The Alpha Geek – Geeking Out

Projects

Project #7: RGB LCD Shield – Bi-Color LED – Mk09

Bi-Color LED

Bi-color LEDs contain two different LED emitters in one case. There are two types of these. One type consists of two dies connected to the same two leads antiparallel to each other. Current flow in one direction emits one color, and current in the opposite direction emits the other color. The other type consists of two dies with separate leads for both dies and another lead for common anode or cathode so that they can be controlled independently. The most common bi-color combination is red/traditional green, however, other available combinations include amber/traditional green, red/pure green, red/blue, and blue/pure green.

Super Bright BiPolar LEDs

Package of 12 super bright Red/Green jumbo T1 3/4 5mm LEDs. These have a diffused frosted lens and 3 long leads. Prime 100% perfect and bright. CODE 7: 100% Prime Parts. Stock # GP55

DonLuc1808Mk02

1 x RGB LCD Shield 16×2 Character Display
1 x Arduino UNO – R3
1 x ProtoScrewShield
3 x Bi-Color LED GP55
3 x 270 Ohm Resistance
3 x 330 Ohm Resistance
3 x Jumper Wires 3″ M/M
7 x Jumper Wires 6″ M/M
1 x Size Breadboard
1 x USB Cable A to B

Arduino UNO

LG3 – Digital 5
LR3 – Digital 4
LG2 – Digital 3
LR2 – Digital 2
LG1 – Digital 1
LR1 – Digital 0
GND – GND

DonLuc1808Mk02p.ino

// ***** Don Luc *****
// Software Version Information
// Project #7: RGB LCD Shield – Bi-Color LED  – Mk09
// 8-02
// DonLuc1808Mk02p 8-02
// RGB LCD Shield
// Bi-Color LED

// Include Library Code
#include <Adafruit_MCP23017.h>
#include <Adafruit_RGBLCDShield.h>

// RGB LCD Shield
Adafruit_RGBLCDShield RGBLCDShield = Adafruit_RGBLCDShield();
#define GREEN 0x2

// Bi-Color LED
int iLR1 = 0;      // LED Red 1
int iLG1 = 1;      // LED Green 1
int iLR2 = 2;      // LED Red 2
int iLG2 = 3;      // LED Green 2
int iLR3 = 4;      // LED Red 3
int iLG3 = 5;      // LED Green 3

void loop() 
{

  // Bi-Color LED
  isBiColor();

  delay(1000);
  
  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();
  
}

getBiColor.ino

// Bi-Color LED
void isBiColor()
{
   
  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Bi-Color LED");         // Bi-Color LED

  // Bi-Color LED
   
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("L1x- L2x- L3x-");      // Bi-Color LED Red

  digitalWrite(iLR1, HIGH);                  // LED Red 1
  digitalWrite(iLG1, LOW);                   // LED Green 1
  digitalWrite(iLR2, HIGH);                  // LED Red 2
  digitalWrite(iLG2, LOW);                   // LED Green 2
  digitalWrite(iLR3, HIGH);                  // LED Red 3
  digitalWrite(iLG3, LOW);                   // LED Green 3

  delay( 2000 );

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("L1-x L2-x L3-x");      // Bi-Color LED Green

  digitalWrite(iLR1, LOW);                   // LED Red 1
  digitalWrite(iLG1, HIGH);                  // LED Green 1
  digitalWrite(iLR2, LOW);                   // LED Red 2
  digitalWrite(iLG2, HIGH);                  // LED Green 2  
  digitalWrite(iLR3, LOW);                   // LED Red 3
  digitalWrite(iLG3, HIGH);                  // LED Green 3

  delay( 2000 );

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("L1xx L2xx L3xx");      // Bi-Color LED Red-Green

  digitalWrite(iLR1, HIGH);                  // LED Red 1
  digitalWrite(iLG1, HIGH);                  // LED Green 1
  digitalWrite(iLR2, HIGH);                  // LED Red 2
  digitalWrite(iLG2, HIGH);                  // LED Green 2  
  digitalWrite(iLR3, HIGH);                  // LED Red 3
  digitalWrite(iLG3, HIGH);                  // LED Green 3

  delay( 2000 ); 
  
}

setup.ino

// Setup
void setup() 
{

  // set up the LCD's number of columns and rows: 
  RGBLCDShield.begin(16, 2);
  RGBLCDShield.setBacklight(GREEN);
  
  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);  
  RGBLCDShield.print("Don Luc");           // Don luc
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Bi-Color LED");      // Bi-Color LED
  delay(5000);

  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();

  // Bi-Color LED
  pinMode(iLR1, OUTPUT);                   // LED Red 1
  pinMode(iLG1, OUTPUT);                   // LED Green 1
  pinMode(iLR2, OUTPUT);                   // LED Red 2
  pinMode(iLG2, OUTPUT);                   // LED Green 2
  pinMode(iLR3, OUTPUT);                   // LED Red 3
  pinMode(iLG3, OUTPUT);                   // LED Green 3
  
}

Don Luc

Project #7: RGB LCD Shield – Rotary Switch – Mk08

Rotary Switch – 10 Position

This is a single pole, 10 position rotary switch able to select up to 10 different states in a durable package. Unlike our other rotary switch, this model is much more robust and capable of handling larger currents and voltages.

With a max voltage rating of 125VAC at 0.3A and a dielectric strength of 250VAC for 1 minute this is a serious little rotary switch capable of working with some of your bigger projects. Though this switch requires you to use 11 pins and is not breadboard friendly we do offer a breakout board (found in the Recommended Products section below) to provide easier access to its capabilities.

