Category:Microcontrollers

Microcontrollers are small chips which contain a processor and can be programmed in order to execute custom code.
Microcontrollers usually provide a wide range of Input/Output possibilities and protocols which you can use to control different kinds of sensors and/or actuators.

In case you are planning an Electronics project, but are not very familiar with programming, there are different projects which can be used without the need of writing a single line of code.

A lot of Microcontrollers can be purchased on so called development boards. These boards usually provide easy access to the I/O Pins of the microcontroller and include circuits for power supply (so that the board can be powered using USB) as well as a USB Serial Converter for communication with the microcontroller. Most of these boards are software-compatible with the Arduino platform.

There are various development environments to develop code for microcontrollers. The most commonly used ones in the CoMakingSpace are:

• Arduino IDE
• PlatformIO

If you are interested in example projects, please find the following list:

• Aquarium Edge Illumination
• Digital File Shredder
• Enhanced Door Bell
• Flip Dot Display

• OpenScan

Another source for (Arduino-specific) projects is the beginner's guide on Instructables.
Or see this example project: Arduino-controlled analog voltmeter clock