The Arduino Uno is an open-source microcontroller development system encompassing hardware, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), and a vast number of libraries. It is supported by an enormous community of programmers, electronic engineers, enthusiasts, and academics. The libraries in particular really smooth Arduino programming and reduce programming time. What’s more, the libraries greatly facilitate testing your programs since most come fully tested and working.
The Raspberry Pi 4 can be used in many applications such as audio and video media devices. It also works in industrial controllers, robotics, games, and in many domestic and commercial applications. The Raspberry Pi 4 also offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability which makes it great for remote and Internet-based control and monitoring applications.
This book is about using both the Raspberry Pi 4 and the Arduino Uno in PID-based automatic control applications. The book starts with basic theory of the control systems and feedback control. Working and tested projects are given for controlling real-life systems using PID controllers. The open-loop step time response, tuning the PID parameters, and the closed-loop time response of the developed systems are discussed together with the block diagrams, circuit diagrams, PID controller algorithms, and the full program listings for both the Raspberry Pi and the Arduino Uno.
The projects given in the book aim to teach the theory and applications of PID controllers and can be modified easily as desired for other applications. The projects given for the Raspberry Pi 4 should work with all other models of Raspberry Pi family.
The book covers the following topics:
Open-loop and closed-loop control systems
Analog and digital sensors
Transfer functions and continuous-time systems
First-order and second-order system time responses
Discrete-time digital systems
Continuous-time PID controllers
Discrete-time PID controllers
ON-OFF temperature control with Raspberry Pi and Arduino Uno
PID-based temperature control with Raspberry Pi and Arduino Uno
PID-based DC motor control with Raspberry Pi and Arduino Uno
PID-based water level control with Raspberry Pi and Arduino Uno
PID-based LED-LDR brightness control with Raspberry Pi and Arduino Uno
Program, build, and master over 50 projects with MicroPython and the RP2040 microprocessor The Raspberry Pi Pico is a high-performance microcontroller module designed especially for physical computing. Microcontrollers differ from single-board computers, like the Raspberry Pi 4, in not having an operating system. The Raspberry Pi Pico can be programmed to run a single task very efficiently within real-time control and monitoring applications requiring speed. The ‘Pico’ as we call it, is based on the fast, efficient, and low-cost dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ RP2040 microcontroller chip running at up to 133 MHz and sporting 264 KB of SRAM, and 2 MB of Flash memory. Besides its large memory, the Pico has even more attractive features including a vast number of GPIO pins, and popular interface modules like ADC, SPI, I²C, UART, and PWM. To cap it all, the chip offers fast and accurate timing modules, a hardware debug interface, and an internal temperature sensor. The Raspberry Pi Pico is easily programmed using popular high-level languages such as MicroPython and or C/C++. This book is an introduction to using the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller in conjunction with the MicroPython programming language. The Thonny development environment (IDE) is used in all the projects described. There are over 50 working and tested projects in the book, covering the following topics: Installing the MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico using a Raspberry Pi or a PC Timer interrupts and external interrupts Analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) projects Using the internal temperature sensor and external temperature sensor chips Datalogging projects PWM, UART, I²C, and SPI projects Using Wi-Fi and apps to communicate with smartphones Using Bluetooth and apps to communicate with smartphones Digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) projects All projects given in the book have been fully tested and are working. Only basic programming and electronics experience is required to follow the projects. Brief descriptions, block diagrams, detailed circuit diagrams, and full MicroPython program listings are given for all projects described. Readers can find the program listings on the Elektor web page created to support the book.
This book details the use of the Arduino Uno and the Raspberry Pi 4 in practical CAN bus based projects. Using either the Arduino Uno or the Raspberry Pi with off-the-shelf CAN bus interface modules considerably ease developing, debugging, and testing CAN bus based projects.
