Project 0

What is Arduino

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www.dfrobot.com 00. What is Arduino 01
What is Arduino?

Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and
software. It is intended for artists, designers, hobbyists and anyone interested in creating interactive objects
or developing environments.
Arduino can sense its environment by receiving inputs from sensors, and interact with its environment by controlling
lights, motors, or other actuators. The Arduino integrated development environment (IDE) is a cross-platform
application written in Java, and is derived from the IDE for the Processing programming language and wiring
projects. It can run independently and communicate with other software such as Flash, Processing, MaxMSP
and more. Arduino IDE is open source so you can download and share thousands of interactive projects for
free!

Here are some Arduino projects just to give your some ideas of tasks it can complete.

// make sound notification when coffee is done

// email notification via mobile
// blinking fluffy toy
// Professor Xs steam punk wheel chair with voice recognition and drink serving function
// a Star War arm gun
// a pulse monitor to store data when biking
// a robot that can run in snow and draw pictures on the floor
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History
Arduino started in 2005 as a project for students at the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea in Ivrea, Italy. At that
time, programming students used a "BASIC Stamp" for projects. This was at a cost of $100, considered expensive
for students.
Massimo Banzi, one of the founders of Arduino, taught at Ivrea. The name "Arduino" comes from a bar in Ivrea
where some of the founders of the project used to meet. The bar itself was named after Arduino, Margrave of
Ivrea and King of Italy from 1002 to 1014.
Colombian student Hernando Barragan contributed a hardware thesis for a wiring design. After the wiring
platform was complete, researchers worked to make it lighter, less expensive, and available to the open source
community. The school eventually closed down, so these researchers, including a man called David Cuartielles,
promoted the idea. This idea was to become the Arduino as we know it today.

Arduino UNO
Now lets take a close look at the Arduino micro-controller and try to locate I/O ports (input/output) and on
board LEDs.

I/ O pins, digital pins 0-13, analog pins 0-5.

2 power sources. One is the USB port that can draw power from the USB connection. Another is power jack that
inputs DC power of 6-12 volts.
4 LEDs and reset button. L is the on board LED that connects with digital pin 13. TX and RX are indicators of
transmission signal and received signal. When we download a sketch to the Arduino, these two lights blink,
indicating that data is being transmitted and received.
Digital Pins 0~13
Reset (PWM Pins 3,5,6,9,10,11)

USB Port
Power
Indicator

D13 Pin Signal

Indicator
Port Communication
Indicator

DC Power Jack
(6~12V)

Analog Pin 0~5

3.3V Output
5V Output
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First Use

1. Download Arduino IDE

Go to
http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
to download the installation file
according to your operation system.

For Windows users, please follow

the instructions below. For Mac
and Linux users, you can directly use
the Arduino sketch by simply
clicking on the file.
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2. Install the drivers

Installing drivers for the Arduino

Plug in your board and wait for

Windows to begin its driver
installation process. After a few
moments, despite its best ef-
forts, the process will fail, but
do not panic! Click on the Start
Menu, and open up the Control
Panel.

Find Unknown Device and then

right click and select Update
Driver Software .
www.dfrobot.com 00. What is Arduino 05
Choose rowse my com uter for
driver software to search for dri-
vers manua y

Click Browse and find the

director location of the Arduino
IDE where the installation files
are located . Inside this director
will be another director named
Drivers . elect it and click Next .
www.dfrobot.com 00. What is Arduino 06

This dialog indicates successful

installation. Hopefull this is what
ou will see! f not double check
our steps and tr again.

If you go back to your device

manager, the Arduino device
should now be recognised by your
computer.

Go to Device Manager >Ports

(COM & LPT). You should see
Arduino no (COM#). This is the
COM port that your computer uses
to transfer data to your Arduino. In
our example the computer com-
municates with the Arduino on
COM36.

Remember your COM number as

you will need it later.
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4. Upload a Blink program

Open Arduino IDE and take a moment to move your mouse along each icon to get to know their functions.
Here we will use a very basic sample code, Blink to go through the whole process and test whether the
controller is working.

Open the LED blink example sketch. You will find it under File > Examples > 01.Basics > Blink .
www.dfrobot.com 00. What is Arduino 08

V
Ve from
instructions that the computer can understand.
d mpiling.
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The code we are using should not have errors since it is an example
code. If a code does have errors in it it will fail to verify.

Time to download the code to your Arduino! Select your micro

troller by sele ting .

Then sele t your C M port by sele ting Serial Port and sele ting the
C M port number you saw earlier. In our example C M36 is in use.
www.dfrobot.com 00. What is Arduino 10

C pload
Arduino.

After it is finished, the Arduino will run the code automatically and
the onboard LED will start to blink, just as programmed!

Review

In order to upload od must do the following steps:

Code > Choose Board and Port >

...
 Project 1
LED Flashing

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www.dfrobot.com 01. LED Flashing 01

Let's get started!

Lets kickstart our Arduino adventure! In the first lesson, you will learn
the basics of components such as LEDs, buttons and resistors - includ-
ing pull-up and pull-down resistors. Additionally, you will start to write
Arduino sketches to control a LED with your Arduino.
www.dfrobot.com 01. LED Flashing 02
LED Flashing
In use the Blink on- .
T can have a clear idea of how a LED works and how they can be used in a circuit.

Required Components:

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

with Breadboard

x2 x1 x1
Jumper
M/M Resistor 220R 5MM LED

*You may need to choose a different value resistor depending on the

LED you will use. We will mention how to calculate resistance value in
the latter part of this lesson.

*DFRduino is DF Robots signature Arduino board and functions the

same as any other Arduino board.
www.dfrobot.com 01. LED Flashing 03
Hardware

build the circuit Prototype

DF Wiring Definitions:
Shield on top of it.
bottom of the Prototype Shield should line up Green: Digital Connections
and slide in to the f . Be gentle and be
Blue: nalog Connections
careful not to bend them.
Peel the adhesive strip off the back of the Breadboard and then stick it on : Power Supply
to the Prototype Shield. ou can now set up the circuit according to the Black:
picture below.
White: Other
is standard practice to use wires of different colored insulation for
your own reference, but using different combinations of colors wont
stop the circuit working.

Normally red wire indicates power supply (Vcc), black wire indicates
ground (GND), green wire indicates digital pins, blue wire indicates analog
pins, and white is other.

Double check the orientation of LED leads on the circuit. LEDs are po-
larized (will only work if placed in the circuit the correct way around). he
long leg of the LED connects to Vcc. (In this e ample Pin 10) and the short
leg connects to GND.

When you finish the circuit, connect the Arduino controller and computer
with the provided

2
Are
f Gnd 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1

- +
5V
1

GND

-
3 2 3 1 3 2
RS
T 3V 5V GND VI
N 0 1 2 3 4 5

4 1 4 1

Fig 1-1 LED Flashing Circuit

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Arduino Sketch

Open the Arduino IDE and enter the code as sample code 1-1 shows.
(We highly recommend you type code instead of copying and pasting so
that you can develop your coding skills and learn to code by heart.)

The sample code 1-1:

//Project -- Blinking a LED
/*
Description: turn LED on and off every other second.
*/
int ledPin = 10;
void setup() {
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}
void loop() {
digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH);
delay(1000);
digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW);
delay(1000);
}

When you ve finished entering the code, click on Verify to check

if the code can be compiled. If the code has no errors, click
Upload to upload code to the micro-controller. Now your onboard
LED should be blinking on and off.
www.dfrobot.com 01. LED Flashing 05
CODE

Comments: Multi-Line Comments: Declaring Variables:

/ * the text between these two

symbols will be commented out;
int ledPin = 10;
the compiler will ignore the text type name
and the text will appear gray * / of variables of variables

Any line of code that has // put Similar to single line comments, It is so called
Declaring variableisdeclaration.
variables a useful wayA
before it will not be compiled by any text between / * and * / will variable
of namingis for
anddata storage.In
storing values this
for
the complier. The Arduino IDE be ignored by the compiler. Once sample,
later use integers(int) are applied
by the program. Inte-
indicates this by turning the line again, the Arduino IDE will turn which
gers (intrepresent
) representnumbers
numbersrange
of code grey automatically. This this text grey to show that it is is from -32768
ranging fromto-32768
32767.The storage
to 32767.
allows you to write plain English commented out. This is a useful content
In decides
the above thewe variable
example, have
descriptions of the code you or way of annotating code. type.Here
input an we input 10.
integer: 10, an
integer.
is
others have written and makes it the variable name we have chosen.
easier for other people who might variable
Of name
course, you ismay
the name of
it the
not be able to read code to variable, standing
anything for theofvalue.Of
you like instead
understand. We refer to this as course, but
ledPin, youit'smay name
better it at the
to name will
commenting out. instead of
variable ledPin), but
according it'sfunction.
to its better to
name the
Here the variable according
ledPin indi-to its
function.lHere
cates the isvariable
that the LED ledPin
connected to
indicates10that
Pin-out the LED is connected
of Arduino.
to Pin-out
Use 10 of Arduino.
a semicolon (;;) to conclude
Please
the use a ";" Ifto you
declaration. conclude the
dont use
declaration.The
the semicolon, thesemicolon under
program will not
English input
recognise themethod is necessary.
declaration, so this is
important

A variable is a place to store a piece of data. It has a name, a value, and a type. In the above
e ample, int (integer) is the type, ledPin is the name and 10 is the value. In this e ample
were declaring a variable named ledPin of type int (integer), meaning the LED is connected

What is to digital pin 10. Variables display as orange te t in the sketch.

Integers can store numbers from -32768 to 32767. You must introduce, or declare variables

a variable? before you use them. Later on in the program, you can simply type the variable name rather
than typing out the data over and over again in each line of code, at which point its value will
be looked up and used by the IDE.
When you try to name a variable, start it with a letter followed with letter, number or
underscore. The language we are using (C) is case sensitive. There are certain names that you
cannot use such as main, if, while as these have their own pre-assigned function in the IDE.
Dont forget the variable names are case-sensitive!
www.dfrobot.com 01. LED Flashing 06

The setup() function In this e ple there is only The function format is as follows:
one line in the setup() function:
void setup () {} pinMode pinMode

No return Empty
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); Mode
Pin
value function b kets (OUTPUT/INPUT)

The setup() function is read by This function is used to define pinMode configures the spec-
the Arduino when a sketch digital pin working behavior. Dig- ified digital pin to behave either
starts. It is used it to initialize ital pins are defined as an input as an input or an output. It
variables, pin modes, initialize (INPUT) or an output (OUTPUT). has two parameters:
libraries, etc. The setup function In the e ample above you can pin: the number of the pin
will only run once after each see brackets containing two whose mode you wish to set
power-up or reset of the Ar- parameters: the variable (ledPin) mode: INPUT, OUTPUT,
duino board. and its behaviour (OUTPUT). or INPUT_PULLUP.

If you want to set the digital pin

2 to input mode, what code
would you type?

Answer: pinMode (2, INPUT);

Function Segmenting code into functions allows a programmer to create modular

pieces of code that perform a defined task and then return to the area of
code from which the function was "called". The typical case for creating a
function is when one needs to perform the same action multiple times in a
program.
There are two required functions in an Arduino sketch, setup() and loop().
Other functions must be created outside the brackets of those two
functions.

Difference of INPUT is signal that sent from outside events to Arduino such as button.
OUTPUT is signal that sent from Arduino to the environment such as LED
INPUT and and buzzer.

OUTPUT
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If we scroll further down, we can The function format is as follows:

see the main part of the code.
This is the loop.
void loop() { digitalWrite (pin , value )
digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH);
delay(1000); Pin Value HIGH/LOW
digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW);
delay(1000);
}

The Arduino program must In this project we want the LED digitalWrite writes a HIGH (on)
include the setup () and loop () to turn on for 1 second and then or a LOW (off) value to a digital
function, otherwise it won t work. turn off for 1 second, and re- pin. If the pin has been
After creating a setup() function, peat this action over and over. configured as an OUTPUT
which initializes and sets the initial How can we express this in code? with pinMode(), its voltage will
values, the loop() function does be set to the
precisely what its name suggests, Look at the loop () function within
corresponding value: 5V (or
and loops consecutively, allowing the first statement.
3.3V on 3.3V boards) for HIGH
your program to change and This involves another function:
and 0V (ground) for LOW. Please
respond. Use it to actively control digitalWrite ().
note that digitalWrite() is ap-
the Arduino board. Here we want plied only under the condition
to control the LED constantly on digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH);
that pinMode() is set as
and off every other second. OUTPUT. Why? Read on
How can we make that happen?

