Build Your Own Data Logger - Module 3.1: The Arduino Command Line

In Module 3.1, we discuss why we’re using the command line, and install the Arduino Command Line library written by us at Freaklabs. Once that’s installed, we go through our hands-on labs where we write code to implement the command line directly on the WildLogger board. We also implement a table of custom commands which allows us to control the WildLogger in real time, in this case, changing the speed of a blinking LED.

3.1.1: The Arduino command line – Lab 1
3.1.2: Setting and accessing parameters – Lab 2
3.1.3: Changing parameters in real time – Lab 3
Module 3.1 Discussion (forum thread)

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

3.1.1 The Arduino Command Line – Lab 1

In this video we cover:

what a software library is
installing libraries
the Arduino program (sketch) structure
how and why we’re using the Arduino command line library to create our data logging application
cmdArduino functions we’ll be using
- cmd.begin()
- cmd.add()
- cmd.poll()
- cmd.FunctionName()

In the Lab, we’ll write our first command ‘Hello World!’. Then we’ll open the Arduino serial monitor, type hello, and print the response from the function to the serial monitor.

Module 3.1.1: The Arduino Command Line – L ab 1 (PDF)

3.1.2 Setting and Accessing Parameters – Lab 2

In this video we cover:

data types
arguments
parameters
arrays
for loops
how the cmdFunctionName works
how the cmdFunctionName takes in and handles arguments
Using other cmdArduino functions
- cmdconv
- cmdList
- cmdSetDate

Troubleshooting tips

In the Lab, we’ll learn how to pass and reference arguments in the command line library. We’ll write a command that list the arguments we’ve passed into the command line library, and then command that can reference any of the arguments we’ve passed in.

3.1.2: Setting and Accessing Parameters – Lab 2 (PDF)