1 x Rotary Switch – 10 Position
1 x Hex Nut
2 x Washer

Rating: 0.3A/125VAC
Contact Resistance: 50M Ohm max
Insulation Resistance: 100M Ohm @ 500VDC min
Dielectric Strength: 250VAC for 1 minute
Rotation torque: 1.0+0.5KG/cm
Shaft: 3/8″

Rotary Switch Breakout

This is the SparkFun Rotary Switch Breakout, a very simple board designed to easily provide you access to each pin on our 10-position rotary switches. This breakout allows you to easily add a rotary switch to your next project without having to worry about attaching its unique footprint to a custom board or solderless breadboard. All you need to do is solder the 10-position rotary switch into the breakout (using the silkscreen on the board as a guide) and each pin will become available for breadboard or hookup wire compatibility.

Each one of these boards breaks out the common ( C ), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 positions on the board into 0.1″ spaced pins.

NeoPixel Stick – 8 x 5050 RGB LED

Make your own little LED strip arrangement with this stick of NeoPixel LEDs. We crammed 8 of the tiny 5050 (5mm x 5mm) smart RGB LEDs onto a PCB with mounting holes and a chainable design. Use only one microcontroller pin to control as many as you can chain together! Each LED is addressable as the driver chip is inside the LED. Each one has ~18mA constant current drive so the color will be very consistent even if the voltage varies, and no external choke resistors are required making the design slim. Power the whole thing with 5VDC (4-7V works) and you’re ready to rock.

DonLuc1808Mk01

1 x RGB LCD Shield 16×2 Character Display
1 x Arduino UNO – R3
1 x ProtoScrewShield
1 x Rotary Switch – 10 Position
1 x Rotary Switch Breakout
1 x Black Knob
1 x NeoPixel Stick – 8 x 5050 RGB LED
1 x 100K Potentiometer
1 x Black Knob
11 x 1K Ohm Resistance
17 x Jumper Wires 3″ M/M
6 x Jumper Wires 6″ M/M
1 x Size Breadboard
1 x USB Cable A to B

Arduino UNO

NEO – Digital 0
ROT – Analog 1
POT – Analog 0
GND – GND
VIN – +5V

DonLuc1808Mk01p.ino

// ***** Don Luc *****
// Software Version Information
// Project #7: RGB LCD Shield – Rotary Switch – Mk08
// 8-01
// DonLuc1808Mk01p 8-01
// RGB LCD Shield
// Rotary Switch

// Include Library Code
#include <Adafruit_MCP23017.h>
#include <Adafruit_RGBLCDShield.h>
#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>

// RGB LCD Shield
Adafruit_RGBLCDShield RGBLCDShield = Adafruit_RGBLCDShield();
#define GREEN 0x2

// NeoPixels
#define PIN 0                             // On digital pin 3
#define NUMPIXELS 8                       // NeoPixels NUMPIXELS = 8
Adafruit_NeoPixel pixels = Adafruit_NeoPixel(NUMPIXELS, PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);
int red = 0;                              // Red
int green = 0;                            // Green
int blue = 0;                             // Blue
int iNeo = 0;                             // Neopix
const int iBriPin = A0;                   // Panel Mount 1K potentiometer Brightneed
int iBri = 0;                             // Neopix Brightness
int iBriMin = 1023;                       // Brightneed minimum sensor value
int iBriMax = 0;                          // Brightneed maximun sensor value

// Rotary Switch
// Rotary Switch - 10 Position
// Number = 1 => 10
int iRotNum = A1;                         // Rotary Switch
int iVal = 0;                             // iVal - Value            
int z = 0;                                // Number

void loop() 
{

  // Rotary Switch
  isRot();

  delay(1000);
  
  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();
  
}

getRot.ino

// Rotary Switch
void isRot()
{

  // NeoPixels
  for(int y=0; y < NUMPIXELS; y++)
  { 
     // Black
     red = 0;                                 // Red
     green = 0;                               // Green
     blue = 0;                                // Blue
     iNeo = y;                                // Neopix  
     neopix();    
  }
   
  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Rotary Switch");        // Rotary Switch

  // Rotary Switch
  z = analogRead( iRotNum );                  // Rotary Switch
  iVal = ( z / 100 );                         // Rotary Value
   
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iVal = ");              // Rotary Value
  RGBLCDShield.print( iVal + 1 );

