Using the RFID Starter Kit
An Arduino board has now become ‘the’ basic component in the maker community. No longer is an introduction to the world of microcontrollers the preserve of the expert. When it comes to expanding the capabilities of the basic Arduino board however, the developer is still largely on his own. If you really want to build some innovative projects it’s often necessary to get down to component level. This can present many beginners with major problems. That is exactly where this book begins.
This book explains how a wide variety of practical projects can be built using items supplied in a single kit together with the Arduino board. This kit, called the 'RFID Starter Kit for Arduino' (SKU 17240) is not just limited to RFID applications but contains more than 30 components, devices and modules covering all areas of modern electronics.
In addition to more simple components such as LEDs and resistors there are also complex and sophisticated modules that employ the latest technology such as:
A humidity sensor
A multicolor LED
A large LED matrix with 64 points of light
A 4-character 7-segment LED display
An infra red remote-controller unit
A complete LC-display module
A servo
A stepper motor and controller module
A complete RFID reader module and security tag
On top of that you will get to build precise digital thermometers, hygrometers, exposure meters and various alarm systems. There are also practical devices and applications such as a fully automatic rain sensor, a sound-controlled remote control system, a multifunctional weather station and so much more.
All of the projects described can be built using the components supplied in the Elektor kit.
This book is about DC electric motors and their use in Arduino and Raspberry Pi Zero W based projects. The book includes many tested and working projects where each project has the following sub-headings:
Title of the project
Description of the project
Block diagram
Circuit diagram
Project assembly
Complete program listing of the project
Full description of the program
The projects in the book cover the standard DC motors, stepper motors, servo motors, and mobile robots. The book is aimed at students, hobbyists, and anyone else interested in developing microcontroller based projects using the Arduino Uno or the Raspberry Pi Zero W.
One of the nice features of this book is that it gives complete projects for remote control of a mobile robot from a mobile phone, using the Arduino Uno as well as the Raspberry Pi Zero W development boards. These projects are developed using Wi-Fi as well as the Bluetooth connectivity with the mobile phone. Readers should be able to move a robot forward, reverse, turn left, or turn right by sending simple commands from a mobile phone. Full program listings of all the projects as well as the detailed program descriptions are given in the book. Users should be able to use the projects as they are presented, or modify them to suit to their own needs.
This book covers a series of exciting and fun projects for the Arduino, such as a silent alarm, people sensor, light sensor, motor control, internet and wireless control (using a radio link). Contrary to many free projects on the internet all projects in this book have been extensively tested and are guaranteed to work!
You can use it as a projects book and build more than 45 projects for your own use. The clear explanations, schematics, and pictures of each project make this a fun activity. The pictures are taken of a working project, so you know for sure that they are correct.
You can combine the projects in this book to make your own projects. To facilitate this, clear explanations are provided on how the project works and why it has been designed the way it has That way you will learn a lot about the project and the parts used, knowledge that you can use in your own projects.
Apart from that, the book can be used as a reference guide. Using the index, you can easily locate projects that serve as examples for the C++ commands and Arduino functionality. Even after you’ve built all the projects in this book, it will still be a valuable reference guide to keep next to your PC.
Two reasons can be identified for the immense success of the Arduino platform. First, the cheap, ready to go processor board greatly simplifies the introduction to hardware. The second success factor is the free and open-source programming suite that does not require an installation procedure.
Simple entry-level examples ensure rapid successes. Complex selection procedures for parameters like the microprocessor version or interface settings are not required. The first sample programs can be uploaded to the Arduino board, and tested, in a matter of minutes.
The Arduino user is supported by an array of software libraries. However, the daily increasing volume of libraries poses initial problems to the newcomer, and the way ahead may be uncertain after a few entry-level examples. In many cases, detailed descriptions are missing, and poorly described projects tend to confuse rather than elucidate. Clear guidance and a single motto are missing, usually owing to the projects having been created by several different persons—all with different aims in mind.
