In the Maker Shed: New Arduino UNO Revision 3
The New Arduino UNO Revision 3 has arrived in the Maker Shed! This is a refresh of the wildly popular Arduino UNO that has been updated to allow for for additional functionality and future shields.
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!
New in the Maker Shed: Minty Mote and Wireless Sensor Node / Receiver
New in the Maker Shed are two new, low cost, wireless products from the good folks at Wicked Device. The MintyMote is an Arduino remote control that fits in an Altoids Smalls gum tin (not included.) The Wireless Sensor Node / Receiver Shield Bundle includes everything you need to create a simple, low cost sensor network with a range of about 150ft (but has tested farther.)
Arduino 1.0 is Out: Here’s What You Need To Know
Although it should not difficult to get sketches written for previous Arduino versions working with Arduino 1.0, that release has important changes you need to be aware of. The first thing you will notice when launching the software is the look of the IDE. Some icons are different from previous versions of the software and there are changes and additions in the menus. The error messages when dealing with selecting boards have been improved and the new ADK and Ethernet boards have been added.
More significant are changes in the underlying core software and libraries. The stated purpose of 1.0 is to introduce disruptive changes that will smooth the way for future enhancements but break some code written for older software. New header files mean that older contributed libraries will need updating. Methods in Ethernet and Wire have been changed and there are subtle differences in the print functionality.
HeartWave Converts Your Pulse into Water Ripples
Engin Ayaz, Tak Cheung, and Doug Kanter created HeartWave, a tabletop device which uses water ripples to visualize the heartbeat of two people at once. The sides of the tank are equipped with Polar heart beat sensors, which actuate electromagnets to pulse a fin, generating each wave. According to Doug, “variations in liquid and lighting allow for a range of unique HeartWave experiences.”
New in the Maker Shed: Clear Enclosure for Arduino
This sturdy, translucent project enclosure, from the Maker Shed, is specially made for your Arduino projects. It perfectly fits an Arduino with an attached shield (most fit), a 16 x 2 LCD, and 4 AAA batteries. Use it for home automation, a sous vide control enclosure, or for containing nearly any mad project. The enclosure can be easily drilled for wires, antennas, or anything else you need. Since the enclosure is clear it’s instantly good looking (but could easily be painted if you’re into that kind of thing.)
Arduino Controlled LEGO CD Duplicator
CD duplicators are a great way to make a small batch of CDs. Commercial units cost around $500, can be finicky, and usually come with some weird proprietary software. Maker Paul Rea wanted something a little less restrictive and cost conscious, so he built one out of LEGO and an Arduino. At least if it becomes temperamental, he’ll probably have a bucket of spare parts handy.
Kit-A-Day Giveaway: Getting Started w/Arduino Kit V3.0and Getting Started w/Arduino Book 2nd Ed
Today’s item is our extremely popular Getting Started with Arduino Kit and the new 2nd edition of the Getting Started with Arduino book (combined $80 value). Here’s Make: Labs intern Tyler Moskowite’s review from the Guide…