First project

Using Arduino Project Guidance
#1

Alright. This is my first project with an Arduino board and I need some help on what I need.

I am wanting to make an interface where I can turn on/off some LEDs and small fans. I contacted Arduino via Facebook, and they recommended the Mega and also suggested I ask you all. I am wanting to keep this in a relatively small package and I'm not sure how many LEDs I will be using right now, but I will be having 2 fans. These fans need 4 AAs to run.

Is there any ways that I can get this to work? Any recommendations? I'm not really sure where to start so any guidance is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

#2

Any recommendations?

When you decide exactly the number of devices needed and whether you get an UNO or MEGA, master all the sample sketches that come with the downloaded IDE.

Also, to help you along, review the articles Nick Gammon has put together: http://www.gammon.com.au/forum/index.php?bbtopic_id=123

More: http://www.toptechboy.com/arduino-lessons/ .

#3

LarryD:
Also, to help you along, review the articles Nick Gammon has put together:
Gammon Forum : Electronics : Microprocessors

More:
http://www.toptechboy.com/arduino-lessons/
.

I will. Thank you!

#4

Book mark these pages: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Reference/HomePage

https://learn.adafruit.com/category/learn-arduino

#5

MemorY: interface where I can turn on/off some LEDs and small fans.

An Uno will easily control a few LEDs and two small fans. If someone recommended a Mega rather than an Uno it must be because you told him more abut your project than you have told us.

What do you mean by "interface" ? Do you mean that the Arduino takes data from something and then controls the LEDs and the fans ? If so what is the "something". That will be important.

Have a look at planning and implementing a program

...R

#6

MemorY: I contacted Arduino via Facebook, and they recommended the Mega and also suggested I ask you all.

Well, the first part sounds like asking the life insurance salesman how much insurance you need!

Robin2: An UNO will easily control a few LEDs and two small fans. If someone recommended a Mega rather than an UNO it must be because you told him more about your project than you have told us.

Or somewhat more imaginatively.

Generally speaking, a UNO to prototype, and a Pro Mini for the final project - unless you need interface to a PC or the 'net.

#7

Paul__B: Well, the first part sounds like asking the life insurance salesman how much insurance you need!

I contacted them first because I didn't know who to ask. lol

Paul__B: Generally speaking, a UNO to prototype, and a Pro Mini for the final project - unless you need interface to a PC or the 'net.

Good to know, and honestly I'm probably over thinking this project...

I'm wanting to just have an area of buttons where I can control which gets power, the LEDs, the fans or both. A device that doesn't require being connected to a computer. One that can work on its own.

I could do this with just switches...

#8

MemorY:
I’m wanting to just have an area of buttons

This is still unclear. It could mean virtual buttons in an area of a screen or it could mean an area of a PCB with button switches attached to it.

…R

#9

Robin2: This is still unclear. It could mean virtual buttons in an area of a screen or it could mean an area of a PCB with button switches attached to it.

...R

I'm sorry that it's confusing... I'm wanting more PCB with actual buttons.

#10

MemorY: I'm sorry that it's confusing... I'm wanting more PCB with actual buttons.

A lot of the pieces for what you want are in Planning and Implementing a Program (which I linked to earlier). It includes a button press. It might be a useful starting place. Hack it about as much as necessary.

...R

#11

Robin2: A lot of the pieces for what you want are in Planning and Implementing a Program (which I linked to earlier). It includes a button press. It might be a useful starting place. Hack it about as much as necessary.

...R

Alright. I'll take a closer look at it. Thank you for your help!

#12