This book is written for students, practicing engineers, enthusiasts, and for everyone else wanting to learn more about the CAN bus and its applications. The book assumes that the reader has some knowledge of basic electronics. Knowledge of the C and Python programming languages and programming the Arduino Uno using its IDE and Raspberry Pi will be useful, especially if the reader intends to develop microcontroller-based projects using the CAN bus.
The book should be a useful source of reference material for anyone interested in finding answers to questions such as:
What bus systems are available for the automotive industry?
What are the principles of the CAN bus?
How can I create a physical CAN bus?
What types of frames (or data packets) are available in a CAN bus system?
How can errors be detected in a CAN bus system and how dependable is a CAN bus system?
What types of CAN bus controllers exist?
How do I use the MCP2515 CAN bus controller?
How do I create 2-node Arduino Uno-based CAN bus projects?
How do I create 3-node Arduino Uno-based CAN bus projects?
How do I set the acceptance masks and acceptance filters?
How do I analyze data on the CAN bus?
How do I create 2-node Raspberry Pi-based CAN bus projects?
How do I create 3-node Raspberry Pi-based CAN bus projects?
Program, build, and master 60+ projects with the Wireless RP2040
The Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W are based on the fast, efficient, and low-cost dual-core ARM Cortex M0+ RP2040 microcontroller chip running at up to 133 MHz and sporting 264 KB of SRAM and 2 MB of Flash memory. Besides spacious memory, the Pico and Pico W offer many GPIO pins, and popular peripheral interface modules like ADC, SPI, I²C, UART, PWM, timing modules, a hardware debug interface, and an internal temperature sensor.
The Raspberry Pi Pico W additionally includes an on-board Infineon CYW43439 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chipset. At the time of writing this book, the Bluetooth firmware was not yet available. Wi-Fi is however fully supported at 2.4 GHz using the 802.11b/g/n protocols.
This book is an introduction to using the Raspberry Pi Pico W in conjunction with the MicroPython programming language. The Thonny development environment (IDE) is used in all of the 60+ working and tested projects covering the following topics:
Installing the MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico using a Raspberry Pi or a PC
Timer interrupts and external interrupts
Analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) projects
Using the internal temperature sensor and external sensor chips
Using the internal temperature sensor and external temperature sensor chips
Datalogging projects
PWM, UART, I²C, and SPI projects
Using Bluetooth, WiFi, and apps to communicate with smartphones
Digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) projects
All projects are tried & tested. They can be implemented on both the Raspberry Pi Pico and Raspberry Pi Pico W, although the Wi-Fi-based subjects will run on the Pico W only. Basic programming and electronics experience are required to follow the projects. Brief descriptions, block diagrams, detailed circuit diagrams, and full MicroPython program listings are given for all projects.
For Raspberry Pi, ESP32 and nRF52 with Python, Arduino and Zephyr
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio chips are ubiquitous from Raspberry Pi to light bulbs. BLE is an elaborate technology with a comprehensive specification, but the basics are quite accessible.
A progressive and systematic approach will lead you far in mastering this wireless communication technique, which is essential for working in low power scenarios.
In this book, you’ll learn how to:
Discover BLE devices in the neighborhood by listening to their advertisements.
Create your own BLE devices advertising data.
Connect to BLE devices such as heart rate monitors and proximity reporters.
Create secure connections to BLE devices with encryption and authentication.
Understand BLE service and profile specifications and implement them.
Reverse engineer a BLE device with a proprietary implementation and control it with your own software.
Make your BLE devices use as little power as possible.
This book shows you the ropes of BLE programming with Python and the Bleak library on a Raspberry Pi or PC, with C++ and NimBLE-Arduino on Espressif’s ESP32 development boards, and with C on one of the development boards supported by the Zephyr real-time operating system, such as Nordic Semiconductor's nRF52 boards.
Starting with a very little amount of theory, you’ll develop code right from the beginning. After you’ve completed this book, you’ll know enough to create your own BLE applications.