If pinMode configures a digital pin to behave as an input, you should use the
The Relation digitalRead() function. If the pin is configured as an output, then you should use
digitalWrite().
of pinMode(), NOTE: If you do not set the pinMode() to OUTPUT, and connect an LED to a pin, when
digitalWrite() calling digitalWrite(HIGH), the LED may appear dim. This is because without explic-
itly setting a pin-Mode(), digitalWrite() will enable the internal pull-up resistor, which
and acts like a large current-limiting resistor.
digitalRead() e.g. LED, Buzzer e.g. Press button control
pinMode(pin,OUTPUT) pinMode(pin,INPUT)
digitalWrite(pin,HIGH/LOW) digitalRead(pin)
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Next

delay(1000);

delay() pauses the program for the

amount of time specified (in
miliseconds). (There are 1000 mil-
liseconds in 1 second.)
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Hardware

Breadboard

constructing and testing circuits

without having to permanently
solder them in place. Components
are pushed into the sockets on
the breadboard and then extra
to make
connections.

vi
ty Direction

The breadboard has two columns,

each with 17 strips of connections.
In this diagram the black lines
show how the top row is connect-
ed. This is the same for every other
row. The two columns are isolated
from one-another.

Fig 1-3 DIP Chip Inserted

www.dfrobot.com 01. LED Flashing 10

Resistors Read Resistor Color Rings

As the name suggests, resistors If you want to read the resistance The resistor value will be marked
resist the flow of electricity. The value from the resistor color code, on the on the outer package of
higher the value of the resistor, the visit this website for cal- your resistors, but what should we
more resistance it has and culation tables: http://www. do in case the label gets lost and
the less electrical current will flow 21ic.com/tools/compo nent/ there are no measuring tools at
through it. The unit of resistance 201003/54192.htm hand? The answer is to read the
is called the Ohm, which is resistor value. This is a group of
usually ( colored rings around the resistor.
letter Omega). Details are available online for
Unlike LEDs, resistors are those who are interested in having
not polarized (do not have a a try.
positive and negative lead) - they
can be connected either way Here is an online calculator for
around. Normally a LED needs five-color-ring resistor value
2V of voltage and 35 mA cur- calculating: http://www.21ic.com/
rent to be lit, so with a resistor of tools/compo nent/
would be able to 201003/54192.htm
control the flow
you might risk
burning it out. Be careful of this
because resistors can get hot!
www.dfrobot.com 01. LED Flashing 11

LEDs
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a
two-lead semiconductor
light
diode, which emits light
when activated.

Typically, LEDs have two leads,

one positive and one negative.
There are two ways to tell which
is the positive lead of the LED
and which the negative: Firstly,
the positive lead is longer. Sec-
ondly, where the negative lead
enters the body of the LED, there
is a flat edge to the case of the
LED.

LEDs are polarized, so they have

to be connected the right way
around. If you put the negative lead
of an LED in to the power supply
and the positive lead to ground,
the component will not wor , as
can be seen in the diagram to the
right.

n your it, you can also find LEDs

with 4 leads. This is an
with 3 primary color LEDs
embedded in to it. This will be
explored later.
 Project 2
S.O.S distress signal

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02
www.dfrobot.com 02. S.O.S distress signal 01

Lets build a Morse code generator with the circuit we built in lesson 1. Morse code is a
method of transmitting text information as a series of on-off tones, lights, or clicks. We can
use a slow blink and quick blink of an LED instead of dots and dashes to indicate letters of
the alphabet. For example, SOS. According to Morse code, S is represented with 3 dots
which we can represent with a slow blink, while O is represented with 3 dashes which we
can represent with a quick blink.

Sample code 2-1:

int ledPin = 10; // 3 quick blinks to represent S

void setup() { digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH);
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); delay(150);
} digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW);
void loop() { delay(100);

digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH);
delay(150);
digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW);
delay(100);

digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH);
delay(150);
digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW);
delay(100);

delay(100); //100 milliseconds as a break of each

letter
www.dfrobot.com 02. S.O.S distress signal 02

//3 quick blinks to represent 0 //3 quick blinks to represent S again

digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH); digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH);
delay(400); delay(150);
digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW); digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW);
delay(100); delay(100);

digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH); digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH);
delay(400); delay(150);
digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW); digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW);
delay(100); delay(100);

digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH); digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH);
delay(400); delay(150);
digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW); digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW);
delay(100); delay(100);

delay(100); delay(5000); // wait 5 seconds to repeat the

// 100 milliseconds delay between each letter next S.
S.O.S
O.Ssignal
signal
}
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CODE

It requires a lot of repetitive work to code like this. Is there a better way? Take a look at the following
sample code.

Sample code 2-2:

//The second project -- S.O.S signal

int ledPin = 10;
void setup() {
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}
void loop() {
//3 quick blinks to represent S again
for(int x=0;x<3;x++){
digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH); //configure LED on
delay(150); //delay 150 milliseconds
digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW); //configure LED off
delay(100); //delay 100 milliseconds
}

//100 milliseconds delay between of each letter

delay(100);

//3 quick blinks to represent O

for(int x=0;x<3;x++){
digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH); //configure LED on
delay(400); //delay 400 milliseconds
digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW); //configure LED off
delay(100); //delay 100 milliseconds
}

//100 milliseconds delay between of each letter

delay(100);
www.dfrobot.com 02. S.O.S distress signal 04

// 3 quick blinks to represent S again

for(int x=0;x<3;x++){
digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH); //configure LED on
delay(150); // delay 150 milliseconds
digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW); //configure LED off
delay(100); //delay 100 milliseconds
}

// wait 5 seconds to repeat the next S.O.S signal

delay(5000);
}

After uploading the code, you will see the LED blinking the S.O.S signal and repeating it after 5 seconds.
If you were to put the circuit in to a water-proof case, you could use it for sailing or hiking!
www.dfrobot.com 02. S.O.S distress signal 05
CODE

The first part of the two sketches are identical: we have initialized a variable and configured digital pin 10 to carry
out the output signal. In the main code loop(), you can find lines similar to the last project to turn the LED on
and off. The difference here is that the main code contains 3 independent blocks of statements.

The first block is to output 3 dots. So for the for statement in the
for(int x=0;x<3;x++){ sketch
digitalWrite(ledPin,HIGH); //configure LED on
delay(150); //delay 150 milliseconds for(int x=0;x<3;x++){
digitalWrite(ledPin,LOW); //configure LED off
delay(100); //delay 100 milliseconds
}
}

The for statement Step 1: I

The for statement is used to repeat a block Step 2: Evaluate if x is less than 3.
of statements enclosed in brackets. An increment Step 3: If it is valid, execute the following statement
counter is usually used to increment and terminate the Step 4: x increases and becomes 2.
loop. The for statement is useful for any Step 5: Repeat Step 2 less than
repetitive operation, and is often used in combi- 3.
nation with arrays to operate on collections of data/ Step 6: Repeat step 3
pins.
Until x=3, the condition of x<3 is not valid then the
program skips over the code.
There are three parts to the for loop header:

1 2 4 We set x<3 to have it repeat 3 times. Calculating from 0

for( )
3 to 2, it repeats 3 times.

Condition is true
} If we wanted it to repeat 100 times, we can use the fol-
lowing code: for(int x=0;x<100;x++){}

Some comparison operators like ">", "<" are

frequently used in programming conditional
statements. They will covered in more detail in the next
section.
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Here are some common operators that you might use:

"<" is an example of a compar- ow you should know how the
ison operator. Comparison op- for loop operates. There are 3 for
erators allow the Arduino to com- loops in the code. The first for
pare two values. Below are some loop repeats 3 times and the
more examples of frequently used long-lasting flashing alternates 3
comparison operators: times, giving an output of 3 dots
==equal representing the letter S in Morse
!=not equal code. The second for loop also
<less than repeats 3 times and the temporary
>greater than flashing alternates 3 times, giving
<=less than or equal an output of 3 dashes , repre-
>=greater than or equal senting the letter O in Morse code.
The third for loop is identical to
Beware of accidentally using a
the first, and also outputs an S in
single equals sign (e.g. if (x = 10) ).
Morse code.
The single equals sign is the as-
signment operator, and sets x You might notice there are various
to 10 (puts the value 10 into the x variables in different blocks of
variable x). A double equals sign code, but they dont interfere with
is comparison operator instead each other. Because it has a
(e.g. if (x == 10) ), limited scope in a specific block of
Also, be careful that there is no function. It is the counterpart of
space between <= or >=. global variables that needs to
declare at the top of the code out
You can also use arithmetic of setup() and loop()function and
operators such as + - * / . you will be able to use it anywhere
in the code.
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Exercise
Lets make some traffic lights by us-
ing 3 digital pins to control 3 LED
lights. red light

5S 2S 5S 2S
yellow light

green light
 Project 3
Interactive traffic lights

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03
www.dfrobot.com 03. Interactive traffic lights 01
Interactive traffic lights

You will start your first interactive Arduino project in this lesson by making button-controlled traffic lights. When
the button is pressed, the lights will change for pedestrians to pass by.

Required Components:

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

x13 x6 x1
Jumper Cables
M/M Resistor 220R Pushbutton

5MM LED
x2 5MM LED
x2
*Why are there 5 LEDs with 6 resistors?
5MM LED
x1
The extra resistor is a pull-down resistor for the button.

*After this, we won t list the Arduino, Breadboard, Prototype Shield or

Jumpers in the component list any more as they will be necessary for every
project.
www.dfrobot.com 03. Interactive traffic lights 02
Circuit

Follow the wiring diagram below to build your circuit.

Please note that the green lines represent socket connections and do not
represent the color of wire you must use.
Only use the provided USB cable to power the Arduino after you build
the circuit. This cable provides a steady 5V to the Arduino. If you use
another power source, there is a chance the voltage might be too high,
which might overload the components.

2
Are
f Gnd 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1
5V
1

GND

3 2 3 1 3 2
RS
T 3V 5V GND VI
N 0 1 2 3 4 5

4 1 4 1

Fig 3-1 Wiring Diagram of LED Blinking

www.dfrobot.com 03. Interactive traffic lights 03
Code

The sketch is originally from Beginning Arduino

Sample code 3-1:

// PROJECT 3 Interactive Traffic Light

int carRed = 12; //configure traffic light
int carYellow = 11;
int carGreen = 10;
int button = 9; //pin of button
int pedRed = 8; //configure light for pedestrians
int pedGreen = 7;
int crossTime = 5000; //time for pedestrians to pass unsigned
long changeTime; //time that the button is pressed

void setup() {
//configure all LEDs as output
pinMode(carRed, OUTPUT);
pinMode(carYellow, OUTPUT);
pinMode(carGreen, OUTPUT);
pinMode(pedRed, OUTPUT);
pinMode(pedGreen, OUTPUT);
pinMode(button, INPUT); //configure button as input
digitalWrite(carGreen, HIGH); //initialize green traffic
light on
digitalWrite(pedRed, LOW); //initialize red pedestrian light off }

void loop() {
int state = digitalRead(button);
// test if the button is pressed and if 5 seconds have passed after it is pressed
lately.
if(state == HIGH && (millis() - changeTime)> 5000){
//carry out the function of changing LED
changeLights();
}
}
void changeLights() {
www.dfrobot.com 03. Interactive traffic lights 04

digitalWrite(carGreen, LOW); //green traffic light off After uploading the sketch, take a
digitalWrite(carYellow, HIGH); //yellow traffic light on look at how LED changes. First,
delay(2000); //wait for 2 secs the green traffic light is
on and the red pedestrian
digitalWrite(carYellow, LOW); // yellow traffic light off
digitalWrite(carRed, HIGH); //red traffic light on light is on to allow cars to pass.
delay(1000); // wait for 1 sec for safety reason Once you press the button,
the pedestrian light changes
from red to green and the traffic
digitalWrite(pedRed, LOW); //red pedestrian light off light changes from just green to
digitalWrite(pedGreen, HIGH); //light pedestrian light on
green and red. There is then a
delay(crossTime); // time for crossing street delay allowing time for pedes-
trians to cross the street.
//blink green pedestrian light to notify pedestrians to pass soon When the delay comes to the
for (int x=0; x<10; x++) { end, the green pedestrian light
digitalWrite(pedGreen, HIGH); blinks to notify pedestrians.
delay(250); When this finishes, the lights
digitalWrite(pedGreen, LOW);
change back to the initial state
delay(250);
} with the green traffic light on
digitalWrite(pedRed, HIGH); //red pedestrian light on and red pedestrian light on.
delay(500);
The above codes do look
digitalWrite(carRed, LOW); //red traffic light off complex, but actually, it is not that
digitalWrite(carYellow, HIGH); //yellow traffic light on
difficult to understand the ideas in
delay(1000);
delay(1000); practice.
digitalWrite(carYellow, LOW); //yellow traffic light off
digitalWrite(carGreen, HIGH); //green traffic light on If you find it is difficult for you to
follow, try to draw a diagram like
changeTime = millis() // record the duration since last the one in the homework
change of Project 2. This will help
//back to the loop of main code
you to comprehend the
}
codes a little better. Good luck!
www.dfrobot.com 03. Interactive traffic lights 05
Code

