The Arduino Pro Mini is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P.
It has 14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, an on-board resonator, a reset button, and holes for mounting pin headers. A six pin header can be connected to an FTDI cable or SparkFun breakout board to provide USB power and communication to the board.
The Arduino Pro Mini is intended for semi-permanent installation in objects or exhibitions. The board comes without pre-mounted headers, allowing the use of various types of connectors or direct soldering of wires. The pin layout is compatible with the Arduino Mini.
The Arduino Pro Mini was designed and is manufactured by SparkFun Electronics.
Specifications
Microcontroller
ATmega328P
Board Power Supply
5-12 V
Circuit Operating Voltage
5 V
Digital I/O Pins
14
PWM Pins
6
UART
1
SPI
1
I²C
1
Analog Input Pins
6
External Interrupts
2
DC Current per I/O Pin
40 mA
Flash Memory
32 KB of which 2 KB used by bootloader
SRAM
2 KB
EEPROM
1 KB
Clock Speed
16 MHz
Dimensions
18 x 33.3 mm (0.7 x 1.3")
Downloads
Eagle files
Schematics
Arduino-compatible, ESP32-controlled, 2-wheeled Balancing Robot
The Elektor Mini-Wheelie is an experimental autonomous self-balancing robot platform. Based on an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, the self-balancing robot is fully programmable using the Arduino environment and open-source libraries. Its wireless capabilities allow it to be controlled remotely over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or ESP-NOW or to communicate with a user or even another robot.
An ultrasonic transducer is available for detecting obstacles. Its color display can be used for displaying cute facial expressions or, for the more down-to-earth users, cryptic debug messages.
The robot comes as a neat kit of parts that you must assemble yourself. Everything is included, even a screwdriver.
Note: The Mini-Wheelie is an educational development platform intended for learning, experimentation, and robotics development. It is not classified as a toy for children, and its features, documentation, and intended audience reflect this purpose. The product is aimed at students, educators, and developers who wish to explore robotics, programming, and hardware integration in an educational setting.
Specifications
ESP32-S3 microcontroller with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
MPU6050 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
Two independently controlled 12 V electric motors with tachometer
Ultrasonic transducer
2.9" TFT color display (320 x 240)
MicroSD card slot
Battery power monitor
3S rechargeable Li-Po battery (11.1 V/2200 mAh)
Battery charger included
Arduino-based open-source software
Dimensions (W x L x H): 23 x 8 x 13 cm
Included
1x ESP32-S3 Mainboard + MPU6050 module
1x LCD board (2.9 inch)
1x Ultrasonic sensor
1x Battery pack (2200 mAh)
1x Battery charger
1x Motor tyre kit
1x Case board
1x Acrylic board
1x Screwdriver
1x Protective strip
1x Flex cable B (8 cm)
1x Flex cable A (12 cm)
1x Flex cable C
4x Copper column A (25 mm)
4x Copper column B (55 mm)
4x Copper column C (5 mm)
2x Plastic nylon column
8x Screws A (10 mm)
24x Screws B (M3x5)
8x Nuts
24x Metal washers
2x Zip tie
1x MicroSD card (32 GB)
Downloads
Documentation
32 new Projects, Practical Examples and Exercises with the Elektor Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board
Electronics and microcontroller technology offer the opportunity to be creative. This practical microcontroller course provides you with the chance to bring your own Arduino projects and experience such moments of success. Ideally, everything works as you imagined when you switch it on for the first time. In practice, however, things rarely work as expected. At that point, you need knowledge to efficiently search for and find the reason for the malfunction.
In this book for advanced users, we delve deep into the world of microcontrollers and the Arduino IDE to learn new procedures and details, enabling you to successfully tackle and solve even more challenging situations.
With this book, the author gives the reader the necessary tools to create projects independently and also to be able to find errors quickly. Instead of just offering ready-made solutions, he explains the background, the hardware used, and any tools required. He sets tasks in which the reader contributes their own creativity and writes the Arduino sketch themselves.
If you don’t have a good idea and get stuck, there is, of course, a suggested solution for every project and every task, along with the corresponding software, which is commented on and explained in detail in the book.
This practical course will teach you more about the inner workings of the Arduino Nano and its microcontroller. You will get to know hardware modules that you can use to realize new and interesting projects. You will familiarize yourself with software methods such as ‘state machines,’ which can often be used to solve problems more easily and clearly.