With the availability of free and open source C/C++ compilers today, you might wonder why someone would be interested in assembler language. What is so compelling about the RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)? How does RISC-V differ from existing architectures? And most importantly, how do we gain experience with the RISC-V without a major investment? Is there affordable hardware available?
The availability of the Espressif ESP32-C3 chip provides a way to get hands-on experience with RISC-V. The open sourced QEMU emulator adds a 64-bit experience in RISC-V under Linux. These are just two ways for the student and enthusiast alike to explore RISC-V in this book.
The projects in this book are boiled down to the barest essentials to keep the assembly language concepts clear and simple. In this manner you will have “aha!” moments rather than puzzling about something difficult. The focus in this book is about learning how to write RISC-V assembly language code without getting bogged down. As you work your way through this tutorial, you’ll build up small demonstration programs to be run and tested. Often the result is some simple printed messages to prove a concept. Once you’ve mastered these basic concepts, you will be well equipped to apply assembly language in larger projects.
Easy and Affordable Digital Signal Processing
The aim of this book is to teach the basic principles of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and to introduce it from a practical point of view using the bare minimum of mathematics. Only the basic level of discrete-time systems theory is given, sufficient to implement DSP applications in real time. The practical implementations are described in real time using the highly popular ESP32 DevKitC microcontroller development board. With the low cost and extremely popular ESP32 microcontroller, you should be able to design elementary DSP projects with sampling frequencies within the audio range. All programming is done using the popular Arduino IDE in conjunction with the C language compiler.
After laying a solid foundation of DSP theory and pertinent discussions on the main DSP software tools on the market, the book presents the following audio-based sound and DSP projects:
Using an I²S-based digital microphone to capture audio sound
Using an I²S-based class-D audio amplifier and speaker
Playing MP3 music stored on an SD card through an I²S-based amplifier and speaker
Playing MP3 music files stored in ESP32 flash memory through an I²S-based amplifier and speaker
Mono and stereo Internet radio with I²S-based amplifiers and speakers
Text-to-speech output with an I²S-based amplifier and speaker
Using the volume control in I²S-based amplifier and speaker systems
A speaking event counter with an I²S-based amplifier and speaker
An adjustable sinewave generator with I²S-based amplifier and speaker
Using the Pmod I²S2 24-bit fast ADC/DAC module
Digital low-pass and band-pass real-time FIR filter design with external and internal A/D and D/A conversion
Digital low-pass and band-pass real-time IIR filter design with external and internal A/D and D/A conversion
Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT)
In Get Started with MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico, you will learn how to use the beginner-friendly language MicroPython to write programs and connect up hardware to make your Raspberry Pi Pico interact with the world around it. Using these skills, you can create your own electro‑mechanical projects, whether for fun or to make your life easier.
Microcontrollers, like RP2040 at the heart of Raspberry Pi Pico, are computers stripped back to their bare essentials. You don’t use monitors or keyboards, but program them to take their input from, and send their output to the input/output pins.
Using these programmable connections, you can light lights, make noises, send text to screens, and much more. In Get Started with MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico, you will learn how to use the beginner-friendly language MicroPython to write programs and connect up hardware to make your Raspberry Pi Pico interact with the world around it. Using these skills, you can create your own electro‑mechanical projects, whether for fun or to make your life easier.
The robotic future is here – you just have to build it yourself. We’ll show you how.
About the authors
Gareth Halfacree is a freelance technology journalist, writer, and former system administrator in the education sector. With a passion for open-source software and hardware, he was an early adopter of the Raspberry Pi platform and has written several publications on its capabilities and flexibility.
Ben Everard is a geek who has stumbled into a career that lets him play with new hardware. As the editor of HackSpace magazine, he spends more time than he really should experimenting with the latest (and not-solatest) DIY tech.
From Detector to Software Defined Radio
Radio frequency (RF) technology is one of the areas which still allows putting your own ideas into practice. Countless circuit variants with special objectives allow space for meaningful experiments and projects. Many things simply aren’t available off the shelf. Crystal detector radios without their own power source, simple tube receivers with a touch of nostalgia, the first reception attempts at Software Defined Radio, special receivers for amateur radio, all this can be realized with little effort and as a perfect introduction to RF electronics.
For a long time, radio construction was the first step into electronics. Meanwhile, there are other ways, especially via computers, microcontrollers, and digital technology. However, the analog roots of electronics are often neglected. Elementary radio technology and easy-to-do experiments are particularly well suited as a learning field for electronics because you can start with the simplest basics here.
But the connection to modern digital technology is also obvious, for example, when it comes to modern tuning methods such as PLL and DDS or modern DSP radios.
This book aims to give an overview and present a collection of simple RF projects. The author would like to support you to develop your own ideas, to design your own receivers and to test them.
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.
ModbusRTU and ModbusTCP examples with the Arduino Uno and ESP8266 Introduction to PLC programming with OpenPLC, the first fully open source Programmable Logic Controller on the Raspberry Pi, and Modbus examples with Arduino Uno and ESP8266 PLC programming is very common in industry and home automation. This book describes how the Raspberry Pi 4 can be used as a Programmable Logic Controller. Before taking you into the programming, the author starts with the software installation on the Raspberry Pi and the PLC editor on the PC, followed by a description of the hardware. You'll then find interesting examples in the different programming languages complying with the IEC 61131-3 standard. This manual also explains in detail how to use the PLC editor and how to load and execute the programs on the Raspberry Pi. All IEC languages are explained with examples, starting with LD (Ladder Diagram) over ST (Structured Control Language) to SFC (Special Function Chart). All examples can be downloaded from the author's website. Networking gets thorough attention too. The Arduino Uno and the ESP8266 are programmed as ModbusRTU or ModbusTCP modules to get access to external peripherals, reading sensors and switching electrical loads. I/O circuits complying with the 24 V industry standard may also be of interest for the reader. The book ends with an overview of commands for ST and LD. After reading the book, the reader will be able to create his own controllers with the Raspberry Pi.
Secure, Modular, Open-Source and Self-Sufficient
Ever since the Raspberry Pi was introduced, it has been used by enthusiasts to automate their homes. The Raspberry Pi is a powerful computer in a small package, with lots of interfacing options to control various devices. This book shows you how you can automate your home with a Raspberry Pi. You’ll learn how to use various wireless protocols for home automation, such as Bluetooth, 433.92 MHz radio waves, Z-Wave, and Zigbee. Soon you’ll automate your home with Python, Node-RED, and Home Assistant, and you’ll even be able to speak to your home automation system. All this is done securely, with a modular system, completely open-source, without relying on third-party services. You’re in control of your home, and no one else.
At the end of this book, you can install and configure your Raspberry Pi as a highly flexible home automation gateway for protocols of your choice, and link various services with MQTT to make it your own system. This DIY (do it yourself) approach is a bit more laborious than just installing an off-the-shelf home automation system, but in the process, you can learn a lot, and in the end, you know exactly what’s running your house and how to tweak it. This is why you were interested in the Raspberry Pi in the first place, right?
Turn your Raspberry Pi into a reliable gateway for various home automation protocols.
Make your home automation setup reproducible with Docker Compose.
Secure all your network communication with TLS.
Create a video surveillance system for your home.
Automate your home with Python, Node-RED, Home Assistant and AppDaemon.
Securely access your home automation dashboard from remote locations.
Use fully offline voice commands in your own language.
Downloads
Errata on GitHub
An Introduction to Circuit Simulation
LTspice, developed by Analog Devices, is a powerful, fast, and free SPICE simulator, schematic capture, and waveform viewer with a large database of components supported by SPICE models from all over the world. Drawing a schematic in LTspice is easy and fast. Thanks to its powerful graphing features, you can visualize the voltages and currents in a circuit, and also the power consumption of its components and much more.