Based on the previous 2 projects, most of the Then we enter the setup() function to configure the
codes should make sense for you. The codes start LED and button.
from a set of variable declarations, but we have used
a new term. It is e plained below:

unsigned long changeTime; pinMode(button, INPUT);

Before we use int to store integers from -32768 to We have been quite familiar with pinMode() function
32767. The long command we use in this project can introduced in Project 1. Its difference with LED project
store integers from -2147483648 to 2147483647. lies in that the button should be set as INPUT.
Unsigned long cannot store negative numbers. So it In setup() function, please initialize the pedestrian and
stores integers from 0 to 4294967295. traffic light:
If we use int, we might go over the limit of 32 seconds digitalWrite(carGreen, HIGH); //initializing green traffic
(32768ml sec) and risk having errors in running the light on
sketch.As a result, we need another command to store digitalWrite(pedRed, LOW); //pedestrian red light on
integers and exclude negative numbers, such as
unsigned long whose limit is 49 days. The first line of the main sketch is to test the state of
button in pin9.

int state = digitalRead(button);

Can the Why can some variables store large amounts of data while some can t? It
depends on storage space of the variable, a bit like a box. For example,
box of variable the storage capacity of int is much smaller than unsigned long .
be infinite big? Just like a computer has a limited storage space, a micro-controller, like
your Arduino, is the same. The maximum storage space of Arduino
UNOs main chip (Atmega328 is 32k, so if we can save some storage
space, we should definitely do that.

Some common variables you will come across

Data Type RAM Range

boolean 1 byte 0 ~ 1True or False
char 1 byte -128 ~ 127
unsigned char 1 byte 0~255
int 2 byte -32768 ~ 32768
unsigned int 2 byte 0 ~ 65535
long 4 byte -2147483648 ~ 2147483647
unsigned long 4 byte 0 ~ 4294967295
float 4 byte -3.4028235E38 ~ 3.4028235E38
double 4 byte -3.4028235E38 ~ 3.4028235E38

There are various type of variables. Int and long are for integers, char is for
characters, float and double are for variables with decimal point.
www.dfrobot.com 03. Interactive traffic lights 06
In the setup() function, there is a Here we use the if() command This is a command inside the if()
new command digitalRead() ! to test conditions. command.

digitalRead (pin) if(condition){ changeLights();

Statement;
pin }
This command is used to read If itthe condition
reaches specified in
the condition in the This is a function created outside of
the digital pins state, whether parenthesis is itsatisfied,
parenthesis, carries itout
carries
the loop() function. When we want to
high (1) or low (0).The command out the statement.
following statement. IfIf not, the
not,the use it, we just need to cite the name
has one parameter: pin number . program skips over the code. of the function. It has not returned
An expression refers to the a value and does not need to
This command passes the signal In other words,
criterion if the if which
for judging, expression
are pass parameters so it is a void
read to the variable state returns
usually TRUE,
in the the statement
form is run.
of relation or function. When it is used, the pro-
for further judgment. If it returns
logic. FALSE,itthe
In addition, statement
also refers to is
a gram will run the function and go
skipped.
value directly.An expression refers back to the main code afterwards.
When state value is HIGH or 1, to the criterion for judging, which Beware not to miss the parenthe-
it means that the push button In
are the above
usually in thecodes,
form ofthe first
relation sis when using this function as
has been pressed. condition
or logic. Inisaddition,
whetheritvariable state
also refers to otherwise it will not be recognised.
When state value is LOW or is HIGHdirectly.If
a value (or on). the
When the push
IF expression
0, it means that the push but- button
returns isTRUE,
pressed,
run ifthe state turns
statement. If it
ton hasn't been pressed. HIGH.
returnsThe second
FALSE, condition is
skip if statement.
that
In thevalue returns
above for the
codes, millis()
first Logical Operators
We can check the value of state minus thatis for
condition change
whether Timestate
variable is
to test if the button is pressed. more than 5000.
is HIGH.When the push button is
pressed, state turns HIGH.The Some other common boolean
operators:
if(state == HIGH && (millis() W e u s econdition
second "&&" to connect
is thatthevalue
two
changeTime)> 5000) { conditions.
returns for This is aminus
millis() logical
that op-
for && logic and (True only
//carry out light-changing erator, showing
change Time that we wantthan
is more the if both conditions are true)
command above two conditions
5000.There should met
be at"&&"
the || logic or (True if
changeLights(); same time. the two conditions.It is
connecting either condition is true)
} a logical operator, standing for logic not (True if the
millis() isthe
meeting a command
above twothat returns
conditions condition is false)
the number
at the of milliseconds since
same time.
the Arduino
Millis() board began
is a command that running
returns
the current
numberprogram. This number
of milliseconds since
will overflowboard
the Arduino (go back
begantorunning
zero),
after approximately
the current program.50This
days.
number
Here we use it(go
will overflow to calculate
back toif zero),
there
is a approximately
after break of more than
50 days. Here
5 use
we seconds when pressing
it to calculate if there are a
button ofmore
break morethan
thanonce. If
5 seconds
shorterpressing
when than 5 button
seconds, it skips
more than
over theshorter
once.If code to avoid
than errors it
5 seconds,
caused
skips by the
over accidentally pressing
code to avoid errors
the button.
from accidentally pressing button.
www.dfrobot.com 03. Interactive traffic lights 07
Components

Push Button
The push button we used has
4 pins. When you press
a button or flip a lever, they
1 2
connect two pins together
so that electricity can
flow through them. Actually, Fig 3-2 Structure of push button (front
4 3
back & back)
there are only really two elec-
trical connections; inside the
switch package pins 1 and 4 are
1 2 1 2
connected together, as are 2 press the button Fig 3-3 schematic diagram of push
and 3. The little tactile 4 3 4 3 button
switches that are used in this
lesson have four connections.
You might have one with 2 pins,
but it works the same way.

A push button can switch on and

switch off the electricity flowing
through the circuit. In the project,
when it is pressed, D9 pin de-
tects HIGH (on), otherwise it re- Fig 3-4 button diagram
mains LOW (off).
www.dfrobot.com 03. Interactive traffic lights 08

What is pull-down
resistor?
2
Are
f Gnd 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1

5V
Pull-down resistors are used in
electronic logic circuits to ensure

5V
that inputs to the arduino settle at
1

expected logic levels if external

input
devices are disconnected. A

GND
pull-down resistor weakly "pulls"
the voltage of the wire it is
without pull-down
3 2 3 1 3 2
RS
T 3V 5V GND VI
N 0 1 2 3 4 5

connected to to ground when the

resistor
4 1 4 1

other components on the line are

inactive.
When the switch on the line is 5V
2

open, it has high impedance and acts

Are
f Gnd 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1

0V
like it is disconnected. Since the
5V
5V

other components act as though input

1

they are disconnected, the circuit

acts as though it is disconnected,
GND

and the pull-up resistor brings the

GND
wire up to the HIGH logic lev- 3 2 3 1 3 2
RS
T 3V 5V GND VI
N 0 1 2 3 4 5

with pull-down resistor

4 1 4 1

el. When another component on

the line goes active, it will override
the HIGH logic level set by the
pull-up resistor. The pull-up
resistor assures that the wire is at a
defined logic level even if no active
devices are connected to it.
www.dfrobot.com 03. Interactive traffic lights 09
Homework After Class

1. of any color
Turn on the LED
and achieve the LED lights display.

Turn off the LED

2.
up the column of LEDs in the
middle and have them pass the
light towards either edge.

3 light the column from left to

 Project 4
Breathing LED

www.dfrobot.com
04
www.dfrobot.com 04. Breathing LED 01
Breathing LED

In previous lessons, we learned how to turn a LED on and off by Arduino programming. It is also possible to
control the brightness of your LED as well. There are 6 digital pins marked with ~ on your controller. This
means that these pins can use a PWM signal. We will build a RGB LED fader by controlling PWM creating a
smooth brightening and dimmming of your LED as it gradually turns on and off.

Components

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

x2 x1 x1
Jumper Cables
M/M Resistor 220R 5MM LED
www.dfrobot.com 04. Breathing LED 02
Circuit

The wiring diagram is the same as Project 1. If you are not clear about it,
go back to Project 1 and have a look.

2
Are
f Gnd 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1

- +
5V
1

GND

3 2 3 1 3 2
RS
T 3V 5V GND VI
N 0 1 2 3 4 5

4 1 4 1

Fig. 4-1 Breathing LED Diagram

www.dfrobot.com 04. Breathing LED 03
Arduino Code

Sample Code 4-1 You will see the LED getting brighter and
fading constantly after uploading the code.
// Project 4
int ledPin = 10;

void setup() {
pinMode(ledPin,OUTPUT);
}

void loop(){
fadeOn(1000,5);
fadeOff(1000,5);
}

void fadeOn(unsigned int time,int increament){

for (byte value = 0 ; value < 255; value+=increament){
analogWrite(ledPin, value);
delay(time/(255/5));
}
}

void fadeOff(unsigned int time,int decreament){

for (byte value = 255; value >0; value-=decreament){
analogWrite(ledPin, value);
delay(time/(255/5));
}
}
www.dfrobot.com 04. Breathing LED 04
Code

Most of the code we are already very familiar with, such as initializing variable declarations, setting pins,
setting up the for loop, as well as the function call.
The format of the
In the main code, we only use 2
This is a new command in the analogWrite command is
functions. You will have a clear
for() function. as below:
idea after checking one of them
as below. analogWrite(ledPin, value) Value between 0 and 255

void fadeOn(unsigned int time,int How can we send analog values analogWrite(pin,value)
increment){ to a digital pin? We use pins
marked with a on the end, PWM pins
for (byte value = 0 ; value <
such as D3, D5, D6, D9, D10 and
255; value+=increment){ The analogWrite() function is
D11, to output a variable amount
to assign the PWM pin an ana-
analogWrite(ledPin, value); of power to the LED. These tech-
log value between 0 and 255.
delay(time/(255/5)); nique of controlling power is known
} as Pulse Width Modulation , or
} PWM for short.

The fadeOn() function has 2

parameters, int time for time
and int increment for the
increasing values. There is a for()
statemen that repeats the
program. The condition is
value < 255 and the amount of
brightness increase is decided by
increment.
www.dfrobot.com 04. Breathing LED 05

Roughly every 1/500 of a second, the PWM pins outputs a The green line is the cycle of the pulse. The per-
pulse using digital signals. By controlling the length of on centage of length of high voltage and low voltage
and off, it creates an equivalent effect of carrying out according to the value of analogWrite() function is
voltage between 0 volts and 5 volts. The length of pulse is known as the Duty Cycle. The duty cycle of the first
called pulse width so PWM refers to pulse pulse is 0. So the value is 0 and the brightness of LED
width modulation. is 0, equivalent to off. The longer the signal is HIGH,
Lets take a closer look at PWM. the brighter the LED is. The duty cycle of the last
pulse is 100%. So the value is 255 and the brightness
Pulse Width Modulation of LED is 255. Likewise, 50% is half brightness and 25
0% Duty Cycle - analogWrite(0)
% is relatively dimmer.
5v
PWM is widely used in controlling light brightness. We
0v
also use it to control the rotating speed of motors,
25% Duty Cycle - analogWrite(64)
such as wheels of vehicles powered by motors.
5v
0v
This chapter is over! Although we have used the same
50% Duty Cycle - analogWrite(127) hardware as in Project 1, Arduino is running a different
5v program, resulting in a completely different effect.
0v
We think that the Arduino is amazing and we
75% Duty Cycle - analogWrite(191)
5v hope by now you do too!

0v

100% Duty Cycle - analogWrite(255)

5v
0v
www.dfrobot.com 04. Breathing LED 06
Exercise

1. Create a flickering flame effect using LEDs by controlling the value of PWM at random. Cover it with
paper and it will become a little lamp at night.

