Program and build Arduino-based ham station utilities, tools, and instruments
In addition to a detailed introduction to the exciting world of the Arduino microcontroller and its many variants, this book introduces you to the shields, modules, and components you can connect to the Arduino. Many of these components are discussed in detail and used in the projects included in this book to help you understand how these components can be incorporated into your own Arduino projects. Emphasis has been placed on designing and creating a wide range of amateur radio-related projects that can easily be built in just a few days.
This book is written for ham radio operators and Arduino enthusiasts of all skill levels, and includes discussions about the tools, construction methods, and troubleshooting techniques used in creating amateur radio-related Arduino projects. The book teaches you how to create feature-rich Arduino-based projects, with the goal of helping you to advance beyond this book, and design and build your own ham radio Arduino projects.
In addition, this book describes in detail the design, construction, programming, and operation of the following projects:
CW Beacon and Foxhunt Keyer
Mini Weather Station
RF Probe with LED Bar Graph
DTMF Tone Encoder
DTMF Tone Decoder
Waveform Generator
Auto Power On/Off
Bluetooth CW Keyer
Station Power Monitor
AC Current Monitor
This book assumes a basic knowledge of electronics and circuit construction. Basic knowledge of how to program the Arduino using its IDE will also be beneficial.
This book is all about building your own DIY home control system. It presents two innovative ways to assemble such a system: By recycling old PC hardware – possibly extending the life of an old PC, or by using Raspberry Pi. In both cases, the main system outlined in this book will consist of a computer platform, a wireless mains outlet, a controller and a USB webcam – All linked together by Linux.
By using the Raspberry Pi in conjunction with Arduino (used as an advanced I/O system board), it is possible to construct a small, compact, embedded control system offering enhanced capacity for USB integration, webcams, thermal monitoring and communication with the outside world.
The experience required to undertake the projects within this book are minimal exposure to PC hardware and software, the ability to surf the internet, burn a CD-ROM and assemble a small PCB.
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.
Mikrocontroller haben sich in den letzten Jahren in praktisch allen Bereichen der modernen Technik etabliert. In zunehmendem Maße dringen sie auch in die Gebiete der Künstlichen Intelligenz und der Robotertechnik vor. Das vorliegende Buch gibt eine umfassende Einführung in die Welt der Controller-Technik mit all ihren Facetten, von der einfachen Steuerung über die Sensor-Technik bis hin zur Datenübertragung in das Internet.
Als Basis dafür dient das von Elektor entwickelte AVR-Playground-Board. Das Board kann mit Controllern der ATmega-Familie bestückt werden und ist mit dem bekannten Arduino-System kompatibel, so dass auch die verschiedenen Arduino-Hardware-Erweiterungen verwendet werden können.
Für die Programmierung kommt die Sprache „C“ zum Einsatz. Auch hier wird im Buch auf das Arduino-System zurückgegriffen. Die frei verfügbare Arduino-Entwicklungsumgebung erlaubt den leichten Einstieg, ohne dass später Einschränkungen in Kauf genommen werden müssen. Die Hardware-nahe Programmierung steht dabei besonders im Fokus. Nach der Erläuterung von grundlegenden Anwendungen wird auf die anspruchsvolleren Themen wie Interrupts, Timer und Counter, Pulsweitenmodulation und Analog-Digital-Wandlung eingegangen.
Praktische Anwendungen können sowohl mit einem Arduino als auch mit dem AVR-Playground-Board durchgeführt werden. Da das AVR-Playground-Board bereits über eine Vielzahl von Peripherie-Einheiten verfügt, sind nur noch wenige externe Bauteile erforderlich. Das Board kann im Elektor-Shop hier bezogen werden.
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 (SKU 18305) is available from Elektor. With the help of this hardware, it should be easy and fun to build the projects in this book.
In this book the author presents all essential aspects of microcontroller programming, without overloading the reader with unnecessary or quasi-relevant bits of information. Having read the book, you should be able to understand as well as program, 8-bit microcontrollers.