  // Range Value
  switch ( iVal ) {
    case  0:
      // Red
      // NeoPixels
      for(int y=0; y<NUMPIXELS; y++){ 
         red = 255;                           // Red
         green = 0;                           // Green
         blue = 0;                            // Blue
         iNeo = y;                            // Neopix      
         neopix(); 
      }        
      break;
    case 1:
      // Green
      // NeoPixels
      for(int y=0; y<NUMPIXELS; y++){ 
         red = 0;                             // Red
         green = 255;                         // Green
         blue = 0;                            // Blue
         iNeo = y;                            // Neopix      
         neopix(); 
      }
      break;
    case 2:
      // Blue
      // NeoPixels
      for(int y=0; y<NUMPIXELS; y++){ 
         red = 0;                             // Red
         green = 0;                           // Green
         blue = 255;                          // Blue
         iNeo = y;                            // Neopix      
         neopix(); 
      }
      break;
    case 3:
      // White
      // NeoPixels
      for(int y=0; y<NUMPIXELS; y++){ 
         red = 255;                           // Red
         green = 255;                         // Green
         blue = 255;                          // Blue
         iNeo = y;                            // Neopix      
         neopix(); 
      }
      break;  
    case 4:
      // NeoPixels
      // Red
      for(int y=0; y<NUMPIXELS; y++){ 
         red = 255;                           // Red
         green = 0;                           // Green
         blue = 0;                            // Blue
         iNeo = y;                            // Neopix      
         neopix(); 
      }
      delay( 2000 );
      // Green
      for(int y=0; y<NUMPIXELS; y++){ 
         red = 0;                             // Red
         green = 255;                         // Green
         blue = 0;                            // Blue
         iNeo = y;                            // Neopix      
         neopix(); 
      }
      delay( 2000 );
      // Blue
      for(int y=0; y<NUMPIXELS; y++){ 
         red = 0;                             // Red
         green = 0;                           // Green
         blue = 255;                          // Blue
         iNeo = y;                            // Neopix      
         neopix(); 
      }          
      break;
    case 5:
      // NeoPixels
      // Yellow
      for(int y=0; y<NUMPIXELS; y++){ 
         red = 255;                           // Red
         green = 255;                         // Green
         blue = 0;                            // Blue
         iNeo = y;                            // Neopix      
         neopix(); 
      } 
      break;
    case 6:
      // NeoPixels
      // Orange
      for(int y=0; y<NUMPIXELS; y++){ 
         red = 255;                           // Red
         green = 102;                         // Green
         blue = 0;                            // Blue
         iNeo = y;                            // Neopix      
         neopix(); 
      }
      break;       
    case 7:
      // NeoPixels
      // Violet
      for(int y=0; y<NUMPIXELS; y++){ 
         red = 204;                           // Red
         green = 102;                         // Green
         blue = 204;                          // Blue
         iNeo = y;                            // Neopix      
         neopix(); 
      }
      break; 
    case 8:
      // NeoPixels
      // Red
      red = 255;                           // Red
      green = 0;                           // Green
      blue = 0;                            // Blue
      iNeo = 0;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 );
      // Green
      red = 0;                             // Red
      green = 255;                         // Green
      blue = 0;                            // Blue
      iNeo = 1;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 ); 
      // Blue
      red = 0;                             // Red
      green = 0;                           // Green
      blue = 255;                          // Blue
      iNeo = 2;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 );
      // White
      red = 255;                           // Red
      green = 255;                         // Green
      blue = 255;                          // Blue
      iNeo = 3;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 );
      // Pink
      red = 255;                           // Red
      green = 153;                         // Green
      blue = 203;                          // Blue
      iNeo = 4;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 );
      // Orange
      red = 255;                           // Red
      green = 102;                         // Green
      blue = 0;                            // Blue
      iNeo = 5;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 ); 
      // Violet
      red = 204;                           // Red
      green = 102;                         // Green
      blue = 204;                          // Blue
      iNeo = 6;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 ); 
      // Yellow
      red = 255;                           // Red
      green = 255;                         // Green
      blue = 0;                            // Blue
      iNeo = 7;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 );         
      break; 
    case 9:
      // NeoPixels
      // Red
      red = 255;                           // Red
      green = 0;                           // Green
      blue = 0;                            // Blue
      iNeo = 7;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 );
      // Green
      red = 0;                             // Red
      green = 255;                         // Green
      blue = 0;                            // Blue
      iNeo = 6;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 ); 
      // Blue
      red = 0;                             // Red
      green = 0;                           // Green
      blue = 255;                          // Blue
      iNeo = 5;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 );
      // White
      red = 255;                           // Red
      green = 255;                         // Green
      blue = 255;                          // Blue
      iNeo = 4;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 );
      // Pink
      red = 255;                           // Red
      green = 153;                         // Green
      blue = 203;                          // Blue
      iNeo = 3;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 );
      // Orange
      red = 255;                           // Red
      green = 102;                         // Green
      blue = 0;                            // Blue
      iNeo = 2;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 ); 
      // Violet
      red = 204;                           // Red
      green = 102;                         // Green
      blue = 204;                          // Blue
      iNeo = 1;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 ); 
      // Yellow
      red = 255;                           // Red
      green = 255;                         // Green
      blue = 0;                            // Blue
      iNeo = 0;                            // Neopix      
      neopix();
      delay( 1000 );
      break;
  }

}

neopix.ino

// NeoPixels
void neopix() { 
    
    // Brightness
    iBri = analogRead(iBriPin);

    // iBri apply the calibration to the sensor reading
    iBri = map(iBri, iBriMin, iBriMax, 0, 255);

    // iBri in case the sensor value is outside the range seen during calibration
    iBri = constrain(iBri, 0, 255);
    
    pixels.setBrightness( iBri );
    // Pixels.Color takes RGB values, from 0,0,0 up to 255,255,255
    pixels.setPixelColor( iNeo, pixels.Color(red,green,blue) ); 
    // This sends the updated pixel color to the hardware
    pixels.show(); 
    // Delay for a period of time (in milliseconds)
    delay(50);     
  
}

setup.ino

// Setup
void setup() 
{

  // set up the LCD's number of columns and rows: 
  RGBLCDShield.begin(16, 2);
  RGBLCDShield.setBacklight(GREEN);
  
  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);  
  RGBLCDShield.print("Don Luc");           // Don luc
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Rotary Switch");     // Rotary Switch
  delay(5000);

  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();

  // NeoPixels
  pixels.begin();          // This initializes the NeoPixel library
  // NeoPixels
  
  for(int y=0; y < NUMPIXELS; y++)
  { 
     // Black
     red = 0;                                 // Red
     green = 0;                               // Green
     blue = 0;                                // Blue
     iNeo = y;                                // Neopix  
     neopix();    
  }

}

Don Luc

Project #7: RGB LCD Shield – Line Sensor Breakout – Mk07

Line Sensor Breakout – QRE1113 (Analog)

Description

This version of the QRE1113 breakout board features an easy-to-use analog output, which will vary depending on the amount of IR light reflected back to the sensor. This tiny board is perfect for line sensing applications and can be used in both 3.3V and 5V systems.