Materials:
1 red LED
2
1 220

the random() suggest you to initialize a brightness level first

and let it change within a random value, such as random(120)+135. This way, the LED can change within a small
amount just like a real flame

You can look up to the references below for more explanations of various commands.

https://www.arduino.cc/en/Reference/HomePage

2. Try a more challenging project: Control the LED with 2 buttons, one to make it brighter, the other to make it
dimmer.

Reference: http://www.geek-workshop.com/thread-1054-1-1.html
 Project 5
Colour RGB LED

www.dfrobot.com
05
www.dfrobot.com 05. Colourful RGB LED 01
Color RGB LED
Lets start with a new component: an RBG LED. This component combines red, blue and green LEDs and can
display various colors by adjusting the different values of each light. A computer monitor uses many RBG LEDs to
display an image. We will learn how to create different colors with RGB LED randomly in the this lesson.

Components

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

x4 x3 x1
Jumper Cables
M/M Resistor 220R 5mm RGB LED
www.dfrobot.com 05. Colourful RGB LED 02
Circuit

Before building the circuit, try to identify whether your RGB LED is
common cathode or common anode. If you dont know how to do it, skip
to the last part of this lesson. In this project, we assume that you are
using a common cathode RBG LED.

2
Are
f Gnd 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1
5V
1

GND

3 2 3 1 3 2
RS
T 3V 5V GND VI
N 0 1 2 3 4 5

4 1 4 1

Fig. 5-1 Colourful RGB LED Diagram

www.dfrobot.com 05. Colourful RGB LED 03
Arduino Code

Sample code 5-1:

//PROJECT 5 RGB LED
int redPin = 9;
int greenPin = 10;
int bluePin = 11;

void setup(){
pinMode(redPin, OUTPUT);
pinMode(greenPin, OUTPUT);
pinMode(bluePin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop(){
//R:0-255 G:0-255 B:0-255
colorRGB(random(0,255),random(0,255),random(0,255));
delay(1000);
}

void colorRGB(int red, int green, int blue){

analogWrite(redPin,constrain(red,0,255));
analogWrite(greenPin,constrain(green,0,255)); You should see the RGB LED
analogWrite(bluePin,constrain(blue,0,255)); blinking with random colors after
} uploading this code.
www.dfrobot.com 05. Colourful RGB LED 04
Code

First, we will configure the 3 LEDs contained within the RGB LED to 3 PWM pins so we can adjust them to
different colors by declaring 3 pins as an OUTPUT .
The main part of this program is to create a new command: colorRGB() which has 3 parameters to assign a
value to red, green and blue light between the values of 0 and 255.
This way, when we want to configure a color, we can simply assign values to this command instead of
repeating the analogWrite() command constantly.

Here we will introduce constrain() and random() . Red, green and blue are our constrained parameters.
Do try to look them up with websites we mentioned in They are constrained between 0 and 255 (which falls
the last homework first and see if you can under- into the range of PWM values). Values are generated
stand them. at random using the random() function.
The format of the constrain function is as follows: The format of random() is as below:

Minimum value

constrain(xab) random( min max )

Constrained parameter Maximum value Minimum value Maximum value

The constrain() function requires three parameters: The first variable of this function is the minimum value
x, a and b. and the second is the maximum. So we configure as
random(0,255) in this program.
x is a constraint number here, a is the minimum,
and b is the maximum.

If the value is less than a , it will return to a . If it is

greater than b , it will return to b .
www.dfrobot.com 05. Colourful RGB LED 05
Components

RGB LED
The RGB LED has four leads. If you
are using a common cathode RGB
LED, there is one lead going to the
positive connection of each of the
single LEDs and a single lead that
is connected to all three negative
sides of the LEDs. Thats why it is
called common cathode. There is Fig. 5-2 How 3 LEDs form A RGB LED (Common Cathode)
no difference in appearance be-
tween common cathode and
common anode RGB LEDs,
however, you do need to pay
attention when assigning color
values. For example, for the
common cathode RGB
red is B-0 . For
the common anode RGB LED, red
is R-0, G-255, B-255 . How can
we adjust the RGB LED to Fig. 5-3 Remixing red, green and
change to different colors? blue to achieve various colors

By assigning different values

of brightness levels to 3
primary colors using the func-
tion analogWrite(value) , you
can configure any color you like!
www.dfrobot.com 05. Colourful RGB LED 06

Y ou can configure 255x255x255 Red Green Blue Colour

(16777216) kinds of colors by as- 255 0 0 Red
signing different PWM values on 0 255 0 Green
these 3 LEDs 0 0 255 Blue
255 255 0 Yellow
0 255 255 Blueish Green
255 0 255 Purplish Red
255 255 255 White

Fig. 5-1 Colours generated from combined PWM values of different LEDs

What is the difference between common anode and common cathode

The difference RGB LEDs in application? According to the figure below, there is no dif-

between ference between common anode and common cathode in terms of their
appearance. However, there are two key differences in their application:
common anode
and common (1) Different connections: for the common anode, the common port
should be connected to 5V but bot GND, otherwise the LED fails to be lit.
cathode
RBG (2) Colour matching: the common anode RGB LED is totally different than
the common cathode RGB LED. The common anode RGB LED decodes in
LEDs the opposite way: R-0, G-255 and B-255.

Fig. 5-4 Common Cathode RGB Diagram Fig. 5-5 Common Anode RGB Diagram
www.dfrobot.com 05. Colourful RGB LED 07
Exercise

1. Based colors by
playing with different values.

TIP: You only need to change variables of colorRGB().

2. Take your rainbow se uence LED and make each color fade so that the transition between each color is
smoother.
www.dfrobot.com 05. Colourful RGB LED 08

How to load libraries

Download a library from the
internet and unzip it to the Unzip the archive files into Libraries of

libraries directory inside the

Arduino IDE directory on your
computer.

Beware that inside the folder will

be a .cpp file, a .h file and
often a keywords.txt file. Be sure
that these are within the same di-
rectory otherwise the Arduino IDE
will not recognize the library.

Then open the program in

the example. Check whether you
need to change the pins in the
program if necessary.

Files of *.cpp and *.h must be placed in the

root directory but not the second-level
 Project 6
Alarm

www.dfrobot.com
06
www.dfrobot.com 06. Alarm 01
Alarm

Lets try a new component: the buzzer! It generates sounds of different frequencies using sinusoidal
waves. If you connect a LED with the same sinusoidal wave, you can make your own alarm.

Component

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

x2 x1
Jumper Cables
M/M Buzzer
www.dfrobot.com 06. Alarm 02
Hardware Connections

Make the following connections. Notice that the longer leg on the buzzer
is positive, and the shorter leg is negative. Connect the negative lead
to GND and the positive lead to Pin 8.

2
Are
f Gnd 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1
5V
1

GND

3 2 3 1 3 2
RS
T 3V 5V GND VI
N 0 1 2 3 4 5

4 1 4 1

Fig. 6-1 Alarm Diagram

www.dfrobot.com 06. Alarm 03
Code

Sample code 6-1 (from Beginning Arduino)

Sample code 6-1:

// Project 6 Alarm
float sinVal;
int toneVal;

void setup(){
pinMode(8, OUTPUT);
}

void loop(){
for(int x=0; x<180; x++){
//convert angle of sinusoidal to radian measure
sinVal = (sin(x*(3.1412/180)));
//generate sound of different frequencies by sinusoidal value
toneVal = 2000+(int(sinVal*1000));
//Set a frequency for Pin-out 8
tone(8, toneVal);
delay(2); You can hear alarm of high and
} low pitches after uploading the
} code.
www.dfrobot.com 06. Alarm 04
Code

First, define two variables: Then we change this value to a Here we introduce 3 functions
sound frequency of an alarm: relevant to tone:

float sinVal; toneVal = 2000+(int(sin- 1. tone(pin,frequency)

int toneVal; Val*1000));
pin is the digital pin connected
float is a datatype for floating sinVal is a floating variable, a value to the buzzer. Frequency is the
point numbers (a number that has with decimal point. We dont want frequency value in Hz.
a decimal point). our frequency to have decimal
point, so we need to change the 2. tone(pin,frequency,
Floating point numbers are often
duration)
used to approximate analog and floating value to an integer value
continuous values because they by writing the command as below: The duration parameter is mea-
have greater resolution than sured in milliseconds. If there is no
int(sinVal*1000)
integers. Here we use the duration, the buzzer will keep mak-
float variable to store sinu- ing sound of different frequencies.
Human ears can notice sound of
soidal values. The sinusoidal wave
frequencies from 20Hz to 20kHz,
changes quite evenly in a wave 3. noTone(pin)
so we multiply the raw value by
shape, so we convert it to sound
1000 times plus 2000 to assign The noTone(pin) function is to
frequencies. Hence, toneVal gets
the value for toneVal to give us end the sound from the specific
values from sinVal and con-
a range of 2000 to 3000. pin.
verts it to frequencies.

for(int x=0; x<180; x++){}

We need to use the formula tone(8, toneVal);

3.1412/180) to convert it from an
angle to a radian value because
the unit sin is radian instead of
an angle.

sinVal=(sin(x*(3.1412/180)));
www.dfrobot.com 06. Alarm 05
Components

The Buzzer
A buzzer is an electronic component that can generate sound. There
are generally two types: piezo buzzers and magnetic buzzers.

The Difference between Active Buzzers and Passive Buzzers

Piezo and magnetic buzzers are futher categorized in to two types: ac-
tive and passive buzzers. The basic difference lies in different demands
for their input signal. In this case, active and passive do not refer to
power sources, but oscillation sources.

An active buzzer has its own oscillation source - it buzzes as it is powered

on.
An active buzzer has a simple oscillator circuit that changes DC current
into a pulse signal of a certain frequency. Active buzzers contain a special
film called molybdenum the The magnetic field from the oscillation of
the buzzer. Once powered, it starts to make a sound.
Active buzzers are non-polarized meaning that you can connect them
any way around and they will work.
In this kit, active magnetic buzzers are included.

A passive buzzer has no oscillator of its own, so it needs to use a

square wave from 2khz to 5khz to trigger it instead of simply using direct
current.
Passive buzzers are polarized, so they have to be connected the correct
way around: They have a long lead (anode) and short lead (cathode)
For a beginner, passive buzzers are easier to work with.

If you want to explore buzzers further, here are some project ideas:

Passive buzzers are good for various musical effects.

There are many applications based on buzzers. A lot of buzzer-based
gadgets are possible like infrared sensors and ultrasonic sensors for
monitoring and alerting approaching objects; temperature sen-
sors for excess temperature alarm; gas sensors for gas leakage alarms.
Besides alarms, buzzers can also be used as musical instruments using
different frequencies to form different notes.

Arent buzzers amazing?

www.dfrobot.com 06. Alarm 06
Exercise

1. Make an alarm with a red LED.

Set up our circuit so that the LED changes in in unison with the sin function so that the light
intensit changes with the sound.

2. Using what ou learned in Project 3, can ou make a door bell? When the button is pressed, the
buzzer should make a sound.
 Project 7
Temperature Alarm

www.dfrobot.com
07
www.dfrobot.com 07. Temperature Alarm 01
Temperature Alarm

We added a temperature sensor to the previous circuit to trigger the buzzer to make a sound when the
temperature reaches a certain range. This is our first project using an actuator responding to a sensor.

Component

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

x5 x1 x1
Jumper Cables
M/M Buzzer Tem. Sensor
www.dfrobot.com 07. Temperature Alarm 02
Hardware

Based on the circuit of project 6, connect temperate sensor LM35 as

below. The pins are connected to 5V, Analog pin 0 and GND.

2
Are
f Gnd 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1
5V
1

GND

3 2 3 1 3 2
RS
T 3V 5V GND VI
N 0 1 2 3 4 5

4 1 4 1

Fig. 7-1 Temperature Alarm Diagram

www.dfrobot.com 07. Temperature Alarm 03

Sample code 7-1:

//Project 7 Temperature Alarm
float sinVal;
int toneVal;
unsigned long tepTimer ;

void setup(){
pinMode(8, OUTPUT); // configure pin of buzzer
Serial.begin(9600); // configure baud rate to 9600 bps
}
void loop(){
int val; //save the value of LM35
double data; // save the converted value of temperature
val=analogRead(0); //Connect LM35 to analog pin and read
value from it
data = (double) val * (5/10.24); //Convert the voltage value to
temperature value

if(data>27){ //If temperature is higher than 27, the buzzer starts to

make sound.
for(int x=0; x<180; x++){
//Convert sin function to radian
sinVal = (sin(x*(3.1412/180)));
//Use sin function to generate frequency of sound
toneVal = 2000+(int(sinVal*1000));
//Configure the buzzer pin 8
tone(8, toneVal);
delay(2);
}
} else { // If the temperature is lower than
27, turn off the buzzer
noTone(8); // Turn off the buzzer
}
if(millis() - tepTimer > 50 // Every 500 ms, serial port outputs
temperature value.
tepTimer = millis();
Serial.print("temperature: "); // Serial port outputs temperature
Serial.print(data); // Serial port outputs temperature
value
Serial.println("C"); // Serial port output temperature
unit
}
}
www.dfrobot.com 07. Temperature Alarm 04

After the code is successfully uploaded, open the serial monitor of Arduino IDE.

