Tag Archives: vPython

Using an Arduino with Python LESSON 11: Controlling an LED from Python

In this video lesson, we show how to control an LED using python. Python sends commands to arduino, which then controls the LED. We also create a vPython visual, where the ‘Virtual’ LED mimics the behavior of the real LED. This a really cool demonstration and hope you enjoy it. I include below the code we develop in the video. On the arduino side we end up with the following:

And on the python side we have:

 

Using an Arduino with Python LESSON 8: Live Thermometer 3D Visual Using DHT11

In this video lesson we connect the Arduino to a DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor. We show how to wire the device up, and then how to code the Arduino. The data is passed from the Arduino to python. We then create a live 3D thermometer model that updates as the temperature changes.

On the arduino side, this is the code which we use:

Then on the python side, we use the following code:

 

Using an Arduino with Python LESSON 5: Analog Voltage Meter in vPython

In this lesson we begin coding a 3D analog voltmeter model in vPython. We begin by connecting a potentiometer to an arduino to create a voltage divider. The voltage is read from the center tap of the potentiometer by the arduino, and then the arduino passes the data to python. Then, we animate the  analog voltmeter based on the readings passed from the Arduino. Enjoy!

Then this is the code we developed for the Python side.

 

 

Using an Arduino with Python LESSON 4: Visual Display of Measured Voltage in Visual Python

In this lesson we show how you can measure a voltage from a potentiometer using Arduino, and then pass that data to Visual Python over the serial port. Then we use visual python to create a 3D model that is animated by the live data.

On the Arduino side we use the following code to measure the voltage from the potentiometer:

Then on the python side we read and display the data with the following code:

Watch the video for a complete explanation of the code.

Python 3D Graphics Tutorial 17: Creating an Accurate 3D Clock in Visual Python

This is the code we developed in Lesson 17 in order to create a 3D visual of an accurate analog clock. This code will serve as the starting point for lesson #18.