The new Raspberry Pi Pico is a microcontroller – yes a microcontroller, not a microcomputer! It lists for four dollars and it uses a new MCU designed by Raspberry Pi.
To test one out I hooked up a bunch of I/O components and used MicroPython to code them.
In this first of a two-part series we will learn how to measure both DC voltage and DC current using an Arduino Uno. Although the examples all use the Uno, what we learn here can be applied to any microcontroller.
The second part of the series will, of course, focus on Alternating Current.
Today we will look at PlatformIO, an alternate IDE for working with the Arduino and many other microcontrollers.
You’ll learn how to install PlatformIO under Visual Studio Code, and also how to use it to program for the Arduino Uno, The ESP32 and Seeeduino XIAO.
Once you get used to it you’ll see that PlatformIO has many advantages over the Arduino IDE.
Here is a complete and detailed guide to building a Linux-based Developers Workstation from scratch!
Starting with a “barebones computer” kit we will put together a Developers Workstation that has 15 essential software applications, plus a few custom tweaks.
Make sure to download the “Cheat Sheet” to simplify your build.
Come and meet the XIAO, a tiny 32-bit Arduino-compatible microcontroller that goes for only 5 dollars!
This amazing little device outperforms the Arduino AVR boards and offers features like an analog output and 10 PWM pins.
We will explore the XIAO using the Arduino IDE and see how easy it is to use.
We have seen how to control DC devices with an Arduino, now it’s time to learn how to control AC equipment.
In this article I will show you a SAFE method of experimenting with AC on your workbench.
We will also build a light-activated relay and a marquis-style light chaser using solid state switches.
Simplify your ESP32-CAM experiments by building this simple developers module.
This handy accessory has a solderless breadboard, prototyping accessories, and a built-in power supply that can also be used for other projects and can run on batteries or AC.
It’s an easy build and you probably already have most of the parts.
Basic Logic chips have been around for a very long time, yet they are still used in new designs. An understanding of how basic logic chips work will move your design skills up a notch.
Today we will look at the most elementary of logic chips, the basic gates. We’ll also learn about logic families, and we’ll see how to create a logic chip emulator using an Arduino.
We’ll finish up by designing a simple intruder alarm using an Arduino and a basic logic gate.
Today we will look at a few different ways to drive a servo motor with an ESP32 microcontroller.
We’ll be using a replacement for the Arduino Servo Library and recompiling classic Arduino servo sketches to work with the ESP32.
We will also drive multiple servos with a PCA9685 PWM module and build a web-based servo motor control.
The built-in CSI camera connector is one of the great features of the Raspberry Pi. Adding video capabilities can really bring your project up to the next level.
Today we will take a detailed look at the Raspberry Pi Camera. We’ll see how it works, how to use it and we’ll compare different models to see which one looks best.