Connect an ESP8266 module to an Arduino Nano and control it with Blynk

We are going to build a circuit that is connected to an app build with Blynk. For this we connect an Arduino to an ESP8266 module and connect it through Wifi (step 1). This example uses an Arduino Nano, of course you may use an other type of Arduino, eg. the Uno. In the second … Continue reading Connect an ESP8266 module to an Arduino Nano and control it with Blynk

Build an RFID reader with Arduino and the RC522 RFID module

The RC522 RFID module is a cheap module which comes with a card and a dongle.You can buy it at our local electronics shop the STORES for a few euro’s (search for ‘rfid’ in the price list). Or buy it here. Only thing you have to do before you can use it is solder the … Continue reading Build an RFID reader with Arduino and the RC522 RFID module

VL53L1X sensor with RGB Ledstrip

Simulation of anxiety: pulsing rainbow heartbeat pattern on a LED strip that intensifies when something get closer…

This project combines two examples: We will use a Seeed Studio XIAO which is a small microcontroller, but this can be done with any Arduino or ESP module you have at hand. For code generation, GitHub Copilot is used. Setting up the circuit Connect the SCL & SDA pins of the VL53L1X sensor to those … Continue reading Simulation of anxiety: pulsing rainbow heartbeat pattern on a LED strip that intensifies when something get closer…

breadboard with rgb led pico w

Create an RGB Led controller App

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 Android Studio. Older versions of this tutorial: If you have and Arduino, that can also work … Continue reading Create an RGB Led controller App

Tutorial: build a laser distance sensor with a Raspberry Pi Pico

In this tutorial, we will build a laser distance Sensor with a Raspberry Pi Pico and CircuitPython, using a VL53L1X Time-of-Flight (TOF) sensor. In this tutorial you will learn to build a distance sensor. It takes the basic steps to connect electronic components and programming the Raspberry Pi Pico in Python. It uses an laser … Continue reading Tutorial: build a laser distance sensor with a Raspberry Pi Pico

Wokwi logo

Prototyping in a rush? No time for physical prototype? Simulate it!

Learn more about simulating a physical prototype. Wokwi is a great simulator that you can use to build your electronics projects online, without the need to get components, wire them on a breadboard and then test. If you combine it with Chat GPT to do the coding, you can have your prototype up-and-running in literally … Continue reading Prototyping in a rush? No time for physical prototype? Simulate it!

Breadboard with temperature sensor, display and Raspberry Pi Pico

Tutorial: build a connected temperature sensor with a Raspberry Pi Pico W

In this tutorial you learn to build a temperature sensor and connect it via Bluetooth with an App. It uses a DHT11 temperature & humidity sensor and Bluetooth communication with your phone. For this we will use a Raspberry Pi Pico W, the Wireless edition of the Pico. It consists of the following steps: This … Continue reading Tutorial: build a connected temperature sensor with a Raspberry Pi Pico W

Sensor with separate header pins

Using the VL53L1X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor

This short tutorial introduces the VL53L1X Time-of-Flight (ToF ) distance sensor and hook it up to an Arduino Nano. Further directions: If you bought it like this: You will first have to solder the header pins. Connect the sensor Because the sensor uses I2C its wiring is simple: It’s operating voltage is 3.3V or 5V, … Continue reading Using the VL53L1X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor

Tutorial: build a distance sensor with a Raspberry Pi Pico and CircuitPython

In a previous tutorial “build a distance sensor with an alarm” we used an Arduino Nano (coded in a C-variant). Now, we will do the same with a Raspberry Pi Pico and CircuitPython, a version of Python which runs on microcontrollers. If you are more interested in programming the Pico with the Arduino IDE (in … Continue reading Tutorial: build a distance sensor with a Raspberry Pi Pico and CircuitPython