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Accelerating IoT Innovation
A Color E-Ink Wi-Fi Picture Frame
ESP-Launchpad TutorialFrom Zero to Flashing in Minutes
ESP32 and ChatGPTOn the Way to a Self-Programming System…
Walkie-Talkie with ESP-NOWNot Quite Wi-Fi, Not Quite Bluetooth!
From Idea to Circuit with the ESP32-S3A Guide to Prototyping with Espressif Chips
AIoT Chip InnovationAn Interview With Espressif CEO Teo Swee-Ann
Simulate ESP32 with WokwiYour Project’s Virtual Twin
Trying Out the ESP32-S3-BOX-3A Comprehensive AIoT Development Platform
Electronics Workspace EssentialsInsights and Tips From Espressif Engineers
The ESP RainMaker StoryHow We Built “Your” IoT Cloud
Assembling the Elektor Cloc 2.0 KitAn Elektor Product Unboxed by Espressif
Unleashing the ESP32-P4The Next Era of Microcontrollers
Rust + EmbeddedA Development Power Duo
Who Are the Rust-Dacious Embedded Developers?How Espressif is Cultivating Embedded Rust for the ESP32
Espressif’s Series of SoCs
Building a PLC with Espressif SolutionsWith the Capabilities and Functionality of the ISOBUS Protocol
The ESP32-S3 VGA BoardBitluni’s Exciting Journey Into Product Design
Acoustic Fingerprinting on ESP32Song Recognition With Open-Source Project Olaf
Circular Christmas Tree 2023A High-Tech Way to Celebrate the Holiday Season
A Simpler and More Convenient LifeAn Amateur Project Based on the Espressif ESP8266 Module
How to Build IoT Apps without Software ExpertiseWith Blynk IoT Platform and Espressif Hardware
Building a Smart User Interface on ESP32
Quick & Easy IoT Development with M5Stack
Prototyping an ESP32-Based Energy Meter
A Value-Added Distributor for IoT and More
In-Depth Insights: Interview With Arduino on the Nano ESP32Alessandro Ranellucci and Martino Facchin Discuss Espressif Collaboration
Your AIoT Solution ProviderInsights From Espressif
Streamlining MCU Development With ESP-IDF Privilege Separation
An Open-Source Speech Recognition Server……and the ESP BOX
The Thinking EyeFacial Recognition and More Using the ESP32-S3-EYE
ESP32-C2-Based Coin Cell SwitchDesign and Performance Evaluation
The Smart Home Leaps Forward with MatterUnlocking Smart Home IoT Potential
Tech the Future: Where Is Smart Home IoT Headed?
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Arduino Portenta Machine Control and Arduino Portenta H7A CAN-to-MQTT Gateway Demo Project
Unboxing the Elektor LCR Meter with David Cuartielles
MicroPython Enters the World of Arduino
Connected Projects, SimplifiedDive Into the Arduino Cloud
Introduction to TinyMLBig Is Not Always Better
Arduino K-Way
Writing Arduino Sketches Just Got Better
Get to Know Arduino
Getting Started with the Portenta X8Manage Software Securely with Containers
Build, Deploy, and Maintain Scalable, Secure ApplicationsWith Arduino Portenta X8 Featuring NXP’s i.MX 8M Mini Applications Processor and EdgeLock SE050 Secure Element
How I Automated My HomeArduino CEO Fabio Violante Shares Solutions
Altair 8800 SimulatorHardware Simulation of a Vintage Computer
MS-DOS on the Portenta H7Run Old-School Software on Contemporary Hardware
Grow It YourselfA Digitally Controlled, Single-Box Solution for Indoor Farming
Save the Planet With Home Automation?MQTT on the Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect
Go Professional with Arduino Pro
Smart Ovens Take a Leap Into the Future
Tagvance Builds Safer Construction Sites with Arduino
Santagostino Breathes Easywith Remote Monitoring that Leverages AI for Predictive Maintenance
Security Flies High with RIoT Secure’s MKR-Based Solution
Open-Source Brings a New Generation of Water Management to the World
SensoDetect Deforestation with Sound Analysis
The Mozzi Arduino Library for Sound SynthesisInsights from Tim Barrass
The New Portenta X8 (with Linux!) and Max Carrier Redefine What’s Possible
How Using Arduino Helps Students Build Future Skills
Must-Haves for Your Electronics Workspace
The Importance of Robotics in Education
Dependable IoT Based Upon LoRa
Unboxing the Portenta Machine Control
8-Bit Gaming with Arduboy
Reducing Water Usage at Horseback Riding TracksAn IoT to Constantly Monitor Soil Humidity and Temperature Levels
The Panettone ProjectA sourdough starter management and maintenance system
Supporting Arduino Resellers
Space Invaders with Arduino
Art with ArduinoInspiring Insights from Artists and Designers
Arduino Product Catalogue
The Future of Arduino
Elektor GREEN en GOLD leden kunnen deze uitgave hier downloaden.Nog geen lid? Klik hier om een lidmaatschap af te sluiten.
Mini-zonnevoedingzon in, 3,3 V uit
Solid-state stereo-audioschakelaarklikvrij en zonder bewegende onderdelen
Grote RGB-digitmet through-hole WS2812 LED’s
Microfoon-voorversterker met 48V-fantoomvoedingvoor podcasting en pro-audio
Blokgolfgeneratoren met regelbare duty cycle en frequentiesimpele schakelingen met CMOS- en TTL-IC’s
Eenvoudige dynamiekcompressorsofte aansturing, warm geluid
Simpel elektronisch slot
Actieve gelijkrichtervoor 2...40 V bij maximaal 3 A met tegenstroomonderdrukking
Actieve boxen in- en uitschakelen
Ongebalanceerd/gebalanceerd-convertermet RF-filter en DC-bescherming
2023: een AI-odysseewaar komt het vandaan en waar gaat het naar toe?
Snelheidsregelaar voor ventilatormet handmatige en thermostaatmodus
Laatste nieuwtjes van Arduino Project Hubnieuwe projecten uit de community
Overbelastingsmonitorbewaakt netsnoeren
Transistorloos knipperlicht in het donkeroscillator met alleen tweedraads onderdelen
Morsecode-generatorvoor gebruik als baken of leermiddel!
Programmeerbare video-DACvoor elk formaat tot RGB888
Kleintje klavierzonder bewegende onderdelen
Dubbel-dobbel zonder microprocessordubbele dobbelsteen op een enkele print – plus enkele ontwerptrucs
Elektronische vogelverschrikker
Amusante, inspirerende en verbazingwekkende schakelingen
LC/LP/HA-thermometernauwkeurige metingen en een binair display
THD-generatorvervorming, maar dan opzettelijk
Overtemperatuur-indicator met thyristorelektronische onderdelen ongebruikelijk gebruikt
Een PTC-flipflop
Sociale vogeleen tsjilpende Elektor Klassieker
Neonlamp plus microcontroller
Temperatuurgestabiliseerde IC-stroombronneutraliseer de temperatuurdrift van deze driebeners
Regelbare tweede-orde hogetonen-boostergehoorsteuntje voor ouderen
Edwin komt naar huisherinneringen na 53 jaar
Eénarmige bandieteen eenvoudige, leuke, nostalgische en leerzame Elektor-klassieker!
Eenvoudige digitaal gestuurde variabele weerstand
Lekdetectorbeveiligt en alarmeert bij lekkages
Eco-timer met automatische uitschakelingverbruikt niets in uitgeschakelde toestand!
ChatGPT en Arduino
Zenermetermeet de Z-spanning van Z-diodes ≤ 100 V
Servotester
ESP32 Windows-controller met gratis software
Analoge en mixed-signal IC’s van Microchipzuinige signaalverwerking
Interfacenormenfilter en overspanningsbeveiliging voor de I²C-bus
Li-Ion accumonitorrestlading-indicator geeft visuele feedback
PS/2-muis als draai-encoder (en meer...)
