Tag Archives: electronics

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. In this tutorial you will learn to build a distance sensor with an alarm. … Continue reading Tutorial: build a distance sensor with a Raspberry Pi Pico and CircuitPython

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 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

Getting started with Blynk

Blynk is an app with which you can control any piece of electronics you have build, eg. a circuit build with an Arduino. To get started with Blynk, you can follow the getting started guide: www.blynk.cc/getting-started then continue at step 5 of docs.blynk.cc (under getting started) to add a first Widget. The first example (BlynkBlink) builds … Continue reading Getting started with Blynk

Idea generation with LittleBits for “Design for Specific Users”

Tomorrow a Littlebits-workshop will be held for students doing a project on “Design for Specific Users”. We are going to practice building small, interactive circuits. Aim is to investigate design possibilities in the idea phase of the design process and quickly try-out different directions for idea’s. Students are encouraged to experiment freely by building circuits, mixing … Continue reading Idea generation with LittleBits for “Design for Specific Users”

Workshop Idea Generation with LittleBits

Monday I give a Littlebits-workshop for students doing a project on “Design for Specific Users”. We are going to practice building small, interactive circuits. Aim is to investigate design possibilities in the idea phase of the design process and quickly try-out different directions for idea’s. Students are encouraged to experiment freely by building circuits, mixing inputs … Continue reading Workshop Idea Generation with LittleBits

Build a distance-sensor with LittleBits

By utilizing the Arduino-bit and the Proto-bit, all kinds of electronic circuits and components can be connected to a Littlebits circuit. In this example, we connect an Ultrasonic sensor to the Arduino-bit with the Proto-bit. The distance measured by the Ultrasonic sensor will be displayed on the Number-bit. This example is based on the Bat … Continue reading Build a distance-sensor with LittleBits

Embodied interaction with LittleBits

Tomorrow I give a Littlebits-workshop for students following the course “Embodied interaction”. We are going to build small, sensory action-reaction type of circuits which are worn by the participants. Aim is that every participant has an output and an input-circuit on his/her body. While walking around, the circuits may trigger reactions on the other participants output circuits. … Continue reading Embodied interaction with LittleBits

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

Create a wireless presenter for your presentations with LittleBits

As a demo for a workshop I am giving next week, I created a wireless presenter to use for presentations. The receiver is connected to the computer via the Arduino Bit. The wireless presenter is just a button connected to the Wireless Transmitter Bit. When you press the button, the (Powerpoint) presentation advances to the next … Continue reading Create a wireless presenter for your presentations with LittleBits