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

Learn Python: a first “Hello world” userinterface

Through this assignment you become familiar with developing a Python application. We wil create an App in which you can input text and then show that text as part of a message in the App. Python is renowned for its readability and simplicity. Its syntax facilitates concise code, making it suitable for both beginners and … Continue reading Learn Python: a first “Hello world” userinterface

Tutorial: Create a gamecontroller for the catch-the-ball game

In this tutorial, we are going to create a gamecontroller which can control the game using movements. By tilting the gamecontroller, you can control the movement of the basket. We will extend the game made in the previous tutorial. Carrying out the assignment Realizing the gamecontroller can be done in 2 ways: Using the MPU-6050 Accelerometer … Continue reading Tutorial: Create a gamecontroller for the catch-the-ball game

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). Further directions: 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 … Continue reading Tutorial: build a distance sensor with an alarm

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

Most 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!): Download the sketch: oled_display_countdown_start_button.ino Full simulation including breadboard on Wokwi: This will countdown from 10 to 0 in ten seconds after … Continue reading Countdown timers and executing tasks in parallel on an Arduino