The board’s QRE1113 IR reflectance sensor is comprised of two parts – an IR emitting LED and an IR sensitive phototransistor. When you apply power to the VCC and GND pins the IR LED inside the sensor will illuminate. A 100 Ohm resistor is on-board and placed in series with the LED to limit current. A 10k Ohm resistor pulls the output pin high, but when the light from the LED is reflected back onto the phototransistor the output will begin to go lower. The more IR light sensed by the phototransistor, the lower the output voltage of the breakout board.

These sensors are widely used in line following robots – white surfaces reflect much more light than black, so, when directed towards a white surface, the voltage output will be lower than that on a black surface.

The power input and analog output pins are brought out to a 3-pin, 0.1″ pitch header. The board also has a single mounting hole if you want to screw the board onto something.

Features

* 5VDC operating voltage
* 25mA supply current
* Optimal sensing distance: 0.125″ (3mm)
* 0.30 x 0.55 “ (7.62 x 13.97 mm)

Common Reflectance Sensor

The QRE1113 is a common reflectance sensor often used in robotic line followers. The sensor works by shining an IR LED down and seeing how much of that light bounces back using a phototransistor. Because dark colors will bounce back less of the light, the sensor can be used to tell the difference between white and black areas. So an array of these can be used to help a robot determine where a dark line is on the ground so it can follow it. But they can also be used to determine proximity under an inch.

The an analog input on your microcontroller but still need an analog reading of how much light was reflected. It does this by allowing you to charge a capacitor on the board, and then timing how long it takes to discharge. The more light that is reflected, the less time it takes to discharge the capacitor. Hooking the QRE1113 to your Arduino is very simple. It just needs power (5V), ground, and an analog pin.

DonLuc1807Mk11

1 x RGB LCD Shield 16×2 Character Display
1 x Arduino UNO – R3
1 x ProtoScrewShield
1 x Line Sensor Breakout – QRE1113 (Analog)
3 x Jumper Wires 6″ M/M
1 x Half-Size Breadboard

Arduino UNO

CRS – Analog 0
GND – GND
VIN – +5V

DonLuc1807Mk11p.ino

// ***** Don Luc *****
// Software Version Information
// Project #7: RGB LCD Shield – Line Sensor Breakout – Mk07
// 7-11
// DonLuc1807Mk10p 7-11
// RGB LCD Shield
// QRE1113 (Analog)

// include the library code:
#include <Adafruit_MCP23017.h>
#include <Adafruit_RGBLCDShield.h>

Adafruit_RGBLCDShield RGBLCDShield = Adafruit_RGBLCDShield();
#define GREEN 0x2

// Seven-Segment Display
int iQRE1113 = A0;       // iQRE1113
int iQRE1113Value = 0;   // iQRE1113Value

void loop() 
{

  // QRE1113 (Analog)
  isCRS();

  delay(2000);
  
  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();
  
}

getSeven.ino

// Line Sensor Breakout - QRE1113
void isCRS()
{

  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);
  RGBLCDShield.print("QRE1113 (Analog)");       // Line Sensor Breakout - QRE1113

  iQRE1113Value = analogRead(iQRE1113);
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iQRE1113 = ");            // iQRE1113
  RGBLCDShield.print( iQRE1113Value );          // iQRE1113Value

}

setup.ino

// Setup
void setup() 
{

  // set up the LCD's number of columns and rows: 
  RGBLCDShield.begin(16, 2);
  RGBLCDShield.setBacklight(GREEN);
  
  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);  
  RGBLCDShield.print("Don Luc");           // Don luc
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("QRE1113 (Analog)");  // Seven-Segment Display
  delay(5000);

  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();
 
}

Don Luc

Project #7: RGB LCD Shield – Seven-Segment Display – Mk06

Seven-Segment Display

A seven-segment display (SSD), or seven-segment indicator, is a form of electronic display device for displaying decimal numerals that is an alternative to the more complex dot matrix displays.

Seven-segment displays are widely used in digital clocks, electronic meters, basic calculators, and other electronic devices that display numerical information.

Your basic 7-segment LED. Common anode. Two decimal points, but only the one on the right is wired. Digit height is 0.6″. Overall height is 1″.

Common Cathode

In a common-cathode display, the positive terminal of all the eight LEDs are connected together and then connected to iSeven2 and iSeven8. To turn on an individual segment, you ground one of the pins. The following diagram shows the internal structure of the common-cathode seven-segment display.

The internal structure of both types is nearly the same. The difference is the polarity of the LEDs and common terminal. In a common cathode seven-segment display, all seven LEDs plus a dot LED have the cathodes connected To use this display, we need to connect VIN to make the individual segments light up. The following diagram shows the internal structure of common-cathode seven-segment display.

If your Arduino application only needs to display numbers, consider using a seven-segment display. The severn-segment display has seven LEDs arranged in the shape of number eight. They are easy to use and cost effective. The picture below shows a typical seven-segment display.

DonLuc1807Mk10

1 x RGB LCD Shield 16×2 Character Display
1 x Arduino UNO – R3
1 x ProtoScrewShield
1 x Seven-Segment Display Red
7 x 220 ohm resistor
4 x Jumper Wires 3″ M/M
8 x Jumper Wires 6″ M/M
1 x Half-Size Breadboard

Arduino UNO

7S8 – Digital 8
7S7 – Digital 7
7S6 – Digital 6
7S5 – Digital 5
7S4 – Digital 4
7S3 – Digital 3
7S2 – Digital 2
VIN – +5V

DonLuc1807Mk10p.ino

// ***** Don Luc *****
// Software Version Information
// Project #7: RGB LCD Shield – Seven-Segment Display – Mk06
// 7-10
// DonLuc1807Mk10p 7-10
// RGB LCD Shield
// Seven-Segment Display

// include the library code:
#include <Adafruit_MCP23017.h>
#include <Adafruit_RGBLCDShield.h>

Adafruit_RGBLCDShield RGBLCDShield = Adafruit_RGBLCDShield();
#define GREEN 0x2

// Seven-Segment Display
int iSeven2 = 2;     // iSeven2
int iSeven3 = 3;     // iSeven3
int iSeven4 = 4;     // iSeven4
int iSeven5 = 5;     // iSeven5
int iSeven6 = 6;     // iSeven6
int iSeven7 = 7;     // iSeven7
int iSeven8 = 8;     // iSeven8

void loop() 
{

  // Seven-Segment Display
  isSeven();
  
  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();
  
}

getSeven.ino

// Seven-Segment Display
void isSeven()
{

  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Seven-Segment");          // Seven-Segment Display
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven2 +    ");          // iSeven2 +
  digitalWrite(iSeven2, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven2 -      ");        // iSeven2 -

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven3 +    ");          // iSeven3 +
  digitalWrite(iSeven3, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven3 -      ");        // iSeven3 -

  delay(2000);
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven4 +   ");           // iSeven4 +
  digitalWrite(iSeven4, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven4 -      ");        // iSeven4 -

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven5 +   ");           // iSeven5 +
  digitalWrite(iSeven5, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven5 -      ");        // iSeven5 -  

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven6 +   ");           // iSeven6 +
  digitalWrite(iSeven6, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven6 -      ");        // iSeven6 -

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven7 +   ");           // iSeven7 +
  digitalWrite(iSeven7, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven7 -      ");        // iSeven7 -

  delay(2000);
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven8 +   ");           // iSeven8 +
  digitalWrite(iSeven8, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven8 -      ");        // iSeven8 -

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven 0    ");           // iSeven 0
  digitalWrite(iSeven2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven4, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven5, LOW);  
  digitalWrite(iSeven6, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven7, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Seven - Off    ");        // Seven - Off

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven 1    ");           // iSeven 1
  digitalWrite(iSeven3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven4, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Seven - Off    ");        // Seven - Off

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven 2    ");           // iSeven 2
  digitalWrite(iSeven2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven5, LOW);  
  digitalWrite(iSeven6, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven8, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Seven - Off    ");        // Seven - Off

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven 3    ");           // iSeven 3
  digitalWrite(iSeven2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven4, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven5, LOW);  
  digitalWrite(iSeven8, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Seven - Off    ");        // Seven - Off

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven 4    ");           // iSeven 4
  digitalWrite(iSeven3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven4, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven7, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven8, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Seven - Off    ");        // Seven - Off

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven 5    ");           // iSeven 5
  digitalWrite(iSeven2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven4, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven5, LOW);  
  digitalWrite(iSeven7, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven8, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Seven - Off    ");        // Seven - Off

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven 6    ");           // iSeven 6
  digitalWrite(iSeven2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven4, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven5, LOW);  
  digitalWrite(iSeven6, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven7, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven8, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Seven - Off    ");        // Seven - Off

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven 7    ");           // iSeven 7
  digitalWrite(iSeven2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven4, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Seven - Off    ");        // Seven - Off

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven 8    ");           // iSeven 8
  digitalWrite(iSeven2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven4, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven5, LOW);  
  digitalWrite(iSeven6, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven7, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven8, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Seven - Off    ");        // Seven - Off

  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("iSeven 9    ");           // iSeven 9
  digitalWrite(iSeven2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven4, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven5, LOW);  
  digitalWrite(iSeven7, LOW);
  digitalWrite(iSeven8, LOW);
  
  delay(5000);

  // Seven - Off
  isSevOff();
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Seven - Off    ");        // Seven - Off

  delay(2000);

}

// Seven - Off
void isSevOff()
{

  // Seven - Off
  digitalWrite(iSeven2, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(iSeven3, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(iSeven4, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(iSeven5, HIGH);  
  digitalWrite(iSeven6, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(iSeven7, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(iSeven8, HIGH);
  
}

setup.ino

// Setup
void setup() 
{

  // set up the LCD's number of columns and rows: 
  RGBLCDShield.begin(16, 2);
  RGBLCDShield.setBacklight(GREEN);
  
  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);  
  RGBLCDShield.print("Don Luc");           // Don luc
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Seven-Segment");     // Seven-Segment Display
  delay(5000);

  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();

  // Seven-Segment Display
  pinMode(iSeven2, OUTPUT);                // iSeven2
  pinMode(iSeven3, OUTPUT);                // iSeven3
  pinMode(iSeven4, OUTPUT);                // iSeven4
  pinMode(iSeven5, OUTPUT);                // iSeven5
  pinMode(iSeven6, OUTPUT);                // iSeven6
  pinMode(iSeven7, OUTPUT);                // iSeven7
  pinMode(iSeven8, OUTPUT);                // iSeven8
        
  isSevOff();                              // Seven - Off
  
}

Don Luc

Project #7: RGB LCD Shield – LED RGB – Mk05

LED RGB

LED RGB are tri-color LEDs with red, green, and blue emitters, in general using a four-wire connection with one common lead (anode or cathode). These LEDs can have either common positive leads in the case of a common anode LED, or common negative leads in the case of a common cathode LED. Others, however, have only two leads (positive and negative) and have a built-in electronic control unit.