Simpele schemerschakelaarvoor bestaande lampen of installaties
Controller voor waterpompbereid je voor op hoogwater
Kerstbal met FM-zonneradiomeer heb je voor de kerst niet nodig
Trillingssensor met relaistik of schud om in te schakelen
Doorgangstestergevoelig en niet storend
In- en uitschakelen met een drukknop
Regeling voor mini-boor (2023)een ontwerp uit 1980 herzien
Digitale trillingssensorzet trillingen om in nauwkeurig getimede pulsen
Ompoolbeveiliging met kleine spanningsval
Goedkope frequentiestandaard
Kleine DCF77-simulatornauwkeurige fake-tijdstandaard
De Lilygo T-PicoC3combineert RP2040 en ESP32-C3 met een full-color TFT-display
Hexadoku
Whatever the methods or even then financial means you have to make your circuits work, the power supply should rank high if not Number One in your considerations. The design block simply called “power supply” is hugely underrated both in electronics creation and repair. Yet, the “PSU” has enormous diversity and comes in wildly differing guises like AC/DC, generator, battery (rechargeable or not), PV panel, benchtop, linear or switch-mode, to mention but a few. The output ranges are also staggering like nano-amps to kiloamps and the same for voltages.This special covers the features and design aspects of power supplies.ContentsBasics
Battery ManagementWhat to be aware of when using (Lithium) batteries.
Fixed-Voltage Power Supply using Linear RegulatorsThe best result right after batteries.
Light Energy HarvestingA small solar panel is used in an energy harvesting project to manage and charge four AAA cells.
Mains Powered Adapter DesignBasic circuits and tips for transformers, rectification, filtering and stabilization.
LM317 Soft StartThe high inrush current pulse should be avoided.
Controllable RectifiersSome suggestions to keep the power loss in the linear regulator as low as possible.
Components
Worksheet: The LM117 / LM217 / LM317 Voltage Regulators
SupercapsLow voltage but lots of current… or not?
Reviews
JOY-iT RD6006 Benchtop Power Supply Kit
Siglent SDL1020X Programmable DC Electronic Load
Projects
Balcony Power PlantDIY solar balcony = speedy payback!
DIY LiPo Supercharger KitFrom handcrafted to mass market
Dual-Anode MOSFET ThyristorFaster and less wasteful than the old SCR
Battery JuicerDo not throw away, squeeze!
High-Voltage Power Supply with Curve TracerGenerate voltages up to 400 V and trace characteristics curves for valves and transistors
High Voltage Supply for RIAAFor RIAA tube preamps and other applications.
MicroSupplyA lab power supply for connected devices
Phantom Power Supply using Switched CapacitorsVoltage tripler using three ICs
The SMPS800RE Switch-Mode Supply for the Elektor Fortissimo-100Reliable, light and affordable
Soft Start for PSUBe nice to your power supply – and its load
UniLab 20-30 V, 3 A compact switch-mode lab power supply
Tips
Soft Start for Step-Down Switching Regulators
Low Loss Current Limit
Powerbank Surprise
A Virtual Ground
Battery Maintainer
Battery Pack Discharger
Connecting Voltage Regulators in Parallel
Contents
Projects
PicoVoiceVoice alienation and sound effects with the Raspberry Pi Pico
Navigation with Vibration Feedback
POV Display
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) with the Raspberry Pi Pico
Wi-Fi with the Raspberry Pi Pico
'Hello World' from the Raspberry Pi Pico and RP2040A look at the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s first microcontroller
Simple On-Off Temperature Controller with Raspberry Pi HAT
Multitasking with the Raspberry PiShowcase: a traffic lights controller
The Raspberry Pi Ruler GadgetFun with a time-of-flight sensor
Raspberry Pi Buffer Board (Mk. 1)Never blow up the I/O again
FM radio with RDSA top HAT project for the Raspberry Pi
LoRa with the Raspberry Pi PicoFun with MicroPython!
Tutorials
Qt for the Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi Pico Programmingwith MicroPython and Thonny
Raspberry Pi Full StackRPi and RF24 at the heart of a sensor network
Raspberry Pi Bash Command Cheat Sheet
Community
Java on the Raspberry PiAn interview with Frank Delporte
Reviews
Introducing the New Raspberry Pi Pico W, H, and WH
Secure Boot Solution for Raspberry PiRetrofit security at a reasonable price
Review: SmartPi – Smart Meter Extension for Raspberry Pi
Review: The Enviro+ Raspberry Pi HATMeasuring environmental data with Raspberry Pi and the HAT Enviro+
Review: Meet the Raspberry Pi 4All new but still good?