This book is about learning to design and simulate electronic circuits using LTspice. Among others, the following topics are treated:
DC and AC circuits
Signal diodes and Zener diodes
Transistor circuits including oscillators
Thyristor/SCR, diac, and triac circuits
Operational amplifier circuits including oscillators
The 555 timer IC
Filters
Voltage regulators
Optocouplers
Waveform generation
Digital logic simulation including the 74HC family
SPICE modeling LTspice is a powerful electronic circuit simulation tool with many features and possibilities. Covering them all in detail is not possible in a book of this size. Therefore, this book presents the most common topics like DC and AC circuit analysis, parameter sweeping, transfer functions, oscillators, graphing, etc. Although this book is an introduction to LTspice, it covers most topics of interest to people engaged in electronic circuit simulation.
The book is aimed at electronic/electrical engineers, students, teachers, and hobbyists. Many tested simulation examples are given in the book. Readers do not need to have any computer programming skills, but it will help if they are familiar with basic electronic circuit design and operation principles. Readers who want to dive deeper can find many detailed tutorials, articles, videos, design files, and SPICE circuit models on the Internet.
All the simulation examples used in the book are available as files at the webpage of this book. Readers can use these example circuits for learning or modify them for their own applications.
An illustrated chronicle of Teknology for collectors and restorers
Oscilloscopes have made a major contribution to the advancement of human knowledge, not only in electronics, but in all sciences, whenever a physical quantity can be converted into a timerelated electrical signal.
This book traces the history of a crucial instrument through many Tektronix products. This is the company that invented and patented most of the functions found in all oscilloscopes today. Tek is and will always be synonymous with the oscilloscope.
In nearly 600 pages, with hundreds of gorgeous photos, diagrams, anecdotes, and technical data, you'll travel through the history of Tektronix in a superb collector's edition with a technical point of view. The author is not afraid to get his hands dirty restoring his own Tek equipment. The journey starts in the early 1950s. It ends in the '90s, after exploring the ins and outs of the most interesting models in the 300, 400, 500, 5000, 7000, and 11000 series, from tubes to advanced hybrid technologies.
Downloads
NEW: Free Supplement (136 pages, 401 MB)
A Reference and User Guide for the Arduino Uno Hardware and Firmware
A manual providing up-to-date hardware information for the popular Arduino Uno, the easy to use open-source electronics platform used by hobbyists, makers, hackers, experimenters, educators and professionals.
Get all the information you need on the hardware and firmware found on Arduino Uno boards in this handy reference and user guide.
Ideal for the workbench or desktop
Contains all of the Arduino Uno hardware information in one place
Covers Arduino / Genuino Uno revision 3 and earlier boards
Easily find hardware technical specifications with explanations
Pin reference chapter with interfacing examples
Diagrams and illustrations for easy reference to alternate pin functions and hardware connections
Learn to back up and restore the firmware on the board or load new firmware
Basic fault finding and repair procedures for Arduino Uno boards
Power supply circuits simplified and explained
Mechanical dimensions split into five easy to reference diagrams
Contains circuit diagrams, parts list and board layout reference to locate components easily
This is the second edition of a book aimed at engineers, scientists and hobbyists who want to interface PCs with hardware projects using graphical user interfaces. Desktop and web based applications are covered. The programming language used is Python 3 which is one of the most popular languages around: speed of programming being a key feature.
The book has been revised and updated with emphasis on getting the user to produce practical designs with ease – a text editor is all that is required to produce Python programs.
Hardware interfacing is achieved using an Arduino Uno as a remote slave. A full description and source code of the communication interface is given in the book. The slave provides digital and analogue input and outputs. Multiple Unos can be included in one project with all control code written in Python and running on a PC
One project involves a PIC microcontroller with code provided that can be loaded into the PIC using the Uno. The web applications and server are all implemented in Python allowing you to access your electronic hardware over the Internet. The Raspberry Pi computer can be used as your web server.