LED RGB (Red-Green-Blue) are actually three LEDs in one! But that doesn’t mean it can only make three colors. Because red, green, and blue are the additive primary colors, you can control the intensity of each to create every color of the rainbow. Most RGB LEDs have four pins: one for each color, and a common pin. On some, the common pin is the anode, and on others, it’s the cathode.

Circuit Schematics (Common Cathode)

The cathode will be connected to the VIN and will be connected through 330 Ohms resistor. We will use PWM for simulating analog output which will provide different voltage levels to the LEDs so we can get the desired colors. We will use PWM for simulating analog output which will provide different voltage levels to the LEDs so we can get the desired colors.

Source Code

I will use the pins number 4, 3 and 2 and I will name them iRed, iGreen and iBlue. In the setup section we need to define them as outputs. At the bottom of the sketch we have this custom made function named setColor() which takes 3 different arguments red, green and blue. These arguments represents the brightness of the LEDs or the duty cycle of the PWM signal which is created using the analogWrite() function. These values can vary from 0 to 255 which represents 100 % duty cycle of the PWM signal or maximum LED brightness.

So now in the loop function we will make our program which will change the color of the LED each 2 second. In order to get red light on the LED we will call the setColor() function and set value of 255 for the iRed argument and 0 for the two others. Respectively we can get the two other basic colors, green and blue.

DonLuc1807Mk09

1 x RGB LCD Shield 16×2 Character Display
1 x Arduino UNO – R3
1 x ProtoScrewShield
1 x LED RGB (NSTM515AS)
1 x 330 ohm resistor
4 x Jumper Wires 6″ M/M
1 x Half-Size Breadboard

Arduino UNO

Red – Digital 4
Gre – Digital 3
Blu – Digital 2
VIN – +5V

DonLuc1807Mk09p.ino

// ***** Don Luc *****
// Software Version Information
// Project #7: RGB LCD Shield – LED RGB – Mk05
// 7-9
// DonLuc1807Mk09p 7-9
// RGB LCD Shield
// LED RGB

// include the library code:
#include <Adafruit_MCP23017.h>
#include <Adafruit_RGBLCDShield.h>

Adafruit_RGBLCDShield RGBLCDShield = Adafruit_RGBLCDShield();
#define GREEN 0x2

// LED RGB
#define COMMON_ANODE
int iBlue = 2;
int iGreen = 3;
int iRed = 4;

void loop() 
{

  // LED RGB
  isColor();
   
  delay(500);
  
  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();
  
}

getColor.ino

// LED RGB
void isColor()
{

  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);
  RGBLCDShield.print("LED RGB");          // LED RGB
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("Red     ");         // Red
  setColor(255, 0, 0);                    // Red Color
  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("Green   ");         // Green
  setColor(0, 255, 0);                    // Green Color
  
  delay(2000);

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1); 
  RGBLCDShield.print("Blue   ");          // Blue
  setColor(0, 0, 255);                    // Blue Color
  delay(2000);
  
}

void setColor(int red, int green, int blue) 
{

  #ifdef COMMON_ANODE
    red = 255 - red;
    green = 255 - green;
    blue = 255 - blue;
  #endif

  analogWrite(iRed, red);
  analogWrite(iGreen, green);
  analogWrite(iBlue, blue);

}

setup.ino

// Setup
void setup() 
{

  // set up the LCD's number of columns and rows: 
  RGBLCDShield.begin(16, 2);
  RGBLCDShield.setBacklight(GREEN);
  
  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);  
  RGBLCDShield.print("Don Luc");         // Don luc
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("LED RGB");         // LED RGB

  delay(5000);

  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();

  // LED RGB
  pinMode(iBlue, OUTPUT);                 // Blue
  pinMode(iGreen, OUTPUT);                // Green
  pinMode(iRed, OUTPUT);                  // Red

}

Don Luc

Project #7: RGB LCD Shield – IR Emitters and Detectors – Mk04

Infrared Emitters and Detectors

Side-looking Infrared Emitters and IR Detectors. These simple devices operate at 940nm and work well for generic IR systems including remote control and touch-less object sensing. Using a simple ADC on any microcontroller will allow variable readings to be collected from the detector. The emitter is driven up to 50mA with a current limiting resistor as with any LED device. The detect is a NPN transistor that is biased by incoming IR light.

Sold as a pair, with one Emitter and one Detector.

IR Emitter

Connect IR LED using a 270 ohm series resistor to the +5 supply (or to an Arduino pin if you want to switch the source on and off). Current draw is about 11 mA with a 270 ohm resistor. Current runs from anode to cathode. Flat on the case marks the cathode. To determine if the IR LED is the right way around.

IR Detector

A IR Detector is just like a regular transistor except the base lead is disabled or absent and light activates base current. The flat on the case marks the collector, the other lead is the emitter. Connect the collector to one end of a 10K ohm resistor and connect the other end of the resistor to a +5V supply (you can use the +5 pin on the Arduino). Connect the emitter to ground. The voltage should start out at +5V. When pointing the IR Detector, the voltage should drop down to near zero. To interface with the Arduino, make a second connection from the collector to an Arduino pin.

