Tutorial: build a connected temperature sensor

Introduction to Arduino and programming . Practicals which use this tutorial have an introductory presentation (pdf). We will build a temperature sensor in this tutorial and connect it with an App. It uses an DHT11 temperature & humidity sensor and Bluetooth communication with a phone. We use a BLE-Nano here, but you can also use a regular Arduino … Continue reading Tutorial: build a connected temperature sensor

Tutorial: build a distance sensor with an alarm

Introduction to Arduino and programming . There is also a “quick walk-through video” of this tutorial. My practicals which use this tutorial have an introductory presentation (pdf). We will build a distance meter in this tutorial. It uses an ultrasonic distance sensor to sense the distance to an object nearby. It consist of the following steps: … Continue reading Tutorial: build a distance sensor with an alarm

“Error uploading sketch” in Arduino IDE and other upload issues

If you keep getting the error below (or a similar one) when trying to upload your sketch, read this article. Try the troubleshooting steps below in order. If it still fails, contact us and describe what you tried (which steps). Show verbose output of the Arduino IDE In File > Preferences do you have the … Continue reading “Error uploading sketch” in Arduino IDE and other upload issues

Options for additional components and power for the Arduino

What options are there for the use of motors in our project? There are many types of motors. There are 3 basic types (more info): Most light servo motors can be used directly with an Arduino (no motor driver/controller required). For some heavier types and for many DC and stepper motors you do need a … Continue reading Options for additional components and power for the Arduino

BLE-Nano with RGB LED

Bluetooth communication between an App built with App Inventor and the BLE-Nano board

This tutorial describes how to build an electronic circuit with an RGB LED (a LED that can change color), and change its color using an App. It also demonstrates two-way communication over Bluetooth LE between an App built with App Inventor and the BLE-Nano board. The BLE-Nano board is basically an Arduino Nano with an … Continue reading Bluetooth communication between an App built with App Inventor and the BLE-Nano board

Countdown timers and executing tasks in parallel on an Arduino

The examples in this article use an OLED display. Countdown timer example In its simplest form, a countdown timer can be coded like this, using the loop() for repetition (no for- or while-loop needed!): Full example : oled_display_countdown_start_button.ino This will countdown from 10 to 0 in ten seconds. If you prefer to display the number … Continue reading Countdown timers and executing tasks in parallel on an Arduino

Create a stand-alone Java App that displays info from a connected sensor

This article assumes you have already some experience in creating Java Apps. For instance if you have done the first 2 lectures of the course Application Development. You should also have prepared the DHT temperature/humidity sensor and have a working sketch for it (eg. by completing step 1 and 2 of practical assignment 2 of … Continue reading Create a stand-alone Java App that displays info from a connected sensor