Arduino For Beginners EBOