The Elektor MultiCalculator Kit is an Arduino-based multifunction calculator that goes beyond basic calculations. It offers 22 functions including light and temperature measurement, differential temperature analysis, and NEC IR remote control decoding. The Elektor MultiCalculator is a handy tool for use in your projects or for educational purposes.
The kit features a Pro Mini module as the computing unit. The PCB is easy to assemble using through-hole components. The enclosure consists of 11 acrylic panels and mounting materials for easy assembly. Additionally, the device is equipped with a 16x2 alphanumeric LCD, 20 buttons, and temperature sensors.
The Elektor MultiCalculator is programmable with the Arduino IDE through a 6-way PCB header. The available software is bilingual (English and Dutch). The calculator can be programmed with a programming adapter, and it is powered through USB-C.
Modes of Operation
Calculator
4-Ring Resistor Code
5-Ring Resistor Code
Decimal to Hexadecimal and Character (ASCII) conversion
Hexadecimal to Decimal and Character (ASCII) conversion
Decimal to Binary and Character (ASCII) conversion
Binary to Decimal and Hexadecimal conversion
Hz, nF, capacitive reactance (XC) calculation
Hz, µH, inductive reactance (XL) calculation
Resistance calculation of two resistors connected in parallel
Resistance calculation of two resistors connected in series
Calculation of unknown parallel resistor
Temperature measurement
Differential temperature measurement T1&T2 and Delta (δ)
Light measurement
Stopwatch with lap time function
Item counter
NEC IR remote control decoding
AWG conversion (American Wire Gauge)
Rolling Dice
Personalize startup message
Temperature calibration
Specifications
Menu languages: English, Dutch
Dimensions: 92 x 138 x 40 mm
Build time: approx. 5 hours
Included
PCB and though-hole components
Precut acrylic sheets with all mechanical parts
Pro Mini microcontroller module (ATmega328/5 V/16 MHz)
Programming adapter
Waterproof temperature sensors
USB-C cable
Downloads
Software
Although the Arduino isn’t a novelty any longer, there are still many beginners who want to try programming and development with a microcontroller, and to them, it is all new. All beginnings can be difficult, though they should be light and enjoyable.
You do not need much or expensive equipment for the examples. The circuits are built on a small breadboard, and, if necessary, connected to an Arduino Uno, which you can program on a Windows PC. You will find clear examples of how to build all circuits, ensuring easy and error-free reproduction.
Projects Discussed
Current & Voltage – How it all began
Arduino Hardware
Arduino Programming
The Electrical Circuit
Measuring with the Multimeter
Circuit Diagrams and Breadboards
Creating Circuit Diagrams
Breadboard Views with Fritzing
Online Circuit Simulation
Indispensable: Resistors (Part 1)
Hands-on with Resistors (Part 2)
Variable Resistors
Diodes: One-way Street for Current
The Transistor Switch
Electromagnetism
Relays and Motors
op-amps: Operational Amplifiers
Capacitors
The NE555 Timer
PWM and Analogue Values with Arduino
7-Segment Temperature Display
Introduction to Soldering and LCDs
The Elektor Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board contains all the components (incl. Arduino Nano) required for the exercises in the "Microcontrollers Hands-on Course for Arduino Starters", 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
1x Elektor Arduino Nano Training Board MCCAB
1x Arduino Nano
Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here.
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With the Arduino and the DIY or Maker movement, not only did entry into microcontroller programming become child's play, but a second development also took place: Resourceful developers brought small boards – so-called shields or modules – to the market, which greatly simplified the use of additional hardware. The small modules contain all the important electronic parts to be connected to the microcontroller with a few plug-in cables, eliminating the need for a fiddly and time-consuming assembly on the plug-in board. In addition, it is also possible to handle tiny components that do not have any connecting legs (so-called SMDs).
Projects Discussed
Arduino seeks connection
BMP and introduction to libraries, I²C
Learn I/O basics with the multi-purpose shield
I²C LCD adapter and DOT matrix displays
LCD keypad shield
Level converter
W5100: Internet connection
I/O expansion shield
Relays and solid-state relays
The multi-function shield: A universal control unit
Connecting an SD card reader via SPI
Keys and 7-segment displays
16-bit ADC
MCP4725 DAC
16-way PWM servo driver
MP3 player
GPS data logger using an SD card
Touch sensor
Joystick
SHT31: Temperature and humidity
VEML6070 UV-A sensor
VL53L0X time-of-flight
Ultrasonic distance meter
MAX7219-based LED DOT matrix display
DS3231 RTC
Port expander MCP23017
433 MHz radio
MPU-650 gyroscope
ADXL345 accelerometer
WS2812 RGB LEDs
Power supply
MQ-xx gas sensors
CO2 gas sensor
ACS712 current sensor
INA219 current sensor
L298 motor driver
MFRC522 RFID
28BYJ-48 stepper motor
TMC2209 silent step stick
X9C10x digital potentiometer
ST7735 in a color TFT display
e-Paper display
Bluetooth
Geiger counter
SIM800L GSM module
I²C multiplexer
Controller Area Network
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This Electronic Component Storage Box with 128 compartments is an essential tool for anyone handling small electronic components, particularly SMDs. It provides a practical, well-organized solution for storing a wide array of miniature parts like resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors. Each component can be stored in its own dedicated space, ensuring that the specific part you need for any project is always easy to locate.
Whether you're a professional electronics engineer, a maker or a DIY enthusiast, this storage box offers the perfect blend of functionality and convenience. Its design helps eliminate clutter, optimize component management and keep your work environment tidy so you can focus on what really matters: building and troubleshooting electronic circuits.
Dimensions of each compartment (L x W x H): 22 x 15 x 16 mm
Dimensions of the box (L x W x H): 280 x 215 x 45 mm
Included
1x Component Storage Box (incl. 128 compartments with lids and foam)
3x Spare lids
2x Sheets of blank labels
2x Box labels
The Elektor Milliohmmeter Adapter uses the precision of a multimeter to measure very low resistance values. It is an adapter that converts a resistance into a voltage that can be measured with a standard multimeter.
The Elektor Milliohmmeter Adapter can measure resistances below 1 mΩ using a 4-wire (Kelvin) method. It is useful for locating short circuits on printed circuit boards (PCB).
The adapter features three measurement ranges – 1 mΩ, 10 mΩ, and 100 mΩ – selectable via a slide switch. It also includes onboard calibration resistors. The Elektor Milliohmmeter Adapter is powered by three 1.5 V AA batteries (not included).
Specifications
Measurement ranges
1 mΩ, 10 mΩ, 100 mΩ, 0.1%
Power supply
3x 1.5 V AA batteries (not included)
Dimensions
103 x 66 x 18 mm (compatible with Hammond 1593N-type enclosure, not included)
Special feature
On-board calibration resistors
Downloads
Documentation
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