The introduction to microcontroller programming is worked out using microcontrollers from the PIC series. Not exactly state-of-the-art with just 8 bits, the PIC micro has the advantage of being easy to comprehend. It is offered in a DIP enclosure, widely available and not overly complex. The entire datasheet of the PIC micro is shorter by decades than the description of the architecture outlining the processor section of an advanced microcontroller. Simplicity has its advantages here. Having mastered the fundamental operation of a microcontroller, you can easily enter into the realms of advanced softcores later.
Having placed assembly code as the executive programming language in the foreground in the first part of the book, the author reaches a deeper level with ‘C’ in the second part. Cheerfully alongside the official subject matter, the book presents tips & tricks, interesting measurement technology, practical aspects of microcontroller programming, as well as hands-on options for easier working, debugging and faultfinding.
Program, build, and master over 60 projects with Python
The Raspberry Pi 5 is the latest single-board computer from the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It can be used in many applications, such as in audio and video media centers, as a desktop computer, in industrial controllers, robotics, and in many domestic and commercial applications. In addition to the well-established features found in other Raspberry Pi computers, the Raspberry Pi 5 offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (classic and BLE), which makes it a perfect match for IoT as well as in remote and Internet-based control and monitoring applications. It is now possible to develop many real-time projects such as audio digital signal processing, real-time digital filtering, real-time digital control and monitoring, and many other real-time operations using this tiny powerhouse.
The book starts with an introduction to the Raspberry Pi 5 computer and covers the important topics of accessing the computer locally and remotely. Use of the console language commands as well as accessing and using the desktop GUI are described with working examples. The remaining parts of the book cover many Raspberry Pi 5-based hardware projects using components and devices such as
LEDs and buzzers
LCDs
Ultrasonic sensors
Temperature and atmospheric pressure sensors
The Sense HAT
Camera modules
Example projects are given using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules to send and receive data from smartphones and PCs, and sending real-time temperature and atmospheric pressure data to the cloud.
All projects given in the book have been fully tested for correct operation. Only basic programming and electronics experience are required to follow the projects. Brief descriptions, block diagrams, detailed circuit diagrams, and full Python program listings are given for all projects described.
Vom Messwert zur stabilen Entscheidung
Wie wird aus einem einfachen Mikrocontroller ein intelligentes System, das Sensorwerte erfasst, verarbeitet und sinnvoll darauf reagiert? Dieses Buch zeigt es Ihnen Schritt für Schritt – verständlich, praxisnah und ohne unnötige Vorkenntnisse.
Sie beginnen mit den Grundlagen der digitalen und analogen Ein- und Ausgänge. Anschließend lernen Sie, wie Sensorwerte gelesen, geglättet und zuverlässig bewertet werden. Anschauliche Beispiele erklären, warum einzelne Messwerte oft täuschen können und wie Mittelwertbildung, Hysterese und einfache Entscheidungsregeln für stabile Ergebnisse sorgen. Nach und nach erweitern Sie Ihre Projekte um Displays, I²C-Kommunikation und mehrere vernetzte Mikrocontroller. So entstehen verteilte Systeme, in denen Raspberry Pi Pico und ATtiny-Controller Daten austauschen und gemeinsam Aufgaben übernehmen.
Im fortgeschrittenen Teil erhalten Sie einen leicht verständlichen Einstieg in Merkmalsbildung, Datenvorverarbeitung, hybride Entscheidungsmodelle und TinyML-nahe Anwendungen. Dabei verbinden Sie klassische Regelungstechnik mit modernen datenbasierten Methoden.
Alle Projekte werden von ausführlich kommentierten Programmen in C und MicroPython begleitet. Das Buch richtet sich an Einsteiger, Maker, Studierende und alle, die Embedded-Systeme von Grund auf verstehen möchten.
Am Ende können Sie eigene Systeme entwickeln, die nicht nur messen, sondern Informationen auswerten, zuverlässige Entscheidungen treffen und gezielt reagieren.
