Read more about Arduino here: [https://docs.arduino.cc/learn/starting-guide/whats-arduino](https://docs.arduino.cc/learn/starting-guide/whats-arduino)
### **Hardware & Software** With Arduino there's 2 mayor sides at work ##### Hardware Hardware to work with Arduino generally consists of an Arduino microcontroller (available in different forms such as Arduino Uno, Nano (smaller size), Leonardo (bigger memory) etc. Also hardware components are things we use to measure or translate data into the physical world such as sensors and actuators and other electronic components. *We're working on a separate book for Electronic Components and Sensors and more in dept info as well* [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/uploads2ftmp2f55b220bf-26a3-4104-90ed-06694e6b8d432fultrasonic6-w4yu6o4wln.png) ##### Software Arduino IDE programming environment. With the software we program certain behaviours of what we want the Arduino to do. This can be reading out sensor data, but also it can be sending controls to motors and other physical moving elements such as solenoids or water/air pumps. [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/image.png) Screenshot of a piece code made in Arduino IDE 1. If you want to get more information and basic knowledge it is recommended to visit the [Arduino DOCS ](https://docs.arduino.cc)environment online. The basic Arduino website contains a lot of information, also regarding sales and projects, but the DOCS pages are a bit more structured towards getting started and beginners: [https://docs.arduino.cc](https://docs.arduino.cc) On the top left of this page, you will find the HARDWARE and SOFTWARE boxes with more info such as how to connect you're board for the first time, software updates and programming references. ### **Arduino Uno** The Arduino UNO board is the best board to get started with electronics and coding. If this is your first experience tinkering with the platform, the UNO is the most robust board you can start playing with. The UNO is also the most used and documented board of the whole Arduino family. [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/screenshot-2023-04-18-at-14-58-47.png) Buy an [Arduino Uno Board - Kiwi Electronics ](https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/nl/arduino-uno-rev3-atmega328-729?search=arduino%20uno) Arduino UNO Setup Guide, Get Started, Pinout and Datasheet -> [https://docs.arduino.cc/hardware/uno-rev3](https://docs.arduino.cc/hardware/uno-rev3) ### **Learning Arduino in different ways:** ##### **Method 1: Focus on 1 project at the time** Sometimes, students come to the Blackbox/Lab Pastoe with a clear project in mind and what components to get for it. This way is nice for beginners, because you have a clear goal in mind of what you want to make, and what components and/or sensors you need. It is very easy for some to get overwhelmed sometimes with the amount of tutorials, projects and sensors that are available. Having one project at the time makes it easier to understand the basic building blocks of both the hardware and software. Things to keep in mind with Arduino projects: - For your first experiments, **keep it small.** For example, if you're project is "I want to connect 5 light sensors and a microphone to control different motors that move a big piece of fabric" First start out with connecting 1 light sensor and getting that to work, then control 1 motor, and if that works; Try to make the light sensor to control the motor and go from there in small steps. - Keep in mind getting to know the programming side is not hard, but does take some time to think 'the way the machine thinks', **make sure you have enough time planned** in for research and debugging. - Start with **simple sensors** such as the light sensor, motor, button etc. More advanced sensors such as gyroscopes, accelerometers and motion detect sensors sometimes are a bit more complicated to start with (not impossible, it depends per person really what 'clicks' in the beginning stages) ##### **Method 2: Freeform Experiments with Random Sensors** Another approach is to buy a [Grove Sensorboard](https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/nl/arduino-sensor-kit-10349?search=grove%20sensor%20kit) online or rent one at the Blackbox/Uitleen IBB and Pastoe, and do some freeform experiments. The Grove Sensor kit contains another board with is ideal for those who have just started using Arduino to explore the vast space of electronics and programming. [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/screenshot-2023-04-18-at-15-26-12.png) Grove is an open-source, modulated, and ready-to-use toolset and takes a building block approach to assemble electronics. This Kit includes a Base Shield to which the various Grove modules can be connected both individually, or together in various combinations and the plus side of Grove connectors is that **you do not need soldering.