Raspberry Pi Gets a Fast 3.5' Touch DisplayMore power at no extra charge
Book Launch: Raspberry Pi for Radio Amateurs
Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here.
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USB Measurement AdapterTesting Current and Signal Quality of USB Ports
4...20 mA Current Output for Arduino UnoA Reliable, EMI-Insensitive Current Loop Interface
Vacuum Cleaner Automatic ControlKeep Your Tools’ Work Area Clean
DDS Generator with ATtiny
Opamp-Tester V2New PCB – Now Also Suitable for SMDs
550-mW “Lamp” Audio AmplifierGet the Warm Sound of Vacuum Tubes With Ease
Fuse GuardMonitoring a Fuse with a Flashing LED
HQ RIAA PreamplifierGet the Most Out of Your Vinyl Records!
Turntable Speed CalibratorAn Arduino-Based 100–120 Hz Strobe Light Generator
Elektor Classics: video buffer/repeater
Infrared Remote-Controlled DimmerControl Your Halogen or LED Floor Lamp Effortlessly and With Style
How to Use switch…case on Strings in C++/Arduino IDE
Magnet FinderWith a Simple Hall-Effect Sensor
Raspberry Pi Smart Power ButtonA Solution for Raspberry Pi Up to Model 4
Essential Maker TipsProfessional Insights for Everyday Making
Practical Projects with the 555 TimerDC Motor Control and Fast Reaction Challenges
Basic AC-Load-On MonitorSave Energy with a Simple Device
Power Banks in ParallelA Three-Day Continuous Power Solution
VFO Up to 15 MHzAn Implementation With Raspberry Pi Pico
Violin Tuner with ATtiny202
Elektor Classics: video amplifier for B/W television sets
Capacitance Meter20 pF to 600 nF
Quasi-Analog Clockwork Mk IITwo LED Rings for Hours and Minutes
You Can Do Anything You Want(with the Arduino Ecosystem at Your Side)
Neon Lamp Dice
Elektor Classics: RTTY calibrator indicator
Inspiring Hardware Designs for Your ESPs
Elektor Classics: variable 3 A power supply
RGB LEDs with Integrated Control CircuitLight with Precision: ICLEDs Set Standards
Experiment: Towards a Mixed-Signal Theremin?Blending Modern Time-of-Flight Sensors With the Timeless XR2206 Analog Generator
ESP32 Audio Transceiver Board (Part 1)SD Card WAV File Player Demo
Infographics: Circuits and Circuit Design 2025
Small Audio MixerA Simple and Versatile Scalable Design
Smart Staircase Light TimerSave More Money on the Energy Bill!
Smarten Up Your ShuttersControlling Velux Hardware With an ESP32 and MQTT
Solid-State Foot WarmerEnergy-Efficient Comfort
Is the M5Stamp Fly Quadcopter the Next Tello?
Boosting Wi-Fi Range of the ESP32-C3 SuperMiniA Simple and Effective Antenna Mod
ZD-8968 Hot-Air Soldering StationA Budget-Friendly Workhorse or Just Hot Air?
Parking Sensor TesterFinding Defects in the PDC System of a Car
Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here.
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Digital Load for High-Current TestingFrom Necessity to Innovation
Vocal RemoverInstant Karaoke Circuit
Audio A/B Selector With Gain ControlSwitches from Microphone to Line Inputs
Better Charging for the LIR2032Be Kind to Your Coin Cells
Touch Sensing Made SimpleA DIY Guide for Any Microcontroller
Universal Infrared Remote SwitchA New Life for Old Remotes
Microcontroller-Powered Moo BoxMaking Playful Sounds With a Microcontroller
USB Battery Interface
Powering Low-Draw Devices With Power BanksA “Stay Alive” Solution
Small Class-A Audio Amplifier With Current OutputDrive Speakers with Current Instead of Voltage
Pseudo-Balanced ModuleHigh CMRR with Unbalanced Audio Links
Ni-MH Cells Automatic ChargerRefill All Your Battery Packs in One Go!