DonLuc1807Mk08

1 x RGB LCD Shield 16×2 Character Display
1 x Arduino UNO – R3
1 x ProtoScrewShield
1 x IR Emitter
1 x IR Detector
1 x 270 ohm resistor
1 x 10k ohm resistor
3 x Jumper Wires 3″ M/M
4 x Jumper Wires 6″ M/M
1 x Half-Size Breadboard

Arduino UNO

Det – Analog A0
Emi – Digital 2
VIN – +5V
GND – GND

DonLuc1807Mk08p.ino

// ***** Don Luc *****
// Software Version Information
// Project #7: RGB LCD Shield – IR Emitters and Detectors – Mk04
// 7-8
// DonLuc1807Mk08p 7-8
// RGB LCD Shield
// IR Emitters and Detectors

// include the library code:
#include <Adafruit_MCP23017.h>
#include <Adafruit_RGBLCDShield.h>

Adafruit_RGBLCDShield RGBLCDShield = Adafruit_RGBLCDShield();
#define GREEN 0x2

// IR Emitters and Detectors
int iDet = 2;
int iSense = A0;
int iVal;

void loop() 
{

  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);
  RGBLCDShield.print("IR Emi - Det");     // IR Emitters and Detectors
  
  // IR Emitters and Detectors
  iVal = analogRead(iSense);
  
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  if ( iVal >= 1005 ) 
  {
     RGBLCDShield.print("Alarm");         // Alarm    
  }
  else
  {
     RGBLCDShield.print("No");            // No
  }
  
  delay(1000);
  
  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();
  
}

setup.ino

// Setup
void setup() 
{

  // set up the LCD's number of columns and rows: 
  RGBLCDShield.begin(16, 2);
  RGBLCDShield.setBacklight(GREEN);
  
  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);  
  RGBLCDShield.print("Don Luc");         // Don luc
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("IR Emi - Det");    // IR Emitters and Detectors

  delay(5000);

  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();

  // IR Emitters and Detectors
  pinMode(iDet, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(iSense, INPUT);
  digitalWrite(iDet,HIGH);

}

Don Luc

Project #9: Stepper – EasyDriver – Mk04

EasyDriver – Hook-Up

Once you have all the headers soldered on, it’s time to hook up the EasyDriver to your Arduino. Using the picture below, make all the necessary connections.

Note: The small stepper motor looks different than the one pictured. It should have a 4-pin connector on the end. This will be attached to the 4-pin male header facing upward. Because of the nature of this particular stepper, you can hook up the connector in either orientation, i.e. either the black wire on the left or the yellow wire on the left. It will work either way. If you are using a different motor, consult its documentation to find out which wires should go where.

IMPORTANT: Stepper motors require more power than can be supplied by the Arduino. In this example we will be powering the Uno with a 12V external supply. Notice that the power input (M+) on the EasyDriver is attached to the Vin pin on the Arduino. This will allow you to power both the Arduino and the motor with the same power supply.

DonLuc1807Mk07

1 x RGB LCD Shield 16×2 Character Display
1 x Arduino UNO – R3
1 x ProtoScrewShield
1 x EasyDriver
1 x Small Stepper Motor
1 x Pololu Mounting
3 x Jumper Wires 3″ M/M
4 x Jumper Wires 6″ M/M
1 x Half-Size Breadboard

Arduino UNO

Spe – Digital 3
Dir – Digital 2
VIN – +5V
GND – GND

DonLuc1807Mk07p.ino

// ***** Don Luc *****
// Software Version Information
// Project #9: Stepper - EasyDriver - Mk04
// 7-7
// DonLuc1807Mk07p 7-7
// Stepper
// EasyDriver

// include the library code:
#include <Adafruit_MCP23017.h>
#include <Adafruit_RGBLCDShield.h>

Adafruit_RGBLCDShield RGBLCDShield = Adafruit_RGBLCDShield();
#define GREEN 0x2

// EasyDriver
int dirPin = 2;                           // EasyDriver
int stepPin = 3;                          // stepPin

void loop() {

  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);
  RGBLCDShield.print("EasyDriver");       // EasyDriver
  
  // EasyDriver
  int i;

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Left");             // Left
  
  digitalWrite(dirPin, LOW);              // Set the direction.
  delay(100);

  for (i = 0; i<4000; i++)                // Iterate for 4000 microsteps.
  {
    digitalWrite(stepPin, LOW);           // This LOW to HIGH change is what creates the
    digitalWrite(stepPin, HIGH);          // "Rising Edge" so the easydriver knows to when to step.
    delayMicroseconds(500);               // This delay time is close to top speed for this
  }                                       // particular motor. Any faster the motor stalls.

  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("Right");            // Right
  
  digitalWrite(dirPin, HIGH);             // Change direction.
  delay(2000);

  for (i = 0; i<4000; i++)                // Iterate for 4000 microsteps
  {
    digitalWrite(stepPin, LOW);           // This LOW to HIGH change is what creates the
    digitalWrite(stepPin, HIGH);          // "Rising Edge" so the easydriver knows to when to step.
    delayMicroseconds(500);               // This delay time is close to top speed for this
  }                                       // particular motor. Any faster the motor stalls.

  delay(2000);
  
  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();
  
}

setup.ino

// Setup
void setup() {

  // set up the LCD's number of columns and rows: 
  RGBLCDShield.begin(16, 2);
  RGBLCDShield.setBacklight(GREEN);
  
  // Display
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 0  
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0,0);  
  RGBLCDShield.print("Don Luc");         // Don luc
  // Set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  RGBLCDShield.setCursor(0, 1);
  RGBLCDShield.print("EasyDriver");      // EasyDriver

  delay(5000);

  // Clear
  RGBLCDShield.clear();

  // EasyDriver
  pinMode(dirPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(stepPin, OUTPUT);

}

Don Luc

Project #9: Stepper – EasyDriver – Mk03

Assembly

The simplest way to use the EasyDriver is to attach headers to it for easy insertion onto a breadboard. Alternatively, you could solder the wires straight to the board. These instructions will assume you are using the breadboard method.

