MAKE Asks: What do we Call all These Boards?
Embedded system, microcontroller, computer-on-a-chip? What should we call these awesome gadgets, anyway?
Arduino
As the preeminent tool for makers, Arduino is a versatile platform that covers almost every type of creative making. With its simple-to-use coding language and fun programming concepts, Arduino enables users to create modern electronics with ease. From beginner level projects like flashing LED lights to more advanced builds such as interactive robots, there are an endless number of possibilities when it comes to building projects with Arduino. Whether you are new or an experienced builder in search of fresh ideas, these posts will provide interesting Arduino tutorials and unique ideas that may spark your creativity and motivate you take on any type of maker project!
DIY toy car Drone Featured at World Maker Faire
This toy car kit, which the creators call the RoboTech SuperCar, will be demonstrated at World Maker Faire next month. It’s Arduino powered with RGB LED headlights and tail lights, an ultrasonic sensor, and a 24-pin RC bus that interfaces with RasPi, Teensy, or any other microcontroller.
Control RGB LEDs with this Android-Arduino Combo-Circuit
Combine an Arduino with a USB host mode-compatible Android device, and control a strip of full-color RGB LEDs with your Android’s touchscreen. Explore Pulse Width Modulation to get maximum brightness from your LEDs and mix their values to correct for color balance.
Transatlantic Drone Takes to the Sea
The Scout Transatlantic project has broken the world record for the furthest distance traveled by an autonomous unmanned boat, and it is just getting started.
Arduino in Math Class
Precalculus is a class that has many opportunities for creative teaching. Since we are a smaller school, there isn’t enough interest in computer science to justify a full class so I try to embed some of these skills into my math classes to help students become ready for the computer heavy careers that may await them.
One way I’ve found to do this is through Arduino. My students had heard of Arduino because we had a few students working on Arduino projects last year, but had never worked with them. They were excited at the opportunity to “play” in math.
Personal Space Defender
Instructables user Grissini created this formal fashion accessory for the personal space conscious, which flashes when someone gets too close for too long.
3D-Printed SkySweeper Robot Inspects Power Lines
The SkySweeper, constructed with 3D-printed elements, is able to inch along power lines to inspect them. Built by UC San Diego engineering grad student Nick Morozovsky, the SkySweeper can be built for far cheaper than other line inspection robots.