Thyristor-Based Power Supply Protection
Fingerprint Sensor SwitchA Useful Proof-of-Identity Device
DC-DC 3-A Power ConverterUpgrade Your Fixed-Voltage Sources
Remote Water Heater MonitorVoltage and Current Detection for AC Lines
Attenuators for Audio Signals (1)Adjustable Via Jumpers
Pimp My Car Battery Charger (Part 1)Don’t Throw It Away, Mod It!
A Board for the Blue OnePCB for Alps Motorized Potentiometer with Feedback
50-Hz Reference from 60-Hz Mains VoltageHow to Use 50-Hz Electronics in 60-Hz Environments
Digital IsolatorsRealizing Galvanic Isolation Easily
Compact 12-W Hi-Fi Mono AmplifierSmall But Powerful
LM386 Ramp Generator
Three-Phase GeneratorWith Raspberry Pi Pico
Door Opener for the Musically Talented
Elektor Classic: Surf SynthesizerOcean Watersports Background Sound Generator (OWBSG)
Pimp my Car Battery Charger (Part 2)Don’t Throw It Away, Mod It!
Lamp Current MonitorWith a Raspberry Pi Pico
Infrared Telegraphy
Fnirsi SWM-10Repair Battery Packs With This Portable Intelligent Spot Welding Machine
Stereo Audio Codec for the ESP32 and Co.No Need to Be Afraid of Audio Measurement Technology
Tin Soldering TechniquesMake Them Well Right Away!
Attenuators for Audio Signals (2)Switching Via Relays
USB-C PowerDrawing Power from USB-C Power Adapters
Three Circuits with Two and Three Counter ICs4017 ICs Working Together
Active Components – The Diode
A Timer For Ultra-Long DelaysSet It, and Forget It!
Jack In and Jack OutA Useful Insert Option for Audio Circuits
Power an ESP32 from a Single Li-ion Cell
Hexadoku
Sound Secrets and Technology
What would today’s rock and pop music be without electric lead and bass guitars? These instruments have been setting the tone for more than sixty years. Their underlying sound is determined largely by their electrical components. But, how do they actually work? Almost no one is able to explain this to the true musician with no technical background. This book answers many questions simply, in an easily-understandable manner.
For the interested musician (and others), this book unveils, in a simple and well-grounded way, what have, until now, been regarded as manufacturer secrets. The examination explores deep within the guitar, including pickups and electrical environment, so that guitar electronics are no longer considered highly secret. With a few deft interventions, many instruments can be rendered more versatile and made to sound a lot better – in the most cost-effective manner.
The author is an experienced electronics professional and active musician. He has thoroughly tested everything described here, in practice.
Build your textbook weather station or conduct environmental research together with the whole world. With many practical projects for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, NodeMCU, ESP32, and other development boards.
Weather stations have enjoyed great popularity for decades. Every current and even every long discontinued electronics magazine has regularly featured articles on building your own weather station. Over the years, they have become increasingly sophisticated and can now be fully integrated into an automated home — although this often requires loyalty to an (expensive) brand manufacturer across all components.
With your own weather and environmental data, you can keep up and measure things that no commercial station can. It’s also fun: expand your knowledge of electronics, current microcontroller development boards and programming languages in a fun and meaningful way. For less than 10 euros you can get started and record your first environmental data — with time and growing interest, you will continue to expand your system.
In this Edition
Which Microcontroller Fits My Project?
The Right Development Environment
Tracking Wind and Weather
Weather Display with OpenWeatherMap and Vacuum Fluorescent Display
Volatile Organic Compounds in the Air We Breathe
Working with MQ Sensors: Measuring Carbon Monoxide — Odorless but Toxic
CO2 Traffic Light with ThingSpeak IoT Connection
An Automatic Plant Watering System
Good Indoor Climate: Temperature and Humidity are Important criteria
Classy Thermometer with Vintage Tube Technology
Nostalgic Weather House for the Whole Family
Measuring Air Pressure and Temperature Accurately
Sunburn Warning Device
DIY Sensor for Sunshine Duration
Simple Smartphone Says: Fog or Clear View?