** [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/KLrimage.png) All of the modules use a [Grove connector](https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/en/grove-universal-4-pin-connector-10-pack-2413), which connects each of the components to a Base Shield in just a few seconds. The Base Shield can then be mounted on to an Arduino UNO board and can be programmed using the Arduino IDE. ##### Instructions The Grove Sensor Kit comes with a lot of handy Instructions and very approachable tutorials for any level: [https://sensorkit.arduino.cc](https://sensorkit.arduino.cc) [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/screenshot-2023-04-18-at-15-51-34.png) Extra information: [Read more about the kit, available on Kiwi-Electronics ](https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/en/arduino-sensor-kit-10349?search=grove%20sensor%20kit) ##### **Method 3: Let us know!** #### **Powering Arduino** Some tutorials links and tips: **Tutorials**: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7MrL5Q7zvY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7MrL5Q7zvY) [https://forum.arduino.cc/t/simplest-battery-power-to-arduino-nano-solution/530242](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/simplest-battery-power-to-arduino-nano-solution/530242) **Links** [https://forum.arduino.cc/t/simplest-battery-power-to-arduino-nano-solution/530242/2](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/simplest-battery-power-to-arduino-nano-solution/530242/2) **Tips** If you want to use a **powerbank** in some cases depending on how much power the arduino needs from the bank it might turn off after 1 - a few minutes even though the powerbank is fully charged. It depends on the kind of powerbank. Some have a safety built in. But most of the time it is not mentioned in the description. Try different types of powerbanks. If you use sensors or motors connected to your arduino it might work because they draw enough power. Also depends on the sensor. Im still experimenting with this myself once i find more info i add it to this book. At the moment i have tried 2 powerbanks (5000 & 10000 mAh) for Arduino Nano with seperate power for my small Neopixel Jewel (7 leds). Using batterypack 4xAA atm. This might be interesting for Arduino Uno: https://pmdway.com/collections/arduino-power-shield/products/rcr123a-16340-rechargeable-battery-power-shield-for-arduino # Arduino - Grove Sensor Kit Another approach is to buy a [Grove Sensorboard](https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/nl/arduino-sensor-kit-10349?search=grove%20sensor%20kit) online or rent one at the Blackbox/Uitleen IBB and Pastoe, and do some freeform experiments. The Grove Sensor kit contains another board with is ideal for those who have just started using Arduino to explore the vast space of electronics and programming. [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/screenshot-2023-04-18-at-15-26-12.png) Grove is an open-source, modulated, and ready-to-use toolset and takes a building block approach to assemble electronics. This Kit includes a Base Shield to which the various Grove modules can be connected both individually, or together in various combinations and the plus side of Grove connectors is that **you do not need soldering.** [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/KLrimage.png) All of the modules use a [Grove connector](https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/en/grove-universal-4-pin-connector-10-pack-2413), which connects each of the components to a Base Shield in just a few seconds. The Base Shield can then be mounted on to an Arduino UNO board and can be programmed using the Arduino IDE. ##### Instructions The Grove Sensor Kit comes with a lot of handy Instructions and very approachable tutorials for any level: [https://sensorkit.arduino.cc](https://sensorkit.arduino.cc) [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/screenshot-2023-04-18-at-15-51-34.png) Extra information: [Read more about the kit, available on Kiwi-Electronics ](https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/en/arduino-sensor-kit-10349?search=grove%20sensor%20kit) # Motion Tracking with Sensors for Microcontrollers Research by Blackbox into various sensors that can used with microcontrollers to track persons, objects, colours or other motions. What kind of differents sensors are there to use and what are the pro’s and con’s of each sensor? #### **Sensors of Interest:** Sensing Distance and Proximity: - **Ultrasonic Sensor** - **Infrared Sensors / IR [Infrared (IR) break-beam](https://bookstack.hku.nl/books/arduino-things/page/infrared-ir-break-beam-sensor)** - **PIR Motion Sensor** - **Microwave Doppler Radar Sensor** - **Grove IR Disctance interrupter** More