An introductory chapter is provided to get you started with using Linux. The book is written for use with Debian or variations including Mint or Ubuntu. All of the programs in the book are freely available, ready to use and experiment with by way of a download from Elektor.
Projects with Thonny-IDE, uPyCraft-IDE, and ESP32The 'Python' programming language has enjoyed an enormous upswing in recent years. Not least, various single-board systems such as the Raspberry Pi have contributed to its popularity. But Python has also found widespread use in other fields, such as artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML). It is obvious, therefore, to use Python or the 'MicroPython' variant for use in SoCs (Systems on Chip) as well.Powerful controllers such as the ESP32 from Espressif Systems offer excellent performance as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality at an affordable price. With these features, the Maker scene has been taken by storm. Compared to other controllers, the ESP32 has a significantly larger flash and SRAM memory, as well as a much higher CPU speed. Due to these characteristics, the chip is not only suitable for classic C applications, but also for programming with MicroPython.This book introduces the application of modern one-chip systems. In addition to the technical background, the focus is on MicroPython itself. After the introduction to the language, the programming skills learned are immediately put into practice. The individual projects are suitable for use in the laboratory as well as for everyday applications. So, in addition to the actual learning effect, the focus is also on the joy of building complete and useful devices. By using laboratory breadboards, circuits of all kinds can be realized with little effort, turning the testing and debugging of the 100% homebrew projects into an instructive pleasure.The various applications, such as weather stations, digital voltmeters, ultrasound range finders, RFID card readers or function generators, make the projects presented ideally suited for practical courses or subject and study work in the natural sciences, or in science and technology classes.
AVR Architecture and Programming An in-depth look at the 8-bit AVR architecture found in ATtiny and ATmega microcontrollers, mainly from a software and programming point of view. Explore the AVR architecture using C and assembly language in Microchip Studio (formerly Atmel Studio) with ATtiny microcontrollers. Learn the details of how AVR microcontrollers work internally, including the internal registers and memory map of ATtiny devices. Program ATtiny microcontrollers using an Atmel-ICE programmer/debugger, or use a cheap hobby programmer, or even an Arduino Uno as a programmer. Most code examples can be run using the Microchip Studio AVR simulator. Learn to write programs for ATtiny microcontrollers in assembly language. See how assembly language is converted to machine code instructions by the assembler program. Find out how programs written in the C programming language end up as assembly language and finally as machine code instructions. Use the Microchip Studio debugger in combination with a hardware USB programmer/debugger to test assembly and C language programs, or use the Microchip Studio AVR simulator. DIP packaged ATtiny microcontrollers are used in this volume for easy use on electronic breadboards, targeting mainly the ATtiny13(A) and ATtiny25/45/85. Learn about instruction timing and clocks in AVR microcontrollers using ATtiny devices. Be on your way to becoming an AVR expert with advanced debugging and programming skills.
From basics to flows for sensors, automation, motors, MQTT, and cloud services
This book is a learning guide and a reference. Use it to learn Node-RED, Raspberry Pi Pico W, and MicroPython, and add these state-of-the-art tools to your technology toolkit. It will introduce you to virtual machines, Docker, and MySQL in support of IoT projects based on Node-RED and the Raspberry Pi Pico W.
This book combines several elements into a platform that powers the development of modern Internet of Things applications. These elements are a flow-based server, a WiFi-enabled microcontroller, a high-level programming language, and a deployment technology. Combining these elements gives you the tools you need to create automation systems at any scale. From home automation to industrial automation, this book will help you get started.
Node-RED is an open-source flow-based development tool that makes it easy to wire together devices, APIs, and online services. Drag and drop nodes to create a flowchart that turns on your lights at sunset or sends you an email when a sensor detects movement. Raspberry Pi Pico W is a version of the Raspberry Pi Pico with added 802.11n Wi-Fi capability. It is an ideal device for physical computing tasks and an excellent match to the Node-RED.