Identifying Earthquakes
Liquid Level Measurement for Vessels and Reservoirs
Water pH Value Measurement
Detecting Radioactive Radiation
GPS: Sensor Location Service Across the Globe
Saving and Timestamping Log Files on SD Cards
LoRaWAN, The Things Network, and ThingSpeak
Operating a LoRaWAN Gateway for TTN
Defying "Wind and Weather"
Mega Display with Weather Forecasz
These are some of our favourite sensors from each category. But wait, there's more! The SparkFun Sensor Kit now includes several of our sensor boards that feature the Qwiic Connect System for rapid prototyping!
This version of the kit has received a complete overhaul!
This huge assortment of sensors makes an amazing gift for that exceptional electronics enthusiast in your life!
Included
Large Piezo Vibration Sensor (With Mass): A flexible film able to sense for vibration, touch, shock, etc. When the film moves back and forth an AC wave is created, with a voltage of up to ±90.
Reed Switch: Senses magnetic fields, makes for a great non-contact switch.
0.25' Magnet Square: Plays nicely with the reed switch. Embed the magnet into stuffed animals or inside a box to create a hidden actuator to the reed switch.
0.5' Force Sensitive Resistor: A force-sensing resistor with a 0.5' diameter sensing area. Great for sensing pressure (i.e., if it's being squeezed).
Flex Sensor (2.2'): As the sensor is flexed, the resistance across the sensor increases. Useful for sensing motion or positioning.
SoftPot: These are very thin variable potentiometers. By pressing on various positions along the strip, you vary the resistance.
Mini Photocell: The photocell will vary its resistance based on how much light it's exposed to. Will vary from 1kΩ in the light to 10kΩ in the dark.
PIR Motion Sensor: Easy-to-use motion detector with an analog interface. Power it with 5-12VDC, and you'll be alerted of any movement.
QRD1114 Optical Detector/Phototransistor: An all-in-one infrared emitter and detector. Ideal for sensing black-to-white transitions or can be used to detect nearby objects.
IR Diode: This LED can handle up to 50mA of current and outputs in the 940-950nm IR spectrum. Use to send signal to talk to the included IR receiver diode or just turn off your neighbor's TV.
IR Receiver Diode: This simple IR receiver will detect an IR signal coming from a standard IR remote control or the IR diode included in the kit.
Resistor 1.0M Ohm 1/4 Watt PTH: Two 1/4 Watt, +/- 5% tolerance PTH resistors. Commonly used in breadboards and perf boards. The large resistor helps dampen any voltage spikes when using the large piezo vibration sensor with a microcontroller.
Resistor 10K Ohm 1/4 Watt PTH – 20 pack (Thick Leads): 1/4 Watt, +/- 5% tolerance PTH resistors. Commonly used in breadboards and perf boards, these 10KΩ resistors make excellent pullups, pulldowns, and current limiters.
Resistor 330 Ohm 1/4 Watt PTH – 20 pack (Thick Leads): 1/4 Watt +/- 5% tolerance PTH resistors. Commonly used in breadboards and perf boards, these 330Ω resistors make excellent current-limiting resistors for LEDs.
SparkFun 9DoF IMU Breakout – ISM330DHCX, MMC5983MA (Qwiic): This breakout board includes a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, and 3-axis magnetometer. Connect this board over I2C using a Qwiic cable or solder wires or headers to the SPI pins to get started using one of the three sensors or using all three together to determine 3D orientation.
SparkFun Atmospheric Sensor Breakout – BME280 (Qwiic): The SparkFun BME280 Atmospheric Sensor Breakout is an easy way to measure barometric pressure, humidity, and temperature readings, all without taking up too much space.
SparkFun Indoor Air Quality Sensor – ENS160 (Qwiic): The SparkFun ENS160 Indoor Air Quality Sensor is a digital multi-gas sensor solution with four sensor elements that can be used in a wide range of applications including building automation, smart home, and HVAC.