advanced sensing: - **LiDAR, ** - **ToF, Time-of-flight sensors** - **HuskyLens AI Vision** Can also be used: - **LDR Photocell sensors** - **Capacitance sensors** - **PhotoDiodes** ##### **Ultrasonic Sensor ** [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/grove-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-preview-1-1-1030x773.png) ##### [**Example project**](https://bookstack.hku.nl/books/arduino-things/page/ultrasonic-of-pir-sensor-arduino-touchdesigner) The Ultrasonic Sensor is arguably the most common distance measuring sensor, also known as the Sonar sensor. It detects the distance to objects by emitting high-frequency sound waves. The object needs to be in line with the sensors not so wide range. Used a lot in DIY distance measurement projects, robotics, smart cars, drones. Most common used sensor is the *HC-SR04.* **+** - not affected by colour object or transparency. - Works well in dim places **- ** - limited detection range - Not good in tracking fast objects - Unable to measure objects with extreme textures or surfaces. Detection is good for example; knowing if someone ‘entered’ the space and switch on video. Not so good for when you want one or multiple persons tracked. [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/screenshot-2023-04-25-at-15-54-47.png) ##### ##### **Infrared Sensor (IR) ** ##### **[](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/screenshot-2023-04-25-at-15-54-51.png) [Example project](https://www.makerguides.com/sharp-gp2y0a21yk0f-ir-distance-sensor-arduino-tutorial/) ** IR distance sensors work through the principle of triangulation; measuring distance based on the angle of the reflected beam. Used a lot in TV’s, computers and laptops, distance measurement projects, security systems, monitoring and control applications. Recommended sensor: *80cm Infrared Proximity Sensor - GP2Y0A21YK* **+** - Small size - Daytime and Nighttime usage - Able to measure the distance of objects that have complex surfaces unlike ultrasonic sensors **-** - Limited measurement range - Affected by environment conditions and hard objects [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/screenshot-2023-04-25-at-15-55-03.png) #### **PIR Motion Sensor** #### **[](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/screenshot-2023-04-25-at-15-54-55.png)** #### **[Example project](https://bookstack.hku.nl/books/arduino-things/page/ultrasonic-of-pir-sensor-arduino-touchdesigner) ** Passive infrared (PIR) sensors are sensitive to infrared (IR) rays and are mostly used for motion detection where humans move in or out of the sensor range. Used a lot in appliances and gadgets for home or business (room detection). Also in DIY projects. All living objects, whose body temperature is more than 0°C, emit the heat in form of infrared radiation through their body, also called as thermal radiations. This Radiated energy is invisible to human eye. These Signals can be detected by using PIR sensor which is specially designed for such purpose.| [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/screenshot-2023-04-26-at-11-01-54.png) | [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/screenshot-2023-04-26-at-11-17-25.png) |
| **Strips** | **Rings** |
| [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/screenshot-2023-04-26-at-11-17-31.png) | **[](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/screenshot-2023-04-26-at-11-17-45.png)** |
| **Matrices** | **Pins** |
| [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/9nnimage.png) | [ETC...](https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=neopixel%20led) ^^ link to more options available via kiwi electronics |
| **Neon-Like Stips** | Images from Adafruit |
If you want to understand more about Arduino and [Libraries? Read more here...](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-all-about-arduino-libraries-install-use)
From the **File** menu, select **Examples→Adafruit NeoPixel→strandtest** ### Powering NeoPixels in different ways Other methods for powering ledstrips beside the simple standard power supply are: - DC wall wart adapters (5v) - lithium-polymer battery (Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 2500mAh) - Three alkaline cells (such as AA batteries) - Four nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable cells You must use a 3-5V DC power supply to power these strips, do not use higher than 6V or you can destroy the entire strip– yikes! Example 1 AA or AAA = 1,5 V [LED Power calculator here!](https://wled-calculator.github.io/) When choosing any option for powering the ledstrips, always take into account that you have enough amperage provided for the strips. Checkout the [Adafruit page for more details regarding power options.](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/powering-neopixels) ### Powering Arduino in different