Quick book facts
Project-based learning approach.
Assumes no prior knowledge of flow-based programming tools.
Learn to use essential infrastructure tools in your projects, such as virtual machines, Docker, MySQL and useful web APIs such as Google Sheets and OpenWeatherMap.
Dozens of mini-projects supported by photographs, wiring schematics, and source code. Get these from the book GitHub repository.
Step-by-step instructions on everything.
All experiments are based on the Raspberry Pi Pico W. A Wi-Fi network is required for all projects.
Hardware (including the Raspberry Pi Pico W) is available as a kit.
Downloads
GitHub
Affordable solutions with the ESP8266 and 3D printing
If you are looking for a small yet powerful IoT device, you are likely to come across the ESP8266 and compatible products on the market today. One of these, the Wemos/Lolin D1 Mini Pro board strikes a remarkable balance between cost and performance. A small and very affordable prototype board, the D1 Mini Pro stands out with its WiFi functionality and a 16-Mbytes flash memory for easy creation of a flash file system. In addition, there are sufficient input and output pins (only one analog input though) to support PWM, I²C, and One-Wire systems to mention but a few. The book describes the operation, modding, construction, and programming of home appliances including a colorful smart home accessory, a refrigerator/greenhouse controller, an AC powerline monitor, a door lock monitor, and an IKEA Trådfri controller.
As a benefit, all firmware developed for these DIY, 'IoT-ized' devices can be updated over-the-air (OTA).
For most of the designs in the book, a small printed circuit board (PCB) and an enclosure are presented so readers can have a finished and attractive-looking product. Readers having – or with access to! – a 3D printer can 'print' the suggested enclosures at home or in a shop.
Some of the constructions benefit from a Raspberry Pi configured as a gateway or cms server. This is also described in detail with all the necessary configuring.
You don’t need to be an expert but the prerequisites to successful replication of the projects include basic skills with PC software including the ability to surf the Internet. In terms of hardware, you should be comfortable with soldering and generally assembling the PCBs presented in the book.
All custom software written for the IoT devices, the PCB layouts, and 3D print files described in the book are available for free downloading.
Practical Multitasking Fundamentals
Programming embedded systems is difficult because of resource constraints and limited debugging facilities. Why develop your own Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) as well as your application when the proven FreeRTOS software is freely available? Why not start with a validated foundation?
Every software developer knows that you must divide a difficult problem into smaller ones to conquer it. Using separate preemptive tasks and FreeRTOS communication mechanisms, a clean separation of functions is achieved within the entire application. This results in safe and maintainable designs.
Practicing engineers and students alike can use this book and the ESP32 Arduino environment to wade into FreeRTOS concepts at a comfortable pace. The well-organized text enables you to master each concept before starting the next chapter. Practical breadboard experiments and schematics are included to bring the lessons home. Experience is the best teacher.
Each chapter includes exercises to test your knowledge. The coverage of the FreeRTOS Application Programming Interface (API) is complete for the ESP32 Arduino environment. You can apply what you learn to other FreeRTOS environments, including Espressif’s ESP-IDF. The source code is available from GitHub. All of these resources put you in the driver’s seat when it is time to develop your next uber-cool ESP32 project.