SparkFun Capacitive Touch Slider – CAP1203 (Qwiic): This little board acts great as a non-mechanical button. Use the three pads on the board or connect your own input for a great touch button or slider with no moving parts.
Flexible Qwiic Cable (100 mm): Use these to connect up to four Qwiic boards in your kit.
RGB and Gesture Sensor (APDS-9960): This board does a little bit of everything. You can measure ambient light or color as well as detect proximity and do gesture sensing all over I2C.
Soil Moisture Sensor (with screw terminals): Ever wonder if your plant needs water? This sensor outputs an analog signal based on the resistance of the soil. Since water is conductive, the soil water content will be reflected in the soil resistance.
Sound Detector: Ever need to know if there is noise in an area? This board will not only tell you, but it will also output amplitude as well as the full audio signal.
Break Away Headers (Straight): Solder these pins to any of the breakouts to prototype on a breadboard. You'll want to solder these to boards that do not have Qwiic connectors such as the gesture sensor and sound detector.
Make your project dreams come true: an odometer for the hamster wheel, a fully automatic control of your ant farm with web interface, or the Sandwich-O-Mat – a machine that toasts and grills sandwiches of your choice.
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
As demand for solar panel installation has risen sharply, especially for installations larger than balcony power plants, the order books of solar companies are full. If you ask for a quote today, you may have to wait a while, if your request isn't simply postponed indefinitely. Another consequence of the solar boom is that some companies are charging very high prices for installations.
Yet there is an obvious and radical solution to the problem of excessive prices: Do it yourself, as the English say. The price of materials is currently affordable, and it's the ideal time for those who do the work themselves. They couldn't save more. Add to this the satisfaction of doing something useful, both economically and ecologically, and the pleasure of building yourself.
In this special issue, you'll find a wide selection of Elektor assemblies, from solar panel controllers to solar water heaters and solar panel orientation systems. The issue also contains practical information on solar panel installation and the technology behind them. Finally, there are a number of articles on the subject of balcony power plants, from how to install them to how to connect them to the Internet...
Contents
BASICS
Dimensioning Photovoltaic Panel ArraysAn introduction to photovoltaic energy and the commonest techniques,followed by simplified calculation models and setup guidelines.
Light Sensor TechnologyMeasuring daylight using LEDs.
Solar Power Made SimpleSolar charging with and without a controller.
Cable Cross-sections and Energy Losses in Solar SystemsKey considerations on the minimum values to respect for electricalcurrent in solar panel cabling.
Solar ModulesEverything you always wanted to know about solar panels...
Ideal Diode ControllerDiode Circuits with Low Power Dissipation.
TIPS
Tracking for Solar Modules
zBot Solar/Battery Power Supply
Solar Cell Array Charger with Regulator
Solar Cell Voltage Regulator
Solar-Powered Night Light
Alternative Solar Battery Charger
PROJECTS
Energy LoggerMeasuring and Recording Power Consumption.
Tiny Solar SupplySunlight In, 3.3 V Out.
A Do-It-Yourself DTURead Data from Small Inverters by μC.
Solar ChargerPortable energy for people on the move.
Solar Thermal Energy RegulatorMaximum power point tracking explored.
2-amp Maximum Power Tracking ChargerSolar Power To The Max.
Computer-driven HeliostatFollow the sun or the stars.
Garden LightingUsing solar cells.
Solar Panel Voltage Converter for IoT DevicesYes we CAN exploit indoor lighting.
Travel ChargerFree power in the mountains.
Solar Cell Battery Charger/MonitorWith protection against deep discharge.
Solar-powered Battery ChargerPIC12C671 avoids overcharging and deep charging.
Converters for Photovoltaic PanelsContributed by TME (Transfer MultisortElektronik).
Solar Charging RegulatorFor panels up to 53 watts.
Solar-Powered ChargerFor lead-acid batteries.
CAN Bus + Arduino for Solar PV Cell MonitoringDetect and locate serviceable panels in large arrays.
Balcony Power Plant 2.0The latest: solar panels, installation and inverters