The numerous practical projects and exercise sketches are once again realized on the Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board, which you may already be familiar with from the course book ‘Microcontrollers Hands-on Course for Arduino Starters’, and which contains all the hardware peripherals and operating elements we need for the input/output operations of our sketches.
Readers who do not yet own the Arduino Nano MCCAB Training Board can purchase the required hardware separately, or alternatively, build it on a breadboard.
Verwirklichen Sie Ihre Projekt-Träume: Der Kilometerzähler fürs Hamsterrad, eine vollautomatische Steuerung Ihrer Ameisenfarm mit Webinterface, oder den Sandwich-O-Mat – eine Maschine, die Sandwich-Toasts nach Wahl belegt und überbackt.
Mit dem Arduino und der DIY- oder Maker-Bewegung wurde nicht nur der Einstieg in die Mikrocontroller-Programmierung kinderleicht, auch eine zweite Entwicklung fand statt: Findige Entwickler brachten kleine Boards – sogenannte Shields oder Module – auf den Markt, die den Einsatz von zusätzlicher Hardware stark vereinfachten. Die kleinen Baugruppen enthalten alle wichtigen elektronischen Teile, um mit ein paar Steckkabeln an den Mikrocontroller angeschlossen zu werden, so dass ein frickeliger und aufwändiger Aufbau auf dem Steckboard entfällt. Zudem ist es so möglich, auch winzig kleine Bauteile zu handhaben, die keine Anschlussbeinchen mehr haben (sogenannte SMDs).
Enthaltene Projekte
Arduino sucht Anschluss
BMP, Einführung in Bibliotheken und I²C
Mit dem Mehrzweck-Shield I/O-Grundlagen kennenlernen
I²C-LCD-Adapter und Punktmatrixanzeigen
LCD Keypad Shield
Level-Konverter
W5100: Internetanbindung
I/O-Erweiterungs-Shields
Relais und Solid-State-Relais
Das Multi-Funktions-Shield: eine universelle Bedieneinheit
SD-Kartenleser über SPI anbinden
Tasten und 7-Segmentanzeigen
16-Bit ADC
DAC MCP4725
16-fach PWM Servo-Treiber
MP3-Player
GPS-Datenlogger mit SD-Karte
Touch-Sensor
Joystick
SHT31: Temperatur und Luftfeuchtigkeit
UV A-Sensor VEML6070
VL53L0X Time-of-Flight
Ultraschallsensor-Entfernungsmesser
LED-Punktmatrixanzeige mit MAX7219
RTC DS3231
Port-Expander MCP23017
433 MHz Funk
MPU-650: Gyroskop
Beschleunigungssensor ADXL345
WS2812 RGB-LEDs
Spannungsversorgung
MQ-xx Gassensoren
CO2-Gassensor
ACS712 Stromstärkesensor
INA219 Stromstärkesensor
L298 Motortreiber
MFRC522 RFID
28BYJ-48 Stepper-Motor
TMC2209 Silent-Step-Stick
X9C10x Digitales Poti
Farb-TFT-Display mit ST7735
e-Paper Display
Bluetooth
Geigerzähler
SIM800L GSM-Modul
I²C-Multiplexer
Controller Area Network
This bundle contains the popular Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi Pico and the new Elektor Laser Head Upgrade, offering even more options for displaying the time. Not only can you "engrave" the current time in sand, you can now alternatively write it on a glow-in-the-dark foil or create green drawings.
Contents of the bundle
Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi Pico (normal price: €50)
Elektor Laser Head Upgrade for Sand Clock (normal price: €35)
Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi (Raspberry Pi-based Eye Catcher)
A standard sand clock just shows how time passes. In contrast, this Raspberry Pi Pico-controlled sand clock shows the exact time by "engraving" the four digits for hour and minute into the layer of sand. After an adjustable time the sand is flattened out by two vibration motors and everything begins all over again.
At the heart of the sand clock are two servo motors driving a writing pen through a pantograph mechanism. A third servo motor lifts the pen up and down. The sand container is equipped with two vibration motors to flatten the sand. The electronic part of the sand clock consists of a Raspberry Pi Pico and an RTC/driver board with a real-time clock, plus driver circuits for the servo motors.
A detailed construction manual is available for downloading.