What you will learn:
How preemptive scheduling works within FreeRTOS
The Arduino startup “loopTask”
Message queues
FreeRTOS timers and the IDLE task
The semaphore, mutex, and their differences
The mailbox and its application
Real-time task priorities and its effect
Interrupt interaction and use with FreeRTOS
Queue sets
Notifying tasks with events
Event groups
Critical sections
Task local storage
The gatekeeper task
59 Experiments with Arduino IDE and Python
The main aim of this book is to teach the Arduino IDE and MicroPython programming languages in ESP32 based projects, using the highly popular ESP32 DevKitC development board. Many simple, basic, and intermediate level projects are provided in the book using the Arduino IDE with ESP32 DevKitC. All projects have been tested and work. Block diagrams, circuit diagrams, and complete program listings of all projects are given with explanations. In addition, several projects are provided for programming the ESP32 DevKitC using MicroPython. The projects provided in this book are designed to teach the following features of the ESP32 processor:
GPIOs
Touch sensors
External interrupts
Timer interrupts
I²C and I²S
SPI
PWM
ADC
DAC
UART
Hall sensor
Temperature sensor
Infrared controller
Reading and writing to SD card
Reading and writing to flash memory
RTC timer
Chip ID
Security and encryption
Wi-Fi and network programming
Bluetooth BLE programming
Communication mobile devices
Low power design
ESP-IDF programming
The projects have been organized with increasing levels of difficulty. Readers are encouraged to tackle the projects in the order given. A specially prepared hardware kit is available from Elektor. With the help of this hardware, it should be easy and fun to build the projects in this book.
Over 45 Builds for the Legendary 555 Chip (and the 556, 558)
The 555 timer IC, originally introduced by the Signetics Corporation around 1971, is sure to rank high among the most popular analog integrated circuits ever produced. Originally called the IC Time Machine, this chip has been used in many timer-related projects by countless people over decades.
This book is all about designing projects based on the 555 timer IC. Over 45 fully tested and documented projects are presented. All projects have been fully tested by the author by constructing them individually on a breadboard. You are not expected to have any programming experiences for constructing or using the projects given in the book. However, it’s definitely useful to have some knowledge of basic electronics and the use of a breadboard for constructing and testing electronic circuits.
Some of the projects in the book are:
Alternately Flashing Two LEDs
Changing LED Flashing Rate
Touch Sensor On/Off Switch
Switch On/Off Delay
Light-Dependent Sound
Dark/Light Switch
Tone Burst Generator
Long Duration Timer
Chasing LEDs
LED Roulette Game
Traffic Lights
Continuity Tester
Electronic Lock
Switch Contact Debouncing
Toy Electronic Organ
Multiple Sensor Alarm System
Metronome
Voltage Multipliers
Electronic Dice
7-Segment Display Counter
Motor Control
7-Segment Display Dice
Electronic Siren
Various Other Projects
The projects given in the book can be modified or expanded by you for your very own applications. Electronic engineering students, people engaged in designing small electronic circuits, and electronic hobbyists should find the projects in the book instructive, fun, interesting, and useful.
An Ultra-Rapid Programming Course
This book serves as the very first step to for novices to learn Python programming. The book is divided into ten chapters. In the first chapter, readers are introduced to the basics of Python. It has the detailed instructions for installation on various platforms such as macOS, Windows, FreeBSD, and Linux. It also covers the other aspects of Python programming such as IDEs and Package Manager. The second chapter is where the readers get an opportunity to have a detailed hands-on with Python programming. It covers a group of built-in data structures popularly known as Python Collections. The third chapter covers the important concepts of strings, functions, and recursion.
The fourth chapter focuses on the Object-Oriented Programming with Python. The fifth chapter discusses most commonly used custom data structures such as stack and queue. The sixth chapter spurs the creativity of the readers with Python’s Turtle graphics library. The seventh chapter explores animations and game development using the Pygame library. The eighth chapter covers handling data stored in a variety of file formats. The ninth chapter covers the area of Image processing with Wand library in Python. The tenth and the final chapter presents an array of assorted handy topics in Python.
The entire book follows a step-by-step approach. The explanation of the topic is always followed by a detailed code example. The code examples are also explained in suitable detail and they are followed by the output in the form of text or screenshot wherever possible. Readers will become comfortable with Python programming language by closely following the concepts and the code examples in this book. The book also has references to external resources for readers to explore further.
A download of the software code, and links to tutorial videos can be found on the Elektor website.