ways If you want to use a powerbank in some cases depending on how much power the arduino needs from the bank it might turn off after 1 - a few minutes even though the powerbank is fully charged. It depends on the kind of powerbank. Some have a safety built in. But most of the time it is not mentioned in the description. Try different types of powerbanks or use info from these links: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7MrL5Q7zvY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7MrL5Q7zvY) [https://forum.arduino.cc/t/simplest-battery-power-to-arduino-nano-solution/530242](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/simplest-battery-power-to-arduino-nano-solution/530242) Im still experimenting with this myself once i find more info i add it to this book. At the moment i have tried 2 powerbanks (5000 & 10000 mAh) for Arduino Nano with seperate power for my small Neopixel Jewel (7 leds). Both dont work. Using batterypack 4xAA atm. # Arduino Simple Serial communication with multiple values Sending values from an Arduino to a computer can sometimes be a bit daunting... Sending only one value is pretty straightforward, but when it comes to sending multiple values, there are many scenario's on how to send out the values in a manner that enables you to distinguish them properly on the computer side. This page offers an explanation and the example code (see the attachments to this post on the left side of the page) to prepare for this task in a simple, straightforward way. Arduino communicates to other devices over USB (User Serial Bus) this means that, by default, everything that is sent out is Serialised: the communication contains only one message at a time, bigger messages or chunks of data will be split into pieces that are sent one at a time, after each other. (as opposed to Parallel communication, where multiple messages are sent and transfer, parallel to each other, at the same time) Before we can get to sending out any values, we first have to initialise Serial communication from the Arduino by putting the following command in `void setup()` ```c void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); //start Serial communication with a speed of 9600 baud } ``` Serial communication has a significant draw on both the computing power of the Arduino microcontroller ánd power consumption, that's why the Serial port on the board is off by default. Now we're ready to start sending data! So, when you want to send out values from, lets say, all Analog outputs, you can send out all the values one by one, using a `for` loop in `void loop()` like this: ```c void loop() { for (int i = 0; i < 6; i++) { //iterate through all the analog inputs int value = analogRead(i); //put the read value into and int variable Serial.print(value); //and send the value out over Serial } ``` The data that's been sent out to the computer is stored in a Serial memory buffer, until a program comes along and reads the data in that buffer. Once read, the data will be erased, so there's only one application at a time that can connect to, and read from the buffer. The simplest way to read the Arduino Serial buffer on a computer, is using the Serial Monitor in the Arduino IDE, found under the button in the right top corner of the program: [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/serial-monitor.png) Let's test this on Arduino and have a look at the Serial Monitor to see what kind of data is coming in.. [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/screenshot-2023-08-31-at-15-16-03.png) When sending the data out this way, all the incoming values are concatenated together in one big chunk of numbers... There's no way of distinguishing the separate analog values anymore. The serial monitor is reading values in one row until it encounters a 'newline' character ('\\n') since we never send a 'newline', all the numbers are read in one long oblivious stream. We could easily fix this by changing the `Serial.print(value);` line to `Serial.println(value);`, The `Serial.println() `command, forces the Arduino to send a 'newline' after each value, resulting in the values coming in into the console like this: [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/serial-output-println.png) Now, at least all the different input values are shown separately, but now there's no way of distinguishing which number belongs to which input...! Most computer software that can receive Serial data (Processing, Isadora, TouchDesigner, etc.) utilise routines to separate values from a Serial string using 'separating' characters. For example Processing has a function that is called `split()` [Processing Reference for split()](https://processing.org/reference/split_.html) This function reads the incoming string and stores all characters it receives in between the separating characters in an