Module 2: Setting up Arduino

In Module 2, we first describe what we mean by ‘data logger’. Then we go into detail on setting up the Arduino environment for this course. We discuss installing the WildLogger board files, and setting up drivers so we can communicate with the board. Once that’s done, we introduce the Arduino program structure, then write and upload our first program, “Hello world”.

Click here for video slides, terminology, downloads and additional references

 

2.0  Introduction – Setting up the Arduino IDE

In this video we cover:

what you’ll need

  • WildLogger kit (if you want to code along)
  • USB cable – Mini-B
  • 3 x AA batteries
  • 32 GB or less microSD

2.0 – Introduction – Setting up the Arduino IDE slides (PDF)

 

 

2.1 What’s a Data Logger?

In this video we cover:

  • considerations when creating a data logger
    • memory
    • real time clock
    • sensors
    • power optimisation
    • reliability
    • recovery
    • usability

2.1 – What’s a Data Logger slides (PDF)

 

 

2.2 Setting up Arduino

In this video we cover:

  • downloading the Arduino IDE
  • Running the Arduino IDE
  • Installing board files
  • Installing libraries
  • Installing USB drivers on your computer

In the Lab, we’ll download Arduino, install the board files for WildLogger and connect our board so we can access it via the Arduino IDE

2.2 – Setting up Arduino slides (PDF)

 

 

2.3 Arduino Program Structure

In this video we cover:

  • the basic Arduino program (sketch) structure
  • setup()
  • loop()
  • programming syntax for C++ we’ll be using (nb. you don’t need to know C++!)
  • programming elements we’ll be using in the course
  • helpful programming resources
  • The WildLogger board including
    • analogue and digital pins,
    • sensor ports
    • serial port
    • LEDs
    • reset buttons
    • battery connector
    • power switch

2.3 – Arduino Program Structure slides (PDF)

 

 

2.4 Writing our First Programs

In this video we dive straight into the Lab, where we’ll be writing our first program and explaining the power of a blinking LED. We’ll do a sanity check that our setup is working. If we can successfully blink an LED, we know that communication between the board and the Arduino IDE is ok, we can download code successfully, and the hardware is powered and functional.

2.4 – Writing Our First Program slides (PDF)

 

 

2.5 Hello World

In this video we cover:

  • why we use a USB serial dongle to program our device
  • serial versus parallel communication
  • advantages of serial communication
  • different serial communication protocols
    • USB
    • SPI
    • I2C

In the Lab we write the classic first program Hello World which prints out ‘hello world’ to the Arduino serial monitor. Hello World  a common first program many developers write to check their device can communicate and send text data via the serial port to the computer.

2.5 – Hello World slides (PDF)

 

 

Module 3 Teaser

 

Supporting Materials

Terminology Sheet

Module 2 Terminology Cheatsheet (PDF)

 

Video Slides

2.0 – Introduction – Setting up the Arduino IDE slides (PDF)

2.1 – What’s a Data Logger slides (PDF)

2.2 – Setting up Arduino slides (PDF)

2.3 – Arduino Program Structure slides (PDF)

2.4 – Writing Our First Program slides (PDF)

2.5 – Hello World slides (PDF)

 

IDE, Board Files & Drivers 

If you’re having trouble with CH340 Driver, here is a helpful tutorial:

 

Conversations & Troubleshooting

Module 2 Discussion (forum thread)

 

Additional Programming References


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