Read temperature value from the serial port. If you put your fingers on
the LM35 sensor, you will find the temperature rises immediately. Your
fingers are transferring heat to the sensor!

As per the program, once the temperature reaches 27 degrees C, the

buzzer starts to sound. If the temperature drops below 27 degrees C,
the buzzer stops.
www.dfrobot.com 07. Temperature Alarm 05

Most of the above codes are the same as those in Project 6. Almost all of the syntax has been mentioned in
previous projects. Hopefully you have some understanding about the variables and functions by now.

We initialize 3 variables at the top There are many functions for serial This is a new function, analogRead
of the program. port communication: (pin).

float sinVal; Serial.begin(9600); analogRead(pin)

int toneVal;
unsigned long tepTimer ; This function is to initialize the This function reads a value from
baud rate (data transmit rate) of the specified analog pin. The
The third variable tepTimer is an the serial port. Normally the de- digital pins in the Arduino are
unsigned long datatype to store fault setting in the serial monitor connected to a 10 byte analog to
time and output temperature works for most applications, but- digital converter, so the voltage
values from serial port. some wireless modules have a between 0 and 5V is con-
Why unsigned long? specific baud rate requirement. verted to a value ranging
Since the machine will run for a between 0 and 1023. Each value
relatively long time, we choose In the loop() function, we corresponds to a value of voltage.
a long integer and since it can- declare 2 variables: val and The voltage value of temperature
not store negative numbers, it is data at the top. These are read here outputs a range
unsigned. variables in a limited scope so between 0 to 1023. Every 10mV
In the first line of the setup() that they only run inside the indi- corresponds to 1 degree for
function, why do we only vidual block of code. LM35 temperature sensor.
configure the buzzer as output
mode and disregard the LM35 val=analogRead(0); data = (double) val *
temperature sensor?
(5/10.24);
The LM35 uses analog values. From the voltage value read via
Analog values dont need to the sensor, the range is from 0 to
be configured for pinmode. 1023. So we divide it into 1024
pinMode is only used for dig- parts and multiply the result by 5
ital pins. to convert it to voltage value.
Since 10mV corresponds to 1 de-
gree, we need to multiply that to
get a temperature value in
double datatype and assign it to
a data variable.

The Serial Port The serial port allows the Arduino to communicate with the external world
by transmitting and receiving data. There is at least one serial port in each
Arduino micro-controller, separately connected to digital pin 0 (RX/data
receive) and analog pin 1 (TX/data transmit). Digital pin 1 and 0 cannot be
used for I/O function when the serial port is in use. You download code to
the Arduino via the serial port. When downloading code, the USB will oc-
cupy digital pin RX and analog pin TX. The RX and TX pins can not receive
other signals during this, or there will be interference. The best way to use
these 2 pins is to insert components after downloading your code.
www.dfrobot.com 07. Temperature Alarm 06

In the following program, we If the temperature is higher than 3. Add single quotation mark to
evaluate the condition by using 27, The program runs the first part character and add double quota-
the if/else statement. of the program, following the if tion mark to character string.
statement to activate the buzzer. e.g. Serial.print(N); outputs N
The if/else statement format:
If not, it runs the else statement
if (expression) { to stop the buzzer. Serial.print(Hello world.);
Statement 1; Apart from detecting temperature outputs Hello world.
} else{ change for our alarm, we also
Statement 2;
need to display the temperature the The difference between println()
}
Arduino reads via the serial port. and print() is that println()
This function is known as a condi- We need to use the millis() has a new line character.
tional. It works as follows: function again to send out da-
An expression is specified. If the ta every 500ms. (See Project 3 for
Another common command is
conditions of the expression are more details if you are unsure.)
Serial.write(). It does not output in
true, statment 1 is executed and After the serial port has received
ASCII format but in a byte format.
statement 2 is skipped. data, how can we display it on the
Check the reference on Arduino.cc
If the expression is false, statment serial monitor?
if you are interested in finding out
2 is executed and statment 1 is more.
Serial.print(val);
skipped.
Serial.println(val); Serial.print(data);
Either statement 1 or 2 is to be
executed but simultaneous exe- print() works to convert val Is data a character string?
cution is prevented. Put in simple to a readable ASCII format Why does it output numbers?
terms, this is the Arduino making (standard text) output from the
a decision between two pre serial port. The answer is because we de-
determined variables. clared the variable in the program
if(data>27){ for(int There are various formats for this setup function to assign a number
x=0; x<180; x++){ function: to it.
1. numbers output as a num-
} ber
} else { e.g.: Serial.print(78); outputs 78
}

2. floating datatype outputs as

floating number with maximum 2
digits after decimal point
e.g. Serial.print(1.23456); outputs
1.23
www.dfrobot.com 07. Temperature Alarm 07
Components
Component

LM35 temperature sensor

he LM35 is a very common tem-
perature sensor which is accurate to
5
It has 3 pins:
Vs is power
Vout is voltage output
GND is ground. Diagram of LM35 pins

he calculation formula is as follows:

5V
If you want to learn more about this
component, you can consult the data +
sheet. his gives extra detail on how
a method for converting temperature Vout=10 mV/ C (TAMBIENT+1 C)
6.8k 200
data into voltage. FROM + 2C TO +40C
5% 1%

A useful resource for compo- -

nent datasheets can be found +
here:
OUT
http://www.alldatasheet.com/ LM35
FINS
200 TWISTED PAIR
- 1%

Formula of LM35
www.dfrobot.com 07. Temperature Alarm 08
Exercise
Exercise

Add a LED to the project above. When the temperature is in a defined range, make the LED turn on
and make the buzzer sound.
You can assign different colored LEDs and different buzzer sounds for different temperature ranges

E.g.:
- When the temperature is lower than 10 or higher than 35, a red LED turns on and the buzzer
makes a rapidly-oscillating sound
- When the temperature falls between 25 and 35, a yellow LED turns on and buzzer makes a
smooth-osciallating sound
- When the temperature falls between 10 and 25, a green LED turns on and the buzzer is off.
 Project 8
Vibration Sensor

www.dfrobot.com
08
www.dfrobot.com 08. Vibration Sensor 01
Vibration Sensor

In this project we are going to use the tilt sensor included in your kit. The tilt sensor can detect basic motion
and orientation. It contains two contacts and a small metal ball. Once held at a particular orientation, the ball
bridges the two contacts and completes the circuit. We have also added an LED to this project. When the
sensor detects movement, the LED lis HIGH (on). When no movement is detected the LED is LOW (off).

Component

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

x5 x1
Jumper Cables
M/M 5MM LED

Resistor 220R
x2 x1
Tilt Switch Sensor
www.dfrobot.com 08. Vibration Sensor 02
Circuit

A tilt sensor behaves much like a push button. You need to add a pull-
down resistor to the sensor to ensure the circuit is disconnected when
no signal is detected.
You also need to add a current-limiting resistor to the LED.

2
Are
f Gnd 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1
5V
1

GND

3 2 3 1 3 2
RS
T 3V 5V GND VI
N 0 1 2 3 4 5

4 1 4 1

Diagram of the tilt sensor circuit

www.dfrobot.com 08. Vibration Sensor 03
Code

Sample code 8-1

//project 8 Vibration sensor

int SensorLED = 13; //define LED digital pin 13

int SensorINPUT = 3; // connect tilt sensor to interrupt 1 in
digital pin 3
unsigned char state = 0;

void setup() {
pinMode(SensorLED, OUTPUT); //configure LED as output mode
pinMode(SensorINPUT, INPUT); //configure tilt sensor as input mode
//when low voltage changes to high voltage, it triggers interrupt 1 and runs
the blink function
attachInterrupt(1, blink, RISING);
}

void loop(){
if(state!=0){ // if state is not 0
state = 0; // assign state value 0
digitalWrite(SensorLED,HIGH);
// turn on LED
delay(500); // delay for 500ms
}
else{
digitalWrite(SensorLED,LOW); // if not, turn off LED
}
Expected behaviour:
}
When we shake the board, the
LED is HIGH (on). When we stop
void blink(){ // interrupt function blink()
shaking, the LED is LOW (off).
state++; //once trigger the interrupt, the state
keeps increment
}
www.dfrobot.com 08. Vibration Sensor 04
Code

In this section we are going to examine the interrupt function that we used in the code. The program works as
follows: when there is no interruption to the program, the code keeps running and the LED stays LOW (off).
When there is an external event and the tilt sensor is activated, such as someone shaking the board, the pro-
gram runs the blink() function and state starts incrementing. When the if statement detects that the state
is no longer 0, it triggers the LED to be HIGH (on). At the same time, it resets state to 0 and waits for the next
interruption. If there is no interruption, the LED is LOW (off).

What is interruption? mode :

There are 3 parameters in
Imagine you are watching TV at attachInterrupt
mode defines when the interrupt
home and the phone rings. You should be triggered. Four contstants
Interrupt Number
have to stop watching TV and are predefined as valid values:
pick up the phone. After the call attachInterrupt ( interrupt, LOW to trigger the interrupt
has ended, you continue to watch function ,mode ) whenever the pin is low,
TV. In this case, the call is the inter- CHANGE to trigger the interrupt
Interrupt Interrupt
rupt and the ringing of the phone Function Name Condition whenever the pin changes value
is the condition. RISING to trigger when the pin
interrupt :
Watching TV goes from LOW to HIGH,
The number of the interrupt (int), FALLING for when the pin goes
is either number 0 or 1. If it is 0,
Interruption Phone Call you must connect the jumper wire from HIGH to LOW.
to digital pin 2. If it is 1, you must Now lets go back to the program:
connect the jumper wire to digital
Watching TV pin 3. attachInterrupt(1, blink,
TV
The attachInterrupt function
function : RISING);
specifies a named function, or an - attachInterrupt(1, because the tilt
Interrupt Service Routine (ISR), to - The function is called upon sensor is connected to digital pin 3.
call upon when an interrupt when the interrupt occurs
- Blink is our interrupt function
occurs. This replaces any previ- - The function has no parameters - RISING , to trigger when the pin
ous function that was attached to and returns nothing.
goes from LOW to HIGH.
the interrupt. Most Arduino
- As delay() and millis() both
boards have two external interrupts:
rely on interrupts, they will not Why have we chosen RISING ?
numbers 0 (on digital pin 2) and 1 (on work while the function is run-
digital pin 3). Different boards ning. When the tilt sensor does not de-

have different interrupt pins. tect any signal, pin 3 is LOW. When
- The function cannot read val- it detects a signal, it connects with 5
Check the references on arduino.cc
ues from the serial port. You
for details: http://arduino.cc/en/ might lose data connected from volts and this change the pin from
Reference/AttachInterrupt serial port. LOW to HIGH.
www.dfrobot.com 08. Vibration Sensor 05
Components

Tilt Sensor
The tilt sensor goes by many dif-
ferent names: ball switch, bead
switch, vibration switch, etc.
Though it has different names, its
g b f
working principles are same. In a d
simple terms, it is a switch made
up of a cylinder a small metal ball
c e
inside. When the metal ball rolls
a. Bronze Cover b. Bronze Bead c. Bronze Pipe
to either edge of the cylinder,
d. PC set e. Heat-shrinkable Pipe
they touch one of the contact
pins and the circuit is complete. f . Bronze Conductive Pin
Examine the diagram for further g . Phosphor Copper Pinch Cock
detail.
Fig. 8-2 Vibration Sensor Diagram
 Project 9
Light Sensitive LED

www.dfrobot.com
09
www.dfrobot.com 09. Light Sensitive LED 01
Light Sensitive LED
Lets introduce a new sensor component: the photo diode. In simple terms, when the sensor detects light, its
resistance changes. The stronger light in the surrounding environment, the lower the resistance value the pho-
to diode will read. By reading the photo diode
s resistance value, we can work out the ambient lighting in an
environment. The photo diode provided in the starter kit is a typical light sensor.
In this project, we will make an automatic light that can adjust itself according to the ambient lighting around it.
When it is dark, the photo diode detects the change and triggers the light, and vice versa.