This book represents a different approach. All projects are presented in a systematical manner, guiding into various theme areas. In the coverage of must-know theory great attention is given to practical directions users can absorb, including essential programming techniques like A/D conversion, timers and interrupts—all contained in the hands-on projects. In this way readers of the book create running lights, a wakeup light, fully functional voltmeters, precision digital thermometers, clocks of many varieties, reaction speed meters, or mouse controlled robotic arms. While actively working on these projects the reader gets to truly comprehend and master the basics of the underlying controller technology.
Projects with Arduino, ESPHome, Home Assistant, and Raspberry Pi & Co.
This e-book contains various example projects, beginning with an introduction to electronics. It also explains how to install Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi, how to use indoor climate sensors for temperature and humidity, how to implement the MQTT protocol and other interfaces, and how to use ESPHome to integrate sensors and actuators into Home Assistant. Numerous video tutorials complement the book.
Fundamentals of electrical engineering
The book begins with an introduction to electrical engineering. You will learn the basics of voltage, current, resistors, diodes and transistors.
Arduino and microcontrollers
A complete section is dedicated to the Arduino Uno. You will get to know the structure, write your first programs and work on practical examples.
Home Assistant and automation
You will learn how to set up Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi and how to use automations, scenes and devices. In addition, Zigbee, MQTT and ESP-NOW – important technologies for home automation – will be discussed.
ESP8266, ESP32 and ESP32-CAM
The popular ESP microcontrollers are covered in detail. A theoretical introduction is followed by practical projects that show you how to get the most out of these devices.
Sensors and actuators
The book explains the functionality and application of numerous sensors such as temperature and humidity sensors, motion detectors and RFID readers. For actuators, stepper motors, e-ink displays, servo motors and much more are covered. There are practical application examples for all devices.
ESPHome
This chapter shows you how to integrate sensors and actuators into Home Assistant without any programming effort. You will be guided step by step through the setup with ESPHome.
LEDs and lighting technology
In this chapter, you will learn about different types of LEDs and how they can be used. The basics of lighting technology are also explained.
Node-RED
A whole chapter is dedicated to Node-RED. You will learn the basics of this powerful tool and be guided step by step through its setup and use.
Integrated Circuits (ICs)
In electronics, there are numerous ICs that make our lives easier. You will get to know the most important ones and apply your knowledge in practical projects.
Professional programming
Advanced topics such as the correct use of buttons, the use of interrupts and the use of an NTP server for time synchronisation are covered in detail in this chapter.
Downloads
GitHub
The Arduino Nano is a small, complete, and breadboard-friendly board based on the ATmega328 (Arduino Nano 3.x). It has more or less the same functionality of the Arduino Duemilanove but in a different package. It lacks only a DC power jack and works with a Mini-B USB cable instead of a standard one.
Specifications
Microcontroller
ATmega328
Operating Voltage (logic level)
5 V
Input Voltage (recommended)
7-12 V
Input Voltage (limits)
6-20 V
Digital I/O Pins
14 (of which 6 provide PWM output)
Analog Input Pins
8
DC Current per I/O Pin
40 mA
Flash Memory
16 KB (ATmega168) or 32 KB (ATmega328) of which 2 KB used by bootloader
SRAM
1 KB (ATmega168) or 2 KB (ATmega328)
EEPROM
512 bytes (ATmega168) or 1 KB (ATmega328)
Clock Speed
16 MHz
Dimensions
0.73 x 1.70' (18 x 45 mm)
Power
The Arduino Nano can be powered via the Mini-B USB connection, 6-20 V unregulated external power supply (pin 30), or 5 V regulated external power supply (pin 27). The power source is automatically selected to the highest voltage source.
Memory
The ATmega168 has 16 KB of flash memory for storing code (of which 2 KB is used for the bootloader), 1 KB of SRAM and 512 bytes of EEPROM
The ATmega328 has 32 KB of flash memory for storing code, (also with 2 KB used for the bootloader), 2 KB of SRAM and 1 KB of EEPROM.