The first step is to solder straight male headers to the EasyDriver. Very few of the actual pins on the EasyDriver will be used in this example. However, soldering headers on all the broken out pins is recommended to give the board more stability when attached to a breadboard. A simple method for this is to break off the desired amount of headers, place them in the breadboard in the appropriate locations, place the EasyDriver on top, and then solder all the connections.

DonLuc1807Mk06

2 x EasyDriver
10 x 2 Header
2 x 3 Header
2 x 4 Header
2 x Half-Size Breadboard
1 x Flux-Core Solder 60/40
1 x Fume Extractor TENMA
1 x Soldering Station TENMA

Don Luc

Project #9: Stepper – EasyDriver – Mk02

EasyDriver – Stepper Motor Driver

Description

The EasyDriver is a simple to use stepper motor driver, compatible with anything that can output a digital 0 to 5V pulse (or 0 to 3.3V pulse if you solder SJ2 closed on the EasyDriver). The EasyDriver requires a 6V to 30V supply to power the motor and can power any voltage of stepper motor. The EasyDriver has an on board voltage regulator for the digital interface that can be set to 5V or 3.3V. Connect a 4-wire stepper motor and a microcontroller and you’ve got precision motor control! EasyDriver drives bi-polar motors, and motors wired as bi-polar. I.e. 4,6, or 8 wire stepper motors.

This EasyDriver V4.5 has been co-designed with Brian Schmalz. It provides much more flexibility and control over your stepper motor, when compared to older versions. The microstep select (MS1 and MS2) pins of the A3967 are broken out allowing adjustments to the microstepping resolution. The sleep and enable pins are also broken out for further control.

Note: Do not connect or disconnect a motor while the driver is energized. This will cause permanent damage to the A3967 IC.

Note: This product is a collaboration with Brian Schmalz. A portion of each sales goes back to them for product support and continued development.

Features

* A3967 Microstepping Driver
* MS1 and MS2 pins broken out to change microstepping resolution to full, half, quarter and eighth steps (defaults to eighth)
* Compatible with 4, 6, and 8 wire stepper motors of any voltage
* Adjustable current control from 150mA/phase to 700mA/phase
* Power supply range from 6V to 30V. The higher the voltage, the higher the torque at high speeds

Don Luc

Project #9: Stepper – Mk01

Stepper Motor

A stepper motor or step motor or stepping motor is a brushless DC electric motor that divides a full rotation into a number of equal steps. The motor’s position can then be commanded to move and hold at one of these steps without any position sensor for feedback (an open-loop controller), as long as the motor is carefully sized to the application in respect to torque and speed.

Switched reluctance motors are very large stepping motors with a reduced pole count, and generally are closed-loop commutated.

Fundamentals of Operation

Brushed DC motors rotate continuously when DC voltage is applied to their terminals. The stepper motor is known by its property to convert a train of input pulses (typically square wave pulses) into a precisely defined increment in the shaft position. Each pulse moves the shaft through a fixed angle.

Stepper motors effectively have multiple “toothed” electromagnets arranged around a central gear-shaped piece of iron. The electromagnets are energized by an external driver circuit or a micro controller. To make the motor shaft turn, first, one electromagnet is given power, which magnetically attracts the gear’s teeth. When the gear’s teeth are aligned to the first electromagnet, they are slightly offset from the next electromagnet. This means that when the next electromagnet is turned on and the first is turned off, the gear rotates slightly to align with the next one. From there the process is repeated. Each of those rotations is called a “step”, with an integer number of steps making a full rotation. In that way, the motor can be turned by a precise angle.

Unipolar Motors

A unipolar stepper motor has one winding with center tap per phase. Each section of windings is switched on for each direction of magnetic field. Since in this arrangement a magnetic pole can be reversed without switching the direction of current, the commutation circuit can be made very simple (e.g., a single transistor) for each winding. Typically, given a phase, the center tap of each winding is made common: giving three leads per phase and six leads for a typical two phase motor. Often, these two phase commons are internally joined, so the motor has only five leads.

Bipolar Motors

Bipolar motors have a single winding per phase. The current in a winding needs to be reversed in order to reverse a magnetic pole, so the driving circuit must be more complicated, typically with an H-bridge arrangement (however there are several off-the-shelf driver chips available to make this a simple affair). There are two leads per phase, none are common.

Small Stepper Motor

Description

These small steppers are a great way to get things moving, especially when positioning and repeatability is a concern.

When using a current limiting driver such as the Easydriver or Big Easydriver, a 12 volt power supply can be used as long as you adjust the current level to 400mA or less. If using a non current limited driver (like a L293D or an H-bridge) you will need to lower your input voltage to keep the motor current below 400mA.

This is a bipolar motor.

Features

* Stride Angle (degrees): 7.5
* 2-Phase
* Rated Voltage: 12V
* Rated Current: 400mA
* 3mm Diameter Drive Shaft
* 4-Wire Cable Attached
* In-traction Torque: 100 g/cm

Don Luc

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