Components

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

x5 x1 x1
Jumper Cables Ambient Light
M/M 5MM LED Sensor

Resistor 220R Resistor 10K

www.dfrobot.com 09. Light Sensitive LED 02
Circuit

Be aware that photo diodes are polarized, just like LEDs, so they will only work if connected the correct
way around.

The photo diode has to be connected with a 10k resistor rather than a 220 resistor.

2
Are
f Gnd 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1
5V
1

GND

3 2 3 1 3 2
RS
T 3V 5V GND VI
N 0 1 2 3 4 5

4 1 4 1

Diagram of the photo diode circuit

www.dfrobot.com 09. Light Sensitive LED 03
Code

Sample code 9-1

// Project 9 Light the lamp
int LED = 13; //define LED digital pin 13
int val = 0; //define the voltage value of photo diode in
digital pin 0
void setup(){
pinMode(LED,OUTPUT); // Configure LED as output mode
Serial.begin(9600); //Configure baud rate 9600
}

void loop(){
val = analogRead(0); // Read voltage value ranging from 0 -1023 After uploading the code, you can
Serial.println(val); // read voltage value from serial monitor shine a flashlight on the photodi-
if(val<1000){ // If lower than 1000, turn off LED ode to alter the light levels in the
digitalWrite(LED,LOW); environment. When it is dark, the
}else{ // Otherwise turn on LED
should light up. When it is bright,
digitalWrite(LED,HIGH);
the LED should turn off.
}
delay(10); // delay for 10ms
}
www.dfrobot.com 09. Light Sensitive LED 04
Code

A very brief explanation of the program:

Similar to the LM35 temperature sensor, the photo diode reads an
analog signal so we dont need to define pinMode in serial.begin.
We take the analog current data from the photodiode and compare it
to a value of 1024 to make it digital. You can change this value if you
like. Try playing with the serial monitor and seeing what outputs the
photodiode gives. Then use this number you get here as the compari-
son number to alter the sensitivity of the circuit.
www.dfrobot.com 09. Light Sensitive LED 05
Circuit

Photo Diode

A photo diode is a semiconductor device that converts light into current.

The current is generated when photons are absorbed in the photo
diode. The stronger the environments light, the lower the resistance
value the photodiode will output. The analog value ranging from 0 to
R1
1023 corresponds to voltage value ranging from 0 to 5V.

Vin
The input voltage Vin(5V) is connected to 2 resistors. By measuring the
voltage of R2 as below, you can get the resistance value of photo diode.
R2 Vout

In our project, R1 is the 10k resistor and R2 is the photo diode. The re-
sistance value of R2 in dark is so high that it almost reaches 5V. Once pho-
tons are absorbed, the value of R2 will decrease, and so will its voltage Diagram of voltage divider
value. For this project it is preferable to use a fixed resistor ranging from
1k to 10k, otherwise the voltage dividing ratio is not obvious. This is why
in this project we have used a 10k resistor for R1. R2
Vout = x Vin
R1+R2
Formula of voltage divider
 Project 10
How to Drive A Servo

www.dfrobot.com
10
www.dfrobot.com 10. How to Drive A Servo 01
How to Drive A Servo

Servos are ideal for embedded electronics applications because they can move to a specific position
accurately. Most servos can turn 180 degrees at maximum. Some even larger ones can turn to 360 degrees.
They can be used in mobile platforms for detection devices such as cameras and detectors of smart vehicles,
or in robotic joints.

Component

x3
Jumper Cables
M/M

x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

x1
a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Servo

www.dfrobot.com 10. How to Drive A Servo 02
Circuit

The servo has three leads. The color of the leads varies between servos but the red
lead is always 5V and GND will either be black or brown. The other lead is the
signal lead and this is usually orange or yellow. This signal lead is connected to
digital pin 9.

DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

Circuit diagram of a servo connected to an Arduino

www.dfrobot.com 10. How to Drive A Servo 03
Code

Sample Code 10-1

//Project 10 Servo
#include <Servo.h> //declare to insert Servo.h library
Servo myservo; //create servo object to control a servo
int pos = 0; //variable pos to store position of servo
void setup() {
myservo.attach(9); //attach the servo to digital pin 9.
}

void loop() {
for(pos = 0; pos < 180; pos += 1){ //servo turns from 0 to 180 in steps
of 1 degree
myservo.write(pos); //tell servo to go to position in variable 'pos'
delay(15); //wts 15ms for the servo to reach the position
}
for(pos = 180; pos>=1; pos-=1) { // servo turns from 180 to 0 in steps
of 1 degree
myservo.write(pos); //tell servo to go to position in variable 'pos' After uploading the sketch, you will
delay(15); //waits 15ms for the servo to reach the position see servo sweeping back and forth
} from 0 to 180 degrees.
}
www.dfrobot.com 10. How to Drive A Servo 04
Code

There is another command in the In the main program, there are 2

The sketch starts from inserting
setup() function. for statements. The first one starts
<Servo.h > library.
from 0 then spins to 180 degrees
#include <Servo.h> myservo.attach(9); in 1 degree increments. The sec-
ond one starts from 180 degrees
This library is already in Arduino Declaring functions in the servo library
and goes back to 0 in 1 degree
IDE. Identify it by opening is a bit different from declaring other
increments.
Arduino-1.0.5/ libraries/ Servo/ functions. We need to declare various
myservo.write(pos);
Servo.h. functions in the library including
Just like the previous command,
declaring the servo object and defin-
Libraries are collections of new you have to declare a name for
ing the function. Just like in the library,
commands that have been this command. The parameters of
you need to point out the object so
packaged together to make it this function is an angle. The unit
that the program can identify it. The
easy to include them in your is degrees.
format of library function is as
sketches. Arduino comes with a
below.
handful of of useful libraries, such
Don't miss the dot sign(".") in between If you want to know more about
as the servo library used in this
the word "my servo" and "attach " . the functions in the servo library,
example that can be used to
myservo is the servo object we named visit the arduino website:
interface to more advanced
before. So the function we invoke is: http://ardui-no.cc/en/reference/
devices.
attach(pin ) servo

We need to create a name in the digital pins

code for the servo: or visit the DFRobot website:
attach(pin) assigns the pin. We
www.dfrobot.com
can use any digital pin, except 0
and 1. In this project, we have cho-
Servo myservo; // create sen digital pin 9.
servo object to control
a servo
 Project 11
Controllable Servo

www.dfrobot.com
11
www.dfrobot.com 11. Controllable Servo 01

Controllable Servo

Weve learned to turn the servo to a specific an gleusing an external signal. In the new project, we will use a poten-
tiometer to control a servo. You can also modify this circuit by swapping the potentiometer for a sensor such as
a tilt switch, or changing the actuator to an LED. Get tinkering and use your imagination!

Component

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

x3 x3
Jumper Cables Jumper Cables
M/M F/M

10K
Potentiometer Servo
x1
www.dfrobot.com 11. Controllable Servo 02
Circuit

This is a little different from our previous project as we are using a potentiometer. Potentiometers are sometimes
called variable resistors, and they are just that. By turning the knob, you are altering the electrical resistance of
the component. It has 3 pins: two side by side and one on top. Connect the side by side pins to 5V and GND on
the Arduino respectively, and the single pin on the opposite side of the potentiometer to the analog 0 pin on the
Arduino.

Fig. 11-1 Controllable Servo Circuit Diagram

www.dfrobot.com 11. Controllable Servo 03
Code

Sample code 11-1

//Project eleven controllable servo

#include <Servo.h> // insert the Servo.h library

Servo myservo; // create servo object to control servo

int potpin = 0; // connect potentiometer to digital pin0

int val; // variable value to read value from analog pin

void setup() {
myservo.attach(9); //Attach the servo on pin 9 to the servo object.
}

void loop() {
val = analogRead(potpin); //eads the value of the potentiommeter
(value between 0 and 1023)
val = map(val, 0, 1023, 0, 179); // scale it to use it with the servo (value After uploading the sketch, you can
between 0 and 180) see the servo turn according to the
myservo.write(val); // sets the servo position according to the position of the potentiometer.
scaled value
delay(15); // wait for 15 ms to turn to certain position

}
www.dfrobot.com 11. Controllable Servo 04
Code

We declare to insert the <Servo.h> library first and Note that the "lower bounds" of either range may be
then define the potentiometer on Analog pin 0 to larger or smaller than the "upper bounds" so the map()
read its value. function may be used to reverse a range of numbers,
e.g.:
Now lets dig into the map function. y = map(x, 1, 50, 50, 1);
The format of map function is as below:
map(value, fromLow, fromHigh, The function also handles negative numbers well, so
toLow, toHigh) that this example is also valid and works well:

The map function re-maps a number from one

y = map(x, 1, 50, 50, -100);
range to another. That is, a value of fromLow val = map(val, 0, 1023, 0, 179);
would get mapped to toLow, a value of fromHigh
to toHigh, values in-between to values in-between, Back to our sketch: we map the analog value from 0

etc. to 1023 to a servo value from 0 to 180.

Parameters
value: the number to map
fromLow: the lower bound of the value's current range
fromHigh: the upper bound of the value's current
range
toLow: the lower bound of the value's target range
toHigh: the upper bound of the value's target range
www.dfrobot.com 11. Controllable Servo 05
Circuit

Potentiometer
A potentiometer is a simple knob that provides a variable resistance
which Arduino can read as an analog value
In this proje we connected three wires to the Arduino. The first went
to ground from one of the outer pins of the potentiometer. The second
went from 5 volts to the other outer pin of the potentiometer. The
third went from analog input 2 to the middle pin of the potentiometer. 3
A potentiometer works in a similar way to the voltage divider in project 9.
The potentiometer is divided in to 2 resistors by the shaft. By turning
1 2
the shaft of the potentiometer, we change the amount of resistnce on ei-
ther side of the wiper which is connected to the center pin of
the potentiometer. This changes the relative "closeness" of that pin to 5
volts and ground, giving us a different analog input. When the shaft is
turned all the way in one direction, there are 0 volts going to the pin, and
we read 0. When the shaft is turned all the way in the other direction to
the upper limit, there are 5 volts going to the pin, and we read 1023. In
between, analogRead() returns a number between 0 and 1023 that is
proportional to the amount of voltage being applied to the pin.

R1 R1

Vin Vin

R2 Vout R2 Vout
 Project 12
Interactive Adjustable
RGB LED

www.dfrobot.com
12
www.dfrobot.com 12. Interactive Adjustable RGB LED 01
Interactive Adjustable RGB LED

In Project 5, we learned about how to adjust an RBG LED to various colors. This time we will try to make it
interactive by adding 3 potentiomters so that you can choose any color you want for your lighting at home.

Component

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

x13 x3
Jumper Cables
M/M Resistor 220R

x3 x1
10K
Potentiometer 5mm RGB LED
www.dfrobot.com 12. Interactive Adjustable RGB LED 02
Circuit

Fig. 12-1 Interactive Adjustable RGB LED Circuit diagram

www.dfrobot.com 12. Interactive Adjustable RGB LED 03
Code

//Sample Code 12-1:

int redPin = 9; // R digital 9
int greenPin = 10; // G digital 10
int bluePin = 11; // B digital 11
int potRedPin = 0; // potentiometer 1 analog 0
int potGreenPin = 1; // potentiometer 2 analog 1
int potBluePin = 2; // potentiometer 3 analog 2

void setup(){
pinMode(redPin,OUTPUT);
pinMode(greenPin,OUTPUT);
pinMode(bluePin,OUTPUT);
Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize the serial port
}
void loop(){
int potRed = analogRead(potRedPin); // read value from potentiometer of
red LED
int potGreen = analogRead(potGreenPin); // read value from potentiometer of
green LED
int potBlue = analogRead(potBluePin); // read value from potentiometer of
blue LED
int val1 = map(potRed,0,1023,0,255); //map the voltage value ranging from
0~ 1023 to analog value ranging from 0 ~255
int val2 = map(potGreen,0,1023,0,255);
int val3 = map(potBlue,0,1023,0,255);

// print value of red, green and blues LEDs from serial port
Serial.print("Red:");
Serial.print(val1);
Serial.print("Green:");
Serial.print(val2);
Serial.print("Blue:");
Serial.println(val3);
colorRGB(val1,val2,val3); // configure the analog value for RGB LED
}
}

//define the colorRGB function

void colorRGB(int red, int green, int blue){ After uploading the sketch, you can
analogWrite(redPin,constrain(red,0,255)); change different combinations of red,
analogWrite(greenPin,constrain(green,0,255)); green and blue colors on the RGB
analogWrite(bluePin,constrain(blue,0,255)); LED.
}
 Project 13
DIY Fan

www.dfrobot.com
13
www.dfrobot.com 13. DIY A Fan 01
DIY Fan

In this project, we will use a relay and a motor to make a small fan. A relay is an electrically operated switch that
allows you to turn on or off a circuit using voltage and/or current much higher than the Arduino can handle.