Input and Output
Each of the 14 digital pins on the Nano can be used as an input or output, using pinMode(), digitalWrite(), and digitalRead() functions. They operate at 5 V.
Each pin can provide or receive a maximum of 40 mA and has an internal pull-up resistor (disconnected by default) of 20-50 kOhms.
Communication
The Arduino Nano has a number of facilities for communicating with a computer, another Arduino, or other microcontrollers.
The ATmega168 and ATmega328 provide UART TTL (5V) serial communication, which is available on digital pins 0 (RX) and 1 (TX). An FTDI FT232RL on the board channels this serial communication over USB and the FTDI drivers (included with the Arduino software) provide a virtual com port to software on the computer.
The Arduino software includes a serial monitor which allows simple textual data to be sent to and from the Arduino board. The RX and TX LEDs on the board will flash when data is being transmitted via the FTDI chip and USB connection to the computer (but not for serial communication on pins 0 and 1).
A SoftwareSerial library allows for serial communication on any of the Nano's digital pins.
Programming
The Arduino Nano can be programmed with the Arduino software (download).
The ATmega168 or ATmega328 on the Arduino Nano comes with a bootloader that allows you to upload new code to it without the use of an external hardware programmer. It communicates using the original STK500 protocol (reference, C header files).
You can also bypass the bootloader and program the microcontroller through the ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) header using Arduino ISP or similar; see these instructions for details.
Automatic (Software) Reset
Rather than requiring a physical press of the reset button before an upload, the Arduino Nano is designed in a way that allows it to be reset by software running on a connected computer.
One of the hardware flow control lines (DTR) of theFT232RL is connected to the reset line of the ATmega168 or ATmega328 via a 100 nF capacitor. When this line is asserted (taken low), the reset line drops long enough to reset the chip.
The Arduino software uses this capability to allow you to upload code by simply pressing the upload button in the Arduino environment. This means that the bootloader can have a shorter timeout, as the lowering of DTR can be well-coordinated with the start of the upload.
This book covers a series of exciting and fun projects for the Arduino, such as a silent alarm, people sensor, light sensor, motor control, internet and wireless control (using a radio link). Contrary to many free projects on the internet all projects in this book have been extensively tested and are guaranteed to work!
You can use it as a projects book and build more than 45 projects for your own use. The clear explanations, schematics, and pictures of each project make this a fun activity. The pictures are taken of a working project, so you know for sure that they are correct.
You can combine the projects in this book to make your own projects. To facilitate this, clear explanations are provided on how the project works and why it has been designed the way it has That way you will learn a lot about the project and the parts used, knowledge that you can use in your own projects.
Apart from that, the book can be used as a reference guide. Using the index, you can easily locate projects that serve as examples for the C++ commands and Arduino functionality. Even after you’ve built all the projects in this book, it will still be a valuable reference guide to keep next to your PC.
This book details the use of the ARM Cortex-M family of processors and the Arduino Uno in practical CAN bus based projects. Inside, it gives a detailed introduction to the architecture of the Cortex-M family whilst providing examples of popular hardware and software development kits. Using these kits helps to simplify the embedded design cycle considerably and makes it easier to develop, debug, and test a CAN bus based project. The architecture of the highly popular ARM Cortex-M processor STM32F407VGT6 is described at a high level by considering its various modules. In addition, the use of the mikroC Pro for ARM and Arduino Uno CAN bus library of functions are described in detail.
This book is written for students, for practising engineers, for hobbyists, and for everyone else who may need 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 programming language will be useful in later chapters of the book, and familiarity with at least one microcontroller will be an advantage, especially if the reader intends to develop microcontroller based projects using CAN bus.
The book should be useful source of reference to anyone interested in finding an answer to one or more of the following questions:
What bus systems are available for the automotive industry?
What are the principles of the 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 reliable is a CAN bus system?
What types of CAN bus controllers are there?
What are the advantages of the ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers?
How can one create a CAN bus project using an ARM microcontroller?