Features
Dimensions: 135 x 110 x 80 mm
Build time: approx. 1.5 to 2 hours
Included
3x Precut acrylic sheets with all mechanical parts
3x Mini servo motors
2x Vibration motors
1x Raspberry Pi Pico
1x RTC/driver board with assembled parts
Nuts, bolts, spacers, and wires for the assembly
Fine-grained white sand
Elektor Laser Head Upgrade for Sand Clock
The new Elektor Laser Head transforms the Sand Clock into a clock that writes the time on glow-in-the-dark film instead of sand. In addition to displaying the time, it can also be used to create ephemeral drawings. The 5 mW laser pointer, with a wavelength of 405 nm, produces bright green drawings on the glow-in-the-dark film. For best results, use the kit in a dimly lit room. Warning: Never look directly into the laser beam!
The kit includes all the necessary components, but soldering three wires is required.
Note: This kit is also compatible with the original Arduino-based Sand Clock from 2017. For more details, see Elektor Magazine 1-2/2017 and Elektor Magazine 1-2/2018.
Complete ESP32 microcontroller learning course featuring a custom-designed MCU expansion board, hands-on projects, and a comprehensive online guide – perfect for learning hardware, programming, and connectivity step by step.
A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the ESP32
This course is designed for readers who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to get started. If you’ve explored general-purpose electronics or Arduino-based materials but found them too broad or lacking in practical guidance, this course offers a more focused alternative.
Using the "ESP32 by Example Kit" (EEK) – a compact and affordable set of components featuring LEDs, sensors, an OLED display, and a motion processor – you’ll work with a consistent hardware setup throughout the course. Once assembled, the EEK stays mostly unchanged, allowing you to concentrate on learning and experimentation without constant reconfiguration.
Topics include:
Understanding and programming the ESP32 microcontroller
Writing and deploying code with the Arduino IDE
Exploring cyber-physical systems, culminating in basic drone control
No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section features hands-on examples and mini-projects designed to reinforce key concepts and inspire deeper exploration. By the end of the course, you’ll be able not only to reproduce the book’s examples but also to build on them with your own ideas and applications.
Whether you're interested in embedded programming, interactive systems, or introductory drone control, this course provides a clear and practical path to getting started.
What you'll learn?
Embedded programming with the ESP32 using the Arduino IDE
Real-time sensor input and control via buttons, LEDs, and displays
Gesture-based interaction using the MPU6050 motion sensor
Bluetooth gamepad integration and drone control simulation
Wi-Fi and UDP networking, local web servers, and NTP
MQTT communication with cloud platforms like AWS and Arduino IoT
How to build and deploy full-featured IoT systems
Perfect for
Students and self-learners exploring embedded systems
Makers and IoT enthusiasts looking to improve their hardware skills
Educators and trainers seeking ready-to-teach material
Developers moving beyond Raspberry Pi or Arduino basics
Support when you need it
Access to instructors via Elektor Academy
Helpful community forums and essential documentation
What's inside the Box (Course)?
New 384-page book: "ESP32 by Example" (valued at €45)
Elektor ESP32 by Example Kit (EEK): Microcontroller Extension Board with 6 LEDs and 6 Buttons installed + OLED Display, MPU6050 3-axis Accelerometer and Gyroscope Module (valued at €40)
Adafruit HUZZAH32 – ESP32 Feather MCU Board (valued at €30)
ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display Board (valued at €25)
DHT11 Humidity & Temperature Sensor
Breadboard
Jumper wires
USB-C cable
Access to the full course on the Elektor Academy Pro Learning Platform
Instructional videos
Downloadable Arduino project files for every module
Learning Material (of this Box/Course)
▶ Click here to open
Module 1 – Getting Started with the ESP32 & EEK
Module 2 – Digital Output – LEDs and GPIO
Module 3 – Switches and Input Handling
Module 4 – EEK and PWM
Module 5 – OLED and Display Output
Module 6 – Motion Sensing with the MPU6050
Module 7 – Capstone Project (EEK in Action)
Module 8 – WiFi and Web Control with ESP32
Module 9 – Cloud Concepts using EEK
Module 10 – Hands-on: Arduino IoT Cloud and EEK
Module 11 – BlueTooth and EEK GamePad Integration
Module 12 – Why Drones?
