Operating Temperature
Up to +40 °C
Dimensions
100 x 100 x 20 mm
Specifications (Arduino Nano)
Microcontroller
ATmega328P
Architecture
AVR
Operating Voltage
5 V
Flash Memory
32 KB, of which 2 KB used by bootloader
SRAM
2 KB
Clock Speed
16 MHz
Analog IN Pins
8
EEPROM
1 KB
DC Current per I/O Pins
40 mA on one I/O pin, total maximum 200 mA on all pins together
Input Voltage
7-12 V
Digital I/O Pins
22 (6 of which are PWM)
PWM Output
6
Power Consumption
19 mA
Dimensions
18 x 45 mm
Weight
7 g
Included
Elektor Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board
Arduino Nano
Book: Microcontrollers Hands-on Course for Arduino Starters
This clear acrylic case is the official case for the HackRF One/Pro board. It can replace the standard black plastic case of the HackRF One/Pro.
Assembly Instructions
Use a guitar pick or spudger to extract the HackRF One/Pro circuit board from the black plastic case.
Insert one long screw into each corner of the bottom acrylic panel. Secure each long screw with a short (5 mm) spacer on the opposite side of the panel.
Place the HackRF One/Pro circuit board (facing up) on top of the bottom panel, fitting the ends of the long screws through the corner mounting holes of the circuit board.
Secure the circuit board with one long (6 mm) spacer in each corner.
Place the top acrylic panel on top of the circuit board, aligning the cutouts with the circuit board’s expansion headers.
Secure each corner with a short screw.
Note: Do not overtighten! Hand-tighten only at every step.