How can one create a CAN bus project using an Arduino microcontroller?
How can one monitor data on the CAN bus?
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
This USB Stick contains more than 300 Arduino-related articles published in Elektor Magazine. The content includes both background articles and projects on the following topics:
Software & hardware development: Tutorials on Arduino software development using Arduino IDE, Atmel Studio, Shields, and essential programming concepts.
Learning: The Microcontroller Bootcamp offers a structured approach to programming embedded systems.
Data acquisition & measurement: Projects such as a 16-bit data logger, lathe tachometer, and an AC grid analyzer for capturing and analyzing real-time signals.
Wireless communication: Learn how to implement wireless networks, create an Android interface, and communicate effectively with microcontrollers.
Robotics and automation: This covers the Arduino Nano Robot Controller, supporting boards for automation, and explores various Arduino shields to enhance functionality.
Self-build projects: Unique projects such as laser projection, Numitron clock and thermometer, ELF receiver, Theremino, and touch LED interfaces highlight creative applications.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, this collection is a valuable resource for learning, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of Arduino technology.
The MKR IoT Carrier comes equipped with 5 RGB LEDs, 5 capacitive touch buttons, a colored display, IMU and a variety of quality sensors. It also features a battery holder for a 18650 Li-Ion battery, SD card holder and Grove connectors.
Data Capture: Map the environment around the carrier using the integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors and collect data about movement using the 6 axis IMU and light, gesture, and proximity sensors. Easily add more external sensors to capture more data from more sources via the on-board Grove connectors (x3).
Data Storage: Capture and store all the data locally on an SD card, or connect to the Arduino IoT Cloud for real-time data capture, storage, and visualization.
Data Visualisation: Locally view real-time sensor readings on the built-in OLED Color Display and create visual or sound prompts using the embedded LEDs and buzzer.
Total Control: Directly control small-voltage electronic appliances using the onboard relays and the five tactile buttons, with the integrated display providing a handy on-device interface for immediate control.
Learn the basics of electronics by assembling manually your Arduino Uno, become familiar with soldering by mounting every single component, and then unleash your creativity with the only kit that becomes a synth!
The Arduino Make-Your-Uno kit is really the best way to learn how to solder. And when you are done, the packaging allows you to build a synth and make your music.
A kit with all the components to build your very own Arduino Uno and audio synthesizer shield.
The Make-Your-Uno kit comes with a complete set of instructions in a dedicated content platform. This includes video material, a 3D interactive viewer for following detailed instructions, and how to program your board once it is finished.
This kit contains:
Arduino Make-Your-Uno
1x Make-Your-Uno PCB
1x USB C Serial adapter Board
7x Resistors 1k Ohm
2x Resistors 10k Ohm
2x Resistors 1M Ohm
1x Diode (1N4007)
1x 16 MHz Crystal
4x Yellow LEDs
1x Green LED
1x Push-Button
1x MOSFET
1x LDO (3.3 V)
1x LDO (5 V)
3x Ceramic capacitors (22pF)
3x Electrolytic capacitors (47uF)
7x Polyester capacitors (100nF)
1x Socket for ATMega 328p
2x I/O Connectors
1x Connector header 6 pins
1x Barrel jack connector
1x ATmega 328p Microcontroller
Arduino Audio Synth
1x Audio Synth PCB
1x Resistor 100k Ohm
1x Resistor 10 Ohm
1x Audio amplifier (LM386)
1x Ceramic capacitors (47nF)
1x Electrolytic capacitors (47uF)
1x Electrolytic capacitors (220uF)
1x Polyester capacitor (100nF)
4x connectors pin header
6x potentiometer 10k Ohm with plastic knobs
Spare parts
2x Electrolytic capacitors (47uF)
2x Polyester capacitor (100nF)
2x Ceramic capacitors (22pF)
1x Push-Button
1x Yellow LEDs
1x Green LED
Mechanical parts
5x Spacers 12 mm
11x Spacers 6 mm
5x screw nuts
2x screws 12 mm