Module 13 – Drone Simulator Concepts
Module 14 – Simple Drone Flight Control
Module 15 – Real-Time Drone Flight Control
Module 16 – Drone Control Mini-Projects
Module 17 – Middleware and Python Scripting
Module 18 – Python Applications for Drone Control
Module 19 – Capstone EEK Control Project and Presentation
About the Author
Dr. Jim Solderitsch is an educator, software architect, systems developer, and cybersecurity researcher with a focus on cyber-physical systems. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in Computing Sciences at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
What is Elektor Academy Pro?
Elektor Academy Pro delivers specialized learning solutions designed for professionals, engineering teams, and technical experts in the electronics and embedded systems industry. It enables individuals and organizations to expand their practical knowledge, enhance their skills, and stay ahead of the curve through high-quality resources and hands-on training tools.
From real-world projects and expert-led courses to in-depth technical insights, Elektor empowers engineers to tackle today’s electronics and embedded systems challenges. Our educational offerings include Academy Books, Pro Boxes, Webinars, Conferences, and industry-focused B2B magazines – all created with professional development in mind.
Whether you're an engineer, R&D specialist, or technical decision-maker, Elektor Academy Pro bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping you master emerging technologies and drive innovation within your organization.
Book: Logic Analyzers in Practice
Step-by-step instructions guide you through the analysis of modern protocols such as I²C, SPI, UART, RS-232, NeoPixel, WS28xx, HD44780 and 1-Wire. With the help of numerous experimental circuits based on the Raspberry Pi Pico, Arduino Uno and the Bus Pirate, you will learn the practical application of popular USB logic analyzers.
All the experimental circuits presented in this book have been fully tested and are fully functional. The necessary program listings are included – no special programming or electronics knowledge is required for these circuits. The programming languages used are MicroPython and C along with the development environments Thonny and Arduino IDE.
This book uses several models of flexible and widely available USB logic analyzers and shows the strengths and weaknesses of each price range.
You will learn about the criteria that matter for your work and be able to find the right device for you.
Whether Arduino, Raspberry Pi or Raspberry Pi Pico, the example circuits shown allow you to get started quickly with protocol analysis and can also serve as a basis for your own experiments.
After reading this book, you will be familiar with all the important terms and contexts, conduct your own experiments, analyze protocols independently, culminating in a comprehensive knowledge set of digital signals and protocols.
USB Logic Analyzer (8-ch, 24 MHz)
This USB Logic Analyzer is an 8-channel logic analyzer with each input dual purposed for analog data recording. It is perfect for debugging and analyzing signals like I²C, UART, SPI, CAN and 1-Wire. It operates by sampling a digital input connected to a device under test (DUT) at a high sample rate. The connection to the PC is via USB.
Specifications
Channels
8 digital channels
Maximum sampling rate
24 MHz
Maximum input voltage
0 V ~ 5 V
Operating temperature
0°C ~ 70°C
Input impedance
1 MΩ || 10 pF
Supported protocols
I²C, SPI, UART, CAN, 1-Wire, etc.
PC connection
USB
Dimensions
55 x 28 x 14 mm
Downloads
Software
This bundle contains:
Book 'Logic Analyzers in Practice' (normal price: €35)
USB Logic Analyzer (8-ch, 24 MHz) (normal price: €20)
USB Cable
Jumper Wire Ribbon Cable
The Elektor Audio DSP FX Processor combines an ESP32 microcontroller and an ADAU1701 Audio DSP from Analog Devices. Besides a user-programmable DSP core, the ADAU1701 has high-quality analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters built-in and features an I²S port. This makes it suitable as a high-quality audio interface for the ESP32.
Programs for the ESP32 can be created with Arduino, Platform IO, CMake or by using the Espressif IDF in another way. Programs for the ADAU7101 audio DSPs are created with the free visual programming tool SigmaStudio by dragging and dropping pre-defined algorithm blocks on a canvas.
Applications
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi audio sink (e.g. loudspeaker) & source
Guitar effect pedal (stomp box)
Music synthesizer
Sound/function generator
Programmable cross-over filter for loudspeakers
Advanced audio effects processor (reverb, chorus, pitch shifting, etc.)
Internet-connected audio device
DSP experimentation platform
Wireless MIDI
MIDI to CV converter
and many more...
