Category: Arduino Projects

  • Upload the Arduino Ohmmeter Sketch

    It’s time to upload the Ohmmeter sketch to the Arduino. Example 13-1 reads the resistance of R2, and reports the result through the serial display. Here are the steps you’ll need to take: Once the Ohmmeter sketch has been uploaded to the Arduino, place the unknown resistor (shown as R2 on the Frizting diagram) you want to test…

  • Let’s Build an Arduino Ohmmeter

    This gadget tests the resistance of electrical components. Place the unknown resistor you want to test in series with the reference resistor R1 connected to GND. The Arduino will calculate the resistance and display it on the Serial Monitor. The resistance of other electrical objects can be measured with the Arduino Ohmmeter as well. Building the…

  • Parts List

    Figure 13-1. An Arduino Ohmmeter

  • Introduction

    Resistors are color coded to indicate their resistive value. If you already know how to read the color code—or once you learn how—you’ll be able to glance at a resistor and tell automatically what its value is. But what about other components in your projects? What about the LEDs, potentiometers, buzzers, or even the wires…

  • Circuit Theory

    The 2N3904 or S39013 NPN transistor amplifies or increases the audio signal created by the Arduino. The transistor has an amplification value called “gain” used to determine the volume of an electrical signal. A typical gain value engineers use in designing simple amplifiers like this one is 100. The mini 8Ω speaker can be wired…

  • Upload the Theremin Sketch

    It’s time to upload the sketch to the Arduino with the Theremin’s photocell and simple transistor amplifier circuits built on the MakerShield. Example 12-1 operates the Arduino-based Theremin using a photocell and a simple transistor amplifier circuit. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow: Once the Theremin sketch has been uploaded to the Arduino, the mini 8Ω…

  • Let’s Build a Theremin

    The Theremin, invented in 1920 by Russian inventor Leon Theremin, uses an electronic circuit called an oscillator to create different sounds. In our Theremin, we’re using the Arduino as an oscillator by programming it to select different tones based on changing light levels. The tone changes are made by waving your hand over a photocell, creating various…

  • Parts List

    Figure 12-1. The Theremin

  • Introduction

    A Simple Transistor Amplifier Electronic circuits that produce audible sounds have been used to create strange and eerie audio effects for science-fiction movies like Star Wars and Marvel’s The Avengers. The Theremin is a device that generates different electronic sounds by waving hands over and around a pair of protruding antennas. You can make your own awesome Theremin using…

  • Circuit Theory

    The 2N3904 NPN transistor provides a signal to the Arduino, allowing it to turn on the piezo buzzer. Placing a metal object on the test probes allows electrical current to flow through the transistor, turning it on like a pushbutton switch. The 1KΩ (kilo-ohm) resistor provides a control voltage (+5VDC) to the Arduino, allowing it…