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”.
- 2.0: Introduction – Setting up the Arduino IDE
- 2.1: What’s a datalogger?
- 2.2: Setting up Arduino
- 2.3: Arduino program structure
- 2.4: Writing our first program
- 2.5: 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
- Arduino Desktop IDE
- WildLogger Board Description Files, the link you need to enter into Arduino IDE preferences: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/freaklabs/freaklabs-wildlife-boards/master/package_freaklabs_index.json
- CH340 Driver (nb: This link will automatically download the driver.)
If you’re having trouble with CH340 Driver, here is a helpful tutorial:
Conversations & Troubleshooting
Module 2 Discussion (forum thread)
Additional Programming References
- Arduino Reference Language
- Olympia Circuits – A good overview of C++ used in Arduino
- Tutorials Point – More detailed tutorial on Arduino