array in memory. The Processing routine to do this would look like this: ```java // the 'void serialEvent' function is triggered each time a '\n' is discovered // in the Serial buffer. The function executes and passes the values // stored in the memory of 'arduinoIn' void serialEvent (Serial arduinoIn) { // convert the incoming Serial value to a String and put in memory String inString = arduinoIn.readStringUntil('\n'); // only continue if there's actually anything stored in the String if (inString != null) { //print the raw incoming string to the console println(inString); // trim off any whitespace: inString = trim(inString); // split the incoming string and put the values in the inputVals array inputVals = int(split(inString, '-')); //you can choose a separating character that's logical to you } } ``` So: in order for Processing to be able to separate the values and put them in the `inputVals[]` array, we need to format the messages we're sending out from Arduino like this: `valueA0-valueA1-valueA2-valueA3-valueA4-valueA5'\n'` This can be done by organising our Arduino send loop like this: ```c void loop() { //iterate through all the analog inputs //and send out over Serial for (int i = 0; i < 6; i++) { int value = ; Serial.print(value); if (i < 5) { //send denominating '-' characters //(except after the last value) //technically not needed, but it makes the string look nicer in the console :) Serial.print('-'); } } //end the string of values with a newline Serial.println(); } ``` When inspecting the incoming data in the Serial Monitor, it looks like this: [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2023-08/screenshot-2023-08-31-at-16-30-54.png) Arduino is now sending out the values of all 6 Analog inputs, separated with '-' characters, as one 'sentence' at a time. Ready for Processing (or other applications) to be split up and used as separate values. Please check the attached files (on the left side of the page) for different examples of using this wat of Serial communication. # Arduino script to Control LED strip via wifi Dit is een scriptje om een ESP8266 arduino module te verbinden met wifi (via een wifimanager / hotspot) en zichzelf aan te bieden als ArtNetNode (wanneer de software dit ondersteunt). fijn script, werkt goed, wel even concentreren op de nodige libraries om te compilen. in essentie kan je de data pin en het aantal leds invoeren en gaan met die banaan Werkt met NodeMCU het is bedoeld voor WS2812 LEDs / neopixels. maar kan zeer eenvoudig omgezet in andere soorten adresseerbare LEDS, mits RGB (niet RGBW) \------------------------------ download hier: [https://nextcloud.hku.nl/s/BH3SeoLtS4m7dy2](https://nextcloud.hku.nl/s/BH3SeoLtS4m7dy2) Deze informatie komt van Tony Schuite (docent IPD locatie theater) # UltraSonic of PIR sensor Arduino & Touchdesigner or Isadora Deze manual werkt voor PIR (passive infrared) bewegings sensor en ook voor de Ultrasonic sensor Beschrijving PIR sensor (Duits) [https://www.reichelt.nl/nl/nl/raspberry-pi-infrarood-bewegingsmelder-hc-sr501-rpi-hc-sr501-p224216.html?PROVID=2809&gclid=CjwKCAjwzJmlBhBBEiwAEJyLu7b6GP911-3vaEA33hXK1vssSrwNGtU83omn4zjNUqw3wLPmZsHYzRoCQnEQAvD\_BwE](https://www.reichelt.nl/nl/nl/raspberry-pi-infrarood-bewegingsmelder-hc-sr501-rpi-hc-sr501-p224216.html?PROVID=2809&gclid=CjwKCAjwzJmlBhBBEiwAEJyLu7b6GP911-3vaEA33hXK1vssSrwNGtU83omn4zjNUqw3wLPmZsHYzRoCQnEQAvD_BwE) Detectieafstand: 3-7m [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/pir-schema1.jpg) Code voor PIR sensor:| piezo element
 | breadboard  | resistor 1 M ohm  |
piece of paper tape  | some male/male jumper wires  |
| #### [](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2025-02/screenshot-2025-02-19-at-14-22-59.png) | #### Info & Arduino code [https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/Grove-Ear-clip\_Heart\_Rate\_Sensor/](https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/Grove-Ear-clip_Heart_Rate_Sensor/) #### Parts Grove - Ear-clip Heart Rate Sensor [https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/nl/grove-ear-clip-heart-rate-sensor-2058](https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/nl/grove-ear-clip-heart-rate-sensor-2058) Grove - Base Shield voor Arduino V2 [https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/nl/grove-base-shield-voor-arduino-v2-2100](https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/nl/grove-base-shield-voor-arduino-v2-2100) Arduino uno [https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/nl/arduino-uno-rev3-atmega328-729?search=arduino%20uno](https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/nl/arduino-uno-rev3-atmega328-729?search=arduino%20uno) usb kabel [https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/nl/usb-a-naar-usb-b-kabel-05-meter-763](https://www.kiwi-electronics.com/nl/usb-a-naar-usb-b-kabel-05-meter-763) |