We are starting a new course: programming for makers. In this course you will learn everything you need to know about creating Arduino-based maker projects which use Android devices (mobile, tablet, etc.). We will be learning all about literal programming of controller boards from the Arduino family and Protocoder, a simple but powerful tool for programming Android devices.
The course content will cover:
The basics of programming with Arduino
- Variables, types, uses, local and globals variables
- Flow control: if-else, loops , switch-case sentences, etc.
- Use of functions.
- Reading and writing via analogue and digital pins
- Digital sensors
- Analogue sensors
- Actuators: motor servo, LEDs, buzzer …
- Reading and writing via serial port
- Communication via Bluetooth
Android programming with Protocoder
- Reading the sensors of the Android device: accelerometers, GPS, etc.
- Access the camera and video streaming
- Voice recognition
- Text-to-speech output
- Interaction via UI
- Using the screen to draw, display images, video
- Bluetooth communication using Arduino
You can find the course downloads at GitHub: The lessons for this course will be published from time to time, be sure to pay attention… first lesson, the week starting December 8th. We will be using the ZUM BT 328 and a BQ Aquaris, but you can also use any board compatible with Arduino and any mobile on Android. If you want to know more about the benefits of using a ZUM BT-328 board, you can check out the specifications.
Content
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Lesson 1
Selecting the development environment
Selecting a decent development environment before you start any programming course is absolutely essential. Here we include list of some of the most popular ones.
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Lesson 2
Communicating via serial port
Learn the basics of using the serial port in order to debug your programs
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Lesson 3
Variables in Arduino
How can information be stored in our programs?
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Lesson 4
Functions that function
Using functions in Arduino to make your code clean and reusable for you and others!
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Lesson 5
Using LEDs with if-else conditional sentences
Learn how to use if-else conditional sentences and switch your LEDs on and off
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Lesson 6
For loops
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Lesson 7
Programming an LCD module
Learn how to use the LCD screen
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Lesson 8
The while loop and the push-button
Lesson on how to read a digital pin and use the while loops
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Lesson 9
The do-while loop vs the while loop
Learn how to use the do-while control structure
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Lesson 10
Control an RBG LED from your computer´s serial port
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Lesson 11
Controlling servo movements with a potentiometer
Learn how to read analogue inputs and control servos
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Lesson 12
Create your own Theremin with the bat sensors and a buzzer
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Lesson 13
Create a voltmeter using simply your Arduino board and a pair of cables
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Lesson 14
Using interruptions on Arduino
Learn how to use interruptions on Arduino. Improve your control of the program flow with this tutorial!
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Lesson 15
Introduction to Protocoder and “Hello world!”
In this entry, we learn how to install and use Protocoder, and also how to create our first program: "Hello world!"
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Lesson 16
Protocoder: Creating user interfaces, variables and functions
In this entry you will learn how to design an interface in Protocoder and how variables and functions work.
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Lesson 17
Learn to program and control your PrintBot Evolution via your terminal with Protocoder
Learn how to use Protocoder and the ZUM BT-328 board to control the PrintBot Evolution via your smartphone or tablet
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Lesson 18
Creating animations with LED matrices for robots with Arduino and Protocoder.
Learn how to create animations and control them remotely with Arduino and Protocoder.