Get Cracking with the Arduino Nano V3, Nano Every, and Nano 33 IoT
The seven chapters in this book serve as the first step for novices and microcontroller enthusiasts wishing to make a head start in Arduino programming. The first chapter introduces the Arduino platform, ecosystem, and existing varieties of Arduino Nano boards. It also teaches how to install various tools needed to get started with Arduino Programming. The second chapter kicks off with electronic circuit building and programming around your Arduino. The third chapter explores various buses and analog inputs. In the fourth chapter, you get acquainted with the concept of pulse width modulation (PWM) and working with unipolar stepper motors.
In the fifth chapter, you are sure to learn about creating beautiful graphics and basic but useful animation with the aid of an external display. The sixth chapter introduces the readers to the concept of I/O devices such as sensors and the piezo buzzer, exploring their methods of interfacing and programming with the Arduino Nano. The last chapter explores another member of Arduino Nano family, Arduino Nano 33 IoT with its highly interesting capabilities. This chapter employs and deepens many concepts learned from previous chapters to create interesting applications for the vast world of the Internet of Things.
The entire book follows a step-by-step approach to explain concepts and the operation of things. Each concept is invariably followed by a to-the-point circuit diagram and code examples. Next come detailed explanations of the syntax and the logic used. By closely following the concepts, you will become comfortable with circuit building, Arduino programming, the workings of the code examples, and the circuit diagrams presented. The book also has plenty of references to external resources wherever needed.
An archive file (.zip) comprising the software examples and Fritzing-style circuit diagrams discussed in the book may be downloaded free of charge below.
Program and build RPi Pico-based ham station utilities, tools, and instruments
Although much classical HF and mobile equipment is still in use by large numbers of amateurs, the use of computers and digital techniques has now become very popular among amateur radio operators. Nowadays, anyone can purchase a €5 Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller board and develop many amateur radio projects using the “Pico” and some external components. This book is aimed at amateur radio enthusiasts, Electronic Engineering students, and anyone interested in learning to use the Raspberry Pi Pico to shape their electronic projects. The book is suitable for beginners in electronics as well as for those with wide experience.
Step-by-step installation of the MicroPython programming environment is described. Some knowledge of the Python programming language is helpful to be able to comprehend and modify the projects given in the book. The book introduces the Raspberry Pi Pico and gives examples of many general-purpose, software-only projects that familiarize the reader with the Python programming language. In addition to the software-only projects tailored to the amateur radio operator, Chapter 6 in particular presents over 36 hardware-based projects for “hams”, including:
Station mains power on/off control
Radio station clock
GPS based station geographical coordinates
Radio station temperature and humidity
Various waveform generation methods using software and hardware (DDS)
Frequency counter
Voltmeter / ammeter / ohmmeter / capacitance meter
RF meter and RF attenuators
Morse code exercisers
RadioStation Click board
Raspberry Pi Pico based FM radio
Using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with Raspberry Pi Pico
Radio station security with RFID
Audio amplifier module with rotary encoder volume control
Morse decoder
Using the FS1000A TX-RX modules to communicate with Arduino
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
Based on PIC microcontrollers and Arduino
Every mobile phone includes a GSM/GPRS modem which enables the phone to communicate with the external world. With the help of the GSM modems, users can establish audio conversations and send and receive SMS text messages. In addition, the GPRS modem enables users to connect to the internet and to send and receive large files such as pictures and video over the internet.
This book is aimed for the people who may want to learn how to use the GSM/GPRS modems in microcontroller based projects. Two types of popular microcontroller families are considered in the e-book: PIC microcontrollers, and the Arduino. The highly popular mid-performance PIC18F87J50 microcontroller is used in PIC based projects together with a GSM Click board. In addition, the SIM900 GSM/GPRS shield is used with the Arduino Uno projects. Both GSM and GPRS based projects are included in the e-book.
The book will enable you to control equipment remotely by sending SMS messages from your mobile phone to the microcontroller, send the ambient temperature readings from the microcontroller to a mobile phone as SMS messages, use the GPRS commands to access the internet from a microcontroller, send temperature readings to the cloud using UDP and TCP protocols and so on.
It is assumed that the reader has some basic working knowledge of the C language and the use of microcontrollers in simple projects. Although not necessary, knowledge of at least one member of the PIC microcontroller family and the Arduino Uno will be an advantage. It will also be useful if the user has some knowledge of basic electronics.