Component

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

x9 x1 x1
Jumper Cables
M/M 5MM LED Pushbutton

Resistor 220R
x2 Relay
x1 130 Motor
x1
Fan
x1
www.dfrobot.com 13. DIY A Fan 02
Wiring

Connect the button with a 220 pull-down resistor in order to hold the logic signal near zero volts when the
button is disconnected. The relay has 6 pins. Pin 1 and 2 on the relay are input signals and are separately con-
nected to digital pin 3 and GND on the Arduino. Pins 3, 4, 5, and 6 on the relay are the output signals but we
will only use pin 4 and pin 6 at this time. A relay is similar to a push button, which has 2 connections as well.

Fig. 13-1 DIY Fan Circuit Diagram

www.dfrobot.com 13. DIY A Fan 03
Code

Sample Code 13-1:

//Project thirteen - the Arduino to control fan operation
int buttonPin = 2; // int buttonPin = 2
int relayPin = 3; // int relayPin = 3;
int relayState = HIGH; // int relayState = HIGH;
int buttonState; // record the current button state
int lastButtonState = LOW; // record the last button state
long lastDebounceTime = 0;
long debounceDelay = 50; // eliminate debounce time

void setup() {
pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT);
pinMode(relayPin, OUTPUT);

digitalWrite(relayPin, relayState); // configure the initial state of relay

}

void loop() {
int reading = digitalRead(buttonPin); //read the value of button

// once detects change of state, record time

if (reading != lastButtonState) {
lastDebounceTime = millis();
}

// wait for 50ms to evaluate if it is the same state as last state

// if different, change the button state
// if the state of button is high(pressed), change the state of relay
if ((millis() - lastDebounceTime) > debounceDelay) {
if (reading != buttonState) {
buttonState = reading;

if (buttonState == HIGH) {
relayState = !relayState;
}
}
}
digitalWrite(relayPin, relayState);

//change the last state of button After uploading the sketch, you
lastButtonState = reading; can control the relay and LED with
} the button.
www.dfrobot.com 13. DIY A Fan 04
Code

The debounce of push button is the

if (reading != lastButtonState) {
lastDebounceTime = millis();
}
if ((millis() - lastDebounceTime) > debounceDelay) {
if (reading != buttonState) {

}
}
When signals are received by the Arduino, the program does not oper-
ate on them immediately - it tests if the signal is correct and waits for
a certain time to confirm . If the signal is correct, the program will be
operating accordingly.
The reason the program tests for a correct signal is because there is a
bouncing process for the button when pressed. It might generate the
wrong signal, so we test it to solve the problem in hardware.
www.dfrobot.com 13. DIY A Fan 05
Hardware

Relay
A relay is an electrically operated switch that allows you to turn on or off a
circuit using voltage and/or current much higher than the Arduino can
normally handle. There is no connection between the low voltage circuit
operated by Arduino and the high power circuit - the relay isolates the
circuits from each other.
Lets take a look at the inner structure of relay:

NC COM

NO COM

Relays have 6 pins. Pins 1 and 2 are connected to the digital pin and
GND. We use these 2 pins to power the relay. There is a coil between
Pin 1 and Pin 2. When the circuit is HIGH, current flows in the coil, gen-
erates a magnetic field, closes the switch contacts and connects the
NO (Normally Open) to COM(commonpin. When the circuit is LOW,
no current runs in the coil, therefore the NC (Normally Closed)
connects to the common pin. We connect Pin 4 and Pin 6 to control the
switching on and off of the relay and the the LED.

The difference between the DC motor, Stepper Motors and Servos

DC (Direct Current) motors are devices that change electrical energy to kinetic energy. When
you supply power to a DC motor it will start spinning continuously until that power is removed.
When you switch the polarities, it will spin in the opposite direction. A motor runs continuously at
a high RPM (revolutions per minute). These revolutions of the motor shaft can not be controlled to
a specific angle, but you can control the speed. Because the rotations are so fast, it is impractical
to use it for vehicles.
A stepper motor has a gearing set on the DC motor to step down the speed and increase torque.
This makes it more practical to use for vehicle applications. Its speed can be controlled by PWM.
A servo is also a motor. It controls the position of the motor by a feedback system, as we saw in
the servo projects covered. Servos are practical to use for robotics arms.
 Project 14
IR Remote Controlled LED

www.dfrobot.com
14
www.dfrobot.com 14. IR Remote Controlled LED 01
IR Remote Controlled LED
An infrared receiver, or IR receiver, is hardware device that sends information from an infrared remote control to
another device by receiving and decoding signals. In general, the receiver outputs a code to uniquely identify the
infrared signal that it receives. This code is then used in order to convert signals from the remote control into a
format that can be understood by the other device. Because infrared is light, it requires line-of-sight visibility for
the best possible operation, but can however still be reflected by itemsProject
such as glass and walls. Poorly placed
IR receivers can result in what is called "tunnel vision", where the operational range of a remote control is
reduced because they are set so far back into the chassis of a device.

Warm-up Experiment:
Components

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

VO
L+
FU

x3 x1 x1
STO NC/
P

VO
L-

Jumper Cables IR Remote

0

EQ
1
S
RE T/
4 2 PT

M/M IR Receiver controller

5 3
7

8 6
9
www.dfrobot.com
DFRobot 14. IR Remote Controlled LED 02
Wiring

Note that the V-out lead of the infrared receiver must be connected
to Digital Pin 11 on the Arduino.

Vout GND 5V

2
Are
f Gnd 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1
5V
1

GND

3 2 3 1 3 2
RS
T 3V 5V GND VI
N 0 1 2 3 4 5

4 1 4 1

Fig. 14-1 IR Receiver Diagram

www.dfrobot.com 14. IR Remote Controlled LED 03
Code

We need to invoke the IRremote library first. Unzip the RAR and save it to the file Arduino libraries directory.
Run IRrecvDemo in the example.
If you dont know how to invoke a library in the Arduino IDE, refer back to the exercise in Project 5.

This sketch is from IRrecvDemo in the examples of the IRremote library.

Sample code 14-1:

//project fourteen infrared receiving tube
#include <IRremote.h> // insert IRremote.h library
int RECV_PIN = 11; //define the pin of RECV_PIN 11
IRrecv irrecv(RECV_PIN); //define RECV_PIN as infrared receiver
decode_results results; //define variable results to save the result of infrared
receiver

void setup(){
Serial.begin(9600); // configure the baud rate 9600
irrecv.enableIRIn(); //Boot infrared decoding
}

void loop() {
//test if receive decoding data and save it to variable results
if (irrecv.decode(&results)) {
// print data received in a hexadecimal
Serial.println(results.value, HEX);
irrecv.resume(); //wait for the next signal
}
}
www.dfrobot.com 14. IR Remote Controlled LED 04

After uploading the code, open the serial monitor of the Arduino IDE and
configure the baud rate 9600 in line with Serial.begin(9600).

After configuration, press the button on the remote controller

towards the infrared receiver. Each button has a hexadecimal code. We
can see the code on serial monitor no matter which button we press. For
example, we press button 0, the hexadecimal code received is FD30CF.

If you keep pressing one button, the serial monitor reads FFFFFFFF.

If it is received properly in the serial port, the code should be six digits
starting with FD. If the controller does not send out the signal towards the
infrared receiver, it might receive wrong code as we can see below.

The original infrared decoding is too complicated to manipulate,

which is why we use the library that is built by others without completely
understanding it. Since we have got the idea of decoding for infrared
signal, lets make an infrared controlled LED.
www.dfrobot.com 14. IR Remote Controlled LED 05
Remote Control LED

Component

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

VO
L+
FU

x3 x1
STO NC/
P

VO
L-

Jumper Cables IR Remote

0

EQ
1
S
RE T/
4 2 PT

M/M IR Receiver controller

5 3
7

x1
8 6
9

5MM LED
x1 Resistor 220R
www.dfrobot.com 14. IR Remote Controlled LED 06
Wiring

Based on the previous circuit, add an LED and a resistor. Connect the LED to digital
pin 10 and the signal LED of infrared receiver to digital pin 11.

Vout GND 5V

Fig. 14-2 IR Remote Controlled LED Circuit Diagram

www.dfrobot.com 14. IR Remote Controlled LED 07
Code

Sample Code 14-2:

#include <IRremote.h>
int RECV_PIN = 11;
int ledPin = 10; // LED digital 10
boolean ledState = LOW; // ledState to store the state of LED
IRrecv irrecv(RECV_PIN);
decode_results results;

void setup(){
Serial.begin(9600);
irrecv.enableIRIn();
pinMode(ledPin,OUTPUT); // define LED as output signal
}

void loop() {
if (irrecv.decode(&results)) {
Serial.println(results.value, HEX);

//once receive code from power button, the state of LED is changed from HIGH
to LOW or from LOW to HIGH.
if(results.value == 0xFD00FF){
ledState = !ledState; //reverse
digitalWrite(ledPin,ledState); //change the state of LED
}
irrecv.resume();
}
}
www.dfrobot.com 14. IR Remote Controlled LED 08
Code

Defining the infrared receiver is the same as the last sketch.

#include <IRremote.h> //insert IRremote.h library

int RECV_PIN = 11; //define the pin of
RECV_PIN 11
IRrecv irrecv(RECV_PIN); //define RECV_PIN as infrared
receiver
decode_results results; //define variable results to
save the result of infrared receiver
int ledPin = 10; //LED digital 10
boolean ledState = LOW; //Ledstate used to store the
LED status
In the setup() function, we use serial port to boot the infrared decoding and
configure pinMode of digital pins. In the main program,
we test if receive infrared signal and store data in the results variable.

if (irrecv.decode(&results))
Once the Arduino receives data, the program does two things: first it
tests whether infrared code is received from the power button.

if(results.value == 0xFD00FF)

The second thing is to make the LED change state.

ledState = !ledState; //Flip

digitalWrite(ledPin,ledState); //Change corresponding LED status

You might not be so familiar with !. ! is a logical NOT.

!ledStateis the opposite state of
ledState
. ! is only used in the variable that
only holds 2 states, or boolean type of variable.

Next, the Arduino will wait for the next signal.

irrecv.resume();
www.dfrobot.com 14. IR Remote Controlled LED 09
Exercise

1. Combine the fan project with the current project. Add one more
function to the mini controller to control a LED and a fan.

2. Make a DIY a remote controlled project, e.g.: a small figure that can
move with servos controlled by infrared signals.
 Project 15
IR Remote Controlled LED
Module

www.dfrobot.com
15
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 01
IR Remote Controlled LED Module

An 8-segment LED is a formed of electronic display device for displaying decimal numerals. It is an alternative
to more complex dot matrix displays. By controlling each LED in each segment connected to a digital pin,
numbers can be displayed on this LED.

Components

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

Jumper Cables
M/M
x10 x8
Resistor 220R
x1
8-Segment LED
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 02
Wiring

The 8 segment LED has 10 pins. The 5 pins on the upper position are connected to digital
pin 2 to digital pin 5. The other 5 pins on the lower position with decimal point are
connected to digital pin 6 to 9. 8 resistors are included to limit the current for the LEDs.

2
Are
f Gnd 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1
5V
1

GND

3 2 3 1 3 2
RS
T 3V 5V GND VI
N 0 1 2 3 4 5

4 1 4 1

Fig. 15-1 LED Module Display CIrcuit Diagram

www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 03
Code

Sample Code 15-1:

//Project 15 - digital tube display
void setup(){
for(int pin = 2 ; pin <= 9 ; pin++){ // define digital pin 2-9 as output
pinMode(pin, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(pin, HIGH);
}
}

void loop() {
// display number 0
int n0[8]={0,0,0,1,0,0,0,1};
//display the array of n0[8] in digital pin 2-9
for(int pin = 2; pin <= 9 ; pin++){
digitalWrite(pin,n0[pin-2]);
}
delay(500);

// display number1
int n1[8]={0,1,1,1,1,1,0,1};
// display the array of n1[8] in digital pin 2-9
for(int pin = 2; pin <= 9 ; pin++){
digitalWrite(pin,n1[pin-2]);
}
delay(500);

// display number 2
int n2[8]={0,0,1,0,0,0,1,1};
// display the array of n2[8] in digital pin 2-9
for(int pin = 2; pin <= 9 ; pin++){
digitalWrite(pin,n2[pin-2]);
}
delay(500);

// display number 3
int n3[8]={0,0,1,0,1,0,0,1};
// display the array of n3[8] in digital pin 2-9
for(int pin = 2; pin <= 9 ; pin++){
digitalWrite(pin,n3[pin-2]);
}
delay(500);

// display number 4
int n4[8]={0,1,0,0,1,1,0,1};
// display the array of n4[8] in digital pin 2-9
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 04

for(int pin = 2; pin <= 9 ; pin++){

digitalWrite(pin,n4[pin-2]);
}
delay(500);

// display number 5
int n5[8]={1,0,0,0,1,0,0,1};
// display the array of n5[8] in digital pin 2-9
for(int pin = 2; pin <= 9 ; pin++){
digitalWrite(pin,n5[pin-2]);
}
delay(500);

// display number 6
int n6[8]={1,0,0,0,0,0,0,1};
//display the array of n6[8] in digital pin 2-9
for(int pin = 2; pin <= 9 ; pin++){
digitalWrite(pin,n6[pin-2]);
}
delay(500);

// display number 7
int n7[8]={0,0,1,1,1,1,0,1};
// display the array of n7[8] in digital pin 2-9
for(int pin = 2; pin <= 9 ; pin++){
digitalWrite(pin,n7[pin-2]);
}
delay(500);

// display number 8
int n8[8]={0,0,0,0,0,0,0,1};
// display the array of n8[8] in digital pin 2-9
for(int pin = 2; pin <= 9 ; pin++){
digitalWrite(pin,n8[pin-2]);
}
delay(500);

// display number 9
int n9[8]={0,0,0,0,1,1,0,1};
// display the array of n9[8] in digital pin 2-9
for(int pin = 2; pin <= 9 ; pin++){
After uploading the sketch, the LED
digitalWrite(pin,n9[pin-2]);
will display 0 to 9 repeatedly. To
}
delay(500); understand the code, you need to
} know the structure of 8-segment
LED.
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 05
Circuit

8-segment LED

The 8-segment display has 10 pins: a, b, c, d, e, f, g and DP segments

(decimal point). Each are connected to digital pins. By controlling each
LED on the segment connected, numbers can be displayed on this LED.
The other pin is a common pin that connected to GND(common
cathode) or 5V (common anode).

Fig. 15-2 Pin-out Instructions

Common All of the cathodes (negative terminals) or all of the anodes (positive
terminals) of the segment LEDs are connected and brought out to a
Cathode and
common pin; this is referred to as a "common cathode" or "common
Common Anode anode" device. The common pin of cathodes LEDs is connected to GND.
Differences When you configure this pin HIGH, it triggers the LED to be on. The
common pin of anode LEDs is connected to 5V. When you configure this
pin LOW, it triggers the LED to be off.
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module

Code

a for loop.
with loops to
simplify things. Segment b a f g e d c - for(int
digitalWrite
}
for(int
pinMode ); for loop
digitalWrite );
} -
ray with value 0/LOW. So the b segment is on. When
and initialize the a segment is on.
. the f segment is
number etc.
Let us take a look at the code of displaying 0.
pin= 2 n0 [0] b segment on
int pin= 3 n0 [1] e a segment on
the concept of an pin= n0 [2] =0 f segment on
is a collection of variables that are accessed with an pin= 5 0[3] = 1 digitalWrite(5 1) g segment off
int pin= n0 [ ] e 0) e segment on
name it n0 pin= n0 [5] d segment on
that arrays are zero s. When declaring an pin= 8 n0 0 c segment on
array of one more element than your initializa-
pin= n0 ] =1 e 1)

Now it displays 0.
-
is tus is clear.
brackets (n0 ) elements.
. ll be introduced on
the following page.
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 07
Code 2

In this section, we will introduce an even simpler way to manipulate the loops for number 0 to 9 in the 8-
segment LED. In the sketch above, we created 10 arrays to display 0 to 9. This is a one-dimensional array. What
about creating a two-dimensional array to make it simpler?

Sample code 15-2:

//Item 11 - digital tube digital display
int number[10][8] =
{
{0,0,0,1,0,0,0,1}, //display 0
{0,1,1,1,1,1,0,1}, //display 1
{0,0,1,0,0,0,1,1}, //display 2
{0,0,1,0,1,0,0,1}, //display 3
{0,1,0,0,1,1,0,1}, //display 4
{1,0,0,0,1,0,0,1}, //display 5
{1,0,0,0,0,0,0,1}, //display 6
{0,0,1,1,1,1,0,1}, //display 7
{0,0,0,0,0,0,0,1}, //display 8
{0,0,0,0,1,1,0,1} //display 9
};
void numberShow(int i){ //call this function to display numbers
for(int pin = 2; pin <= 9 ; pin++){
digitalWrite(pin, number[i][pin - 2]);
}
}
void setup(){
for(int pin = 2 ; pin <= 9 ; pin++){ // define digital pins 2 to 9 as output
pinMode(pin, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(pin, HIGH);
}
}

void loop() {
for(int j = 0; j <= 9 ; j++){
numberShow(j); // call numberShow() function to
display 0-9.
delay(500);
}
}
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 08
Code 2

al array is composed with elements al the

al array is composed character null .
al arrays.
eighth element in the tenth array whose value is 1.

void numberShow(int

for(int
digitalWrite
}

void loop
al array element al array for(int

delay
}
will manipulate
}
dimensional arrays together to form
dimensional array. for loops manipulate
the variable is as
number[0][0] signed with a value, the function runs
int accordingly.
The

is . As it skips to the

the

so the LED of segment b is G . Afterwards, the

un
whole for loop is finished and
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 09

Compare how we displayed 0 in the first sketch.

// display number 0
int n0[8]={0,0,0,1,0,0,0,1};
// display the array of n0[8] in digital pin 2-9
for(int pin = 2; pin <= 9 ; pin++){
digitalWrite(pin,n0[pin-2]);
}

The principle of assigning value for pin 2 to 9 to control segment from b

to DP is the same.
When numberShow(0) loop is finished, it goes back to the for loop
function.
1 numberShow(1) i =1 number[1 ][pin-2] display 1
j=2 numberShow(2) i=2 number[2][pin-2] display 2
j=3 numberShow(3) i=3 number[3][pin-2] display 3

j=3 numberShow(9) i=9 number[9][pin-2] displays 9

The above is the analysis for the codes. Just think about the differences
between the one dimensional array and the two dimensional array and
how the codes operate.
The combined application of the LED module and IR receiver is to
be achieved after handling their operating principles. The Arduino com-
patible controller processes and delivers the signal transferred from
the Mini remote controller to the IR receiver to the LED module.
Numbers from 0 to 9 on the mini remote controller are to be displayed on
corresponding positions on the LED module. In addition, decreasing and
increasing functions are feasible.
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 10
Components

Components

x1 x1
DFROBOT
DFRduino
UNO v3.0[R3]

a
050

DFRduino UNO R3 Prototype Shield

x13 x8 x1
Jumper Cables
M/M Resistor 220R 8-Segment LED

VO
L+
FU

x1 x1
STO NC/
P

VO
L-

IR Remote
0

EQ
1
S
RE T/
4 2 PT

IR Receiver controller
5 3
7

8 6
9
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 11
Wiring

I , we are going to simply combine the hardware connections

are few changes. If there are any problems with the LED
module connections, go back and review .

2
Are
f Gnd 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
1
5V
1

GND

3 2 3 1 3 2
RS
T 3V 5V GND VI
N 0 1 2 3 4 5

4 1 4 1

Fig. 15-3 IR Remote Controlled LED Module Diagram

www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 12
Code
Sample code 13-1
Project 13 - IR Remote Controlled LED Module
#include <IRremote.h> //Call IRremote.h Library.
int RECV_PIN = 11; //Dim RECV_PIN as 11
IRrecv irrecv(RECV_PIN); //Set RECV_PIN (Pin-out 11) as the IR receiver port.
decode_results results; //Set results as the IR records storage position.
int currentNumber = 0; //The variable is for current number storage.

long codes[12]= //The array is for IR codes storage delivered by

the IR remote controller.
{
0xFD30CF,0xFD08F7, // 0 ,1
0xFD8877,0xFD48B7, // 2 ,3
0xFD28D7,0xFDA857, // 4 ,5
0xFD6897,0xFD18E7, // 6 ,7
0xFD9867,0xFD58A7, // 8 ,9
0xFD20DF,0xFD609F, // + ,-
};

int number[10][8] = //The array is for numbers storage displayed on

the LED module.
{
{0,0,0,1,0,0,0,1},//0
{0,1,1,1,1,1,0,1},//1
{0,0,1,0,0,0,1,1},//2
{0,0,1,0,1,0,0,1},//3
{0,1,0,0,1,1,0,1},//4
{1,0,0,0,1,0,0,1},//5
{1,0,0,0,0,0,0,1},//6
{0,0,1,1,1,1,0,1},//7
{0,0,0,0,0,0,0,1},//8
{0,0,0,0,1,1,0,1},//9
};

void numberShow(int i) { //The function works to display numbers on the

LED module.
for(int pin = 2; pin <= 9 ; pin++){
digitalWrite(pin, number[i][pin - 2]);
}
}
void setup(){
Serial.begin(9600); //Set the baud rate as 9600.
irrecv.enableIRIn(); //Launch IR decoding.

for(int pin = 2 ; pin <= 9 ; pin++){ //Set Pin-out 2 to 9 as output mode.

pinMode(pin, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(pin, HIGH);
}
}
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 13

void loop() {
//Evaluate whether decoding data are received and store the data in
variable results.
if (irrecv.decode(&results)) {
for(int i = 0; i <= 11; i++){
//Evaluate whether IR codes are received of press button 0 to 9.
if(results.value == codes[i]&& i <= 9){
numberShow(i); //Display 0 to 9 on
corresponding position of the LED module.
currentNumber = i; //Assign value displayed to
variable currentNumber.
Serial.println(i);
break;
}

// /Evaluate whether decreasing IR codes are received and the

current value is not 0.
else if(results.value == codes[10]&& currentNumber != 0){
currentNumber--; //Decrease current value.
numberShow(currentNumber); //The LED module displays
decreasing value.
Serial.println(currentNumber); //The serial port outputs
decreasing value.
break;
}

Backward VO
//Evaluate whether decreasing IR codes are received and current
L +
FU
ST NC/
OP

value is not 9. VO
L -
Forward
0

else if(results.value == codes[11]&& currentNumber != 9){ 1

EQ
S
RE T/
2
currentNumber++; //Current value increases. 4
3
PT

5
numberShow(currentNumber); //The LED module displays 0-9
7

8 6
increasing value.
9

Serial.println(currentNumber); //The serial port outputs

increasing value.
break;
}
Fig. 15-4 Press Button Instructions
}

Serial.println(results.value, HEX); //View IR codes via serial port Codes downloaded, have a try to
monitor. press some press buttons as
irrecv.resume(); //Wait for next signal. shown in Fig. 15-4 to check the
} status of the LED module.
}
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 14
Code Review

Th ode below starts from the general for the

. Project 12.

int

int

: . This variable is
A number

represents a
h .
additional buttons on the remote controller.
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 15

First step:
There are three conditions require consideration. Firstly, the 8-segment
LED module should display 0 to 9 when corresponding press buttons are
pressed.Secondly, every time Backward is pressed, number displayed
decreases by 1 each time until it reaches 0. Thirdly, every time Forward is
pressed, number displayed increases by 1 each time until it reaches 0.
To decide for above conditions, we adopt if statement. What differs from
previous sample codes is that we use ifelse if.iWhat is the difference?An
evaluation expression usually follows else if but not for else.However,
neither else nor else if fails to work independently but an if statement is a
must.
Get back to the codes for three conditions mentioned below:

if
if
if

if
is based on whether data is received from results. Value

if evaluates the second condition whether instructions

from Backward
number displayed is not 0.
if evaluates the third condition whether instructions
from

there should be a for loop before the if evaluation to have variable

loop among 0 to 11.
the program starts
ond event. a code following
every if statement.
Code introductions are now finished. most difficult section
in all of the we have shown and it is difficult to understand
take it easy - practice makes perfect.
www.dfrobot.com 15. IR Remote Controlled LED Module 16
Exercises

Make a DIY remote controller that works based on this project.

Using these applications, you can make a movable toy man. You could use servos, explained in the projects
mentioned before, and use different press buttons on the remote controller to have the servos move to
various angles. Use your imagination and have fun.