Specifications
ADAU1701 28-/56-bit, 50-MIPS digital audio processor supporting sampling rates of up to 192 kHz
ESP32 32-bit dual-core microcontroller with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.2 BR/EDR and BLE
2x 24-bit audio inputs (2 V RMS, 20 kΩ)
4x 24-bit audio outputs (0.9 V RMS, 600 Ω)
4x Control potentiometer
MIDI in- and output
I²C expansion port
Multi-mode operation
Power supply: 5 V DC USB or 7.5-12 V DC (barrel jack, center pin is GND)
Current consumption (average): 200 mA
Included
1x ESP32 Audio DSP FX Processor board (assembled)
1x ESP32-PICO-KIT
2x Jumpers
2x 18-pin headers (female)
4x 10 KB potentiometers
Downloads
Documentation
GitHub
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
AI in Practice
Dive into the fascinating world of robotics and automation!
This Elektor Special shows you how to build your own robots with creativity, a little know-how, and affordable technology. From your first DIY project with Arduino or Raspberry Pi to intelligent systems with AI – this issue makes modern robotics understandable and accessible.
Discover practical instructions, inspiring projects, and exciting insights into the maker scene. Learn how experimentation, community, and openness give rise to true innovation – and why robotics is so much more than just a technical hobby.
Contents
Imagination turns into reality
Arduino-controlled Drawing Robot
GalaxyRVR Mars Rover Kit for Arduino
YDLIDAR X4Pro Lidar
xHuskyLens AI Camera
DOF Robot Arm with Raspberry Pi Pico
Manufacturing Robots with Fischertechnik
Pneumatic Industrial Robot
Why Do We Keep Building Robot Dogs?
Elektor Mini-Wheelie
Robot Vehicles and Autonomous Driving
Build Your Own Vintage Radio Broadcaster
The Elektor AM Transmitter Kit allows streaming audio to vintage AM radio receivers. Based on a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller module, the AM Transmitter can transmit on 32 frequencies in the AM band, from 500 kHz up to 1.6 MHz in 32 steps of approx. 35 kHz.
The frequency is selected with a potentiometer and shown on a 0.96" OLED display. A pushbutton allows toggles the transmitting mode between On and Off. The range of the transmitter depends on the antenna. The onboard antenna provides a range of a few centimeters, requiring the AM Transmitter to be placed close to or inside the radio. An external loop antenna (not included) can be connected to increase the range.
The Elektor AM Transmitter Kit comes as a kit of parts that you must solder to the board yourself.
Features
The board is compatible with a Hammond 1593N enclosure (not included).A 5 VDC power supply with micro-USB connector (e.g., an old phone charger) is needed to power the kit (not included). Current consumption is 100 mA.
The Arduino software (requiring Earle Philhower’s RP2040 Boards Package) for the Elektor AM Transmitter Kit plus more information is available at the Elektor Labs page of this project.
Component List
Resistors
R1, R4 = 100 Ω
R2, R3, R8 = 10 kΩ
R5, R6, R9, R10, R11 = 1 kΩ
R7 = optional (not included)
P1 = potentiometer 100 kΩ, linear
Capacitors
C1 = 22 µF 16V
C2, C4 = 10 nF
C3 = 150 pF
Miscellaneous
K1 = 4×1 pin socket
K2, K3 = 3.5 mm socket
Raspberry Pi Pico
pushbutton, angle mount
0.96" monochrome I²C OLED display
PCB 150292-1
KI in der Praxis
Tauchen Sie ein in die faszinierende Welt der Robotik und Automatisierung!
Dieses Elektor Special zeigt, wie Sie mit Kreativität, etwas Know-how und günstiger Technik eigene Roboter bauen können. Vom ersten DIY-Projekt mit Arduino oder Raspberry Pi bis hin zu intelligenten Systemen mit KI – dieses Heft macht moderne Robotik verständlich und greifbar.
Entdecken Sie praxisnahe Anleitungen, inspirierende Projekte und spannende Einblicke in die Maker-Szene. Lernen Sie, wie aus Experimentierfreude, Gemeinschaft und Offenheit echte Innovation entsteht – und warum Robotik weit mehr ist als nur ein technisches Hobby.
Inhalt
Phantasie wird Realität
Arduino-controlled Drawing Robot
GalaxyRVR Mars Rover Kit for Arduino
YDLIDAR X4Pro Lidar
xHuskyLens AI Camera
DOF Robot Arm mit Raspberry Pi Pico
Fertigungsroboter mit Fischertechnik
Pneumatischer Industrieroboter
Warum bauen wir immer wieder Roboterhunde?
Elektor Mini-Wheelie
Roboterfahrzeuge und autonomes Fahren
