Tag Archives: Tutorial

Improved PyQt Color Wheel Project

In this video lesson we improve last weeks project by making the PyQt widget more virtual. The PyQt widget generates 3 sine waves, one for the Red color channel, one for the Green color channel, and one for the Blue color channel. The three sine waves are displayed on the widget. You are then given the opportunity in the widget to scale any of the three color channels. This allows you to calibrate your RGB LED in case any color channel is dominating. The widget also features a “Chase” mode where you can introduce phase injection into any of the color channels. This causes one or more of the color channels to “chase” the other ones. In this version, we preserve the phase as we turn the chase mode on or off. We also add buttons at the bottom of the widget to show the composite color being generated, as well as the individual R, G, and B color channels. This is the circuit schematic we are using on the Pi Pico side.

Circuit Schematic for Connecting the RGB LED

This is the code we developed to run on the Pi Pico side. It is the server side.

You need to create this file, and save it as “secrets.py” in the lib folder of your raspberry pi Pico.

And finally, this is the client side program which will run on your PC.

 

Arduino Tutorial 55: Measuring Distance With HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor

This lesson builds on the work done in Lessons 53 and 55. In this lesson we use the Ultrasonic Sensor to build a distance sensor. The HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor can be programmed to send out a ping, and then measure the time it takes to hear the echo of the ping come back, after bouncing off a target. Knowing the speed of sound allows us to calculate distance to the sensor.

The circuit uses the following Schematic:

Schematic for Connecting the HC-SR04 to an Arduino

This is the code we develop in the video

The sensor is part of our Elegoo Kit , so if you get this kit, you will be using the same hardware we are using. This project builds on the work we did in Lesson 53.

For this build we will be using an Arduino Nano, which allows the project to be built on a single breadboard. You can use the Arduino Uno if you do not have a Nano, and things will work out the same. The build neatness is also facilitated by using small straight jumper wires, which you can get HERE.

Arduino Tutorial 40: Controlling DC Motor Speed and Direction with Pushbuttons

In this lesson we explore how to control the speed and direction of a DC motor using two buttons. We are using the L293D motor controller and a small DC motor for demonstration purposes. We are using parts from our Elegoo Super Stater Kit, which you can get HERE. The basic circuit was explained in Lesson 37, and we are using that work as a starting point. The schematic below will get you started in connecting your circuit. Be sure and connect one of the Arduino ground pins to the ground rail in the second to the bottom row in the diagram below. It is good practice to connect all your grounds together.

Connection Diagram for a DC Motor Controller using the L293 Control Chip

The code we developed in the video lesson is shown below for your convenience.

 

Arduino Tutorial 36: Understanding How to Use Tilt Switches in Your Projects

This Circuit Gives Visual Indicator if Board Has Been Tilted

This is a simple project that allows you to create a circuit which will give a visual indication if the breadboard has been tilted. In the upright position, the Green LED is illuminated. To the left of the board is a tilt switch. If the project is tilted, the switch will go from the closed to the open condition. This can be detected on the arduino, and then the red LED is illuminated. The video below explains how to do this simple project.

You can get the kit we are using in these lessons HERE. You should create your own code based on the instructions in the video, but if you are having trouble, I include the code developed in the video below: