Once you learn the coding basics in Processing Java, here are some ways to further explore coding and have have fun!
Microcontrollers
A microcontroller is a small computer containing a core processor, memory and programmable input and output ports that allow students to control LED's, motors, switches and servos in projects that they build using code that they program.
Some examples of projects are:
- Arduino Microprocessors (Resources) used in walking robots and other cool applications
- Raspberry Pi Microprocessors (Resources)
- Arduino Microprocessors (Resources) used in walking robots and other cool applications
- Raspberry Pi Microprocessors (Resources)
Recent and Upcoming Assignements:
(in C using the Arduino IDE)
1. Hello World (example)
- We use the "Blink" program written in C for the inaugural program on the Arduino micro-controller.
2. Heartbeat (formative #1)
- Can you modify the "Blink" program to replicate a heartbeat?
3. Alarm Light (formative #2)
- Let's further modify the "Blink" program to create a flashing alarm signal.
4. Police Lights (summative #1)
- Using what you've learned, create a simulation of flashing blue and red police lights.
5. Traffic Control Lights (summative #2)
- Expanding your coding skills, create a model for the traffic lights at an intersection.
6. Analog Input (example)
- Learn using AnalogRead( ) how to read sensor data into an Arduino.
7. Larson Scanner (summative #3)
- We've create versions of Larson Scanners in Java, can we create one in C on an Arduino?
8. Bar Graph (formative #3)
- It's time to combine the Larson Scanner wiring with what we've learned about analog input to create a LED bar graph.
9. Push Button & "Debouncing" (example)
- Arduino micro-controllers are so fast that a simple push button switch won't work correctly unless you "debounce" it.
10. RGB LED (formative #4)
- Using the debouncing algorithm, can we create a circuit that cycles through all 7 possible colours created by an RGB
LED by using a push button switch?
11. 7-Segment Display (summative #4)
- Modify the RGB LED code to cycle through all 10 digits that can be formed on a 7-segment display by using a push
button switch to trigger the next digit.
12. LED Fade (example)
- We learn about Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) as a way to vary the brightness of an LED without changing the voltage.
13. Motor Control (summative #5)
- Using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), we learn how to safely control a motor by using a TIP-120 NPN transistor.
- We use the "Blink" program written in C for the inaugural program on the Arduino micro-controller.
2. Heartbeat (formative #1)
- Can you modify the "Blink" program to replicate a heartbeat?
3. Alarm Light (formative #2)
- Let's further modify the "Blink" program to create a flashing alarm signal.
4. Police Lights (summative #1)
- Using what you've learned, create a simulation of flashing blue and red police lights.
5. Traffic Control Lights (summative #2)
- Expanding your coding skills, create a model for the traffic lights at an intersection.
6. Analog Input (example)
- Learn using AnalogRead( ) how to read sensor data into an Arduino.
7. Larson Scanner (summative #3)
- We've create versions of Larson Scanners in Java, can we create one in C on an Arduino?
8. Bar Graph (formative #3)
- It's time to combine the Larson Scanner wiring with what we've learned about analog input to create a LED bar graph.
9. Push Button & "Debouncing" (example)
- Arduino micro-controllers are so fast that a simple push button switch won't work correctly unless you "debounce" it.
10. RGB LED (formative #4)
- Using the debouncing algorithm, can we create a circuit that cycles through all 7 possible colours created by an RGB
LED by using a push button switch?
11. 7-Segment Display (summative #4)
- Modify the RGB LED code to cycle through all 10 digits that can be formed on a 7-segment display by using a push
button switch to trigger the next digit.
12. LED Fade (example)
- We learn about Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) as a way to vary the brightness of an LED without changing the voltage.
13. Motor Control (summative #5)
- Using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), we learn how to safely control a motor by using a TIP-120 NPN transistor.
Select any of the links below to check out the following microprocessor platforms and electronics suppliers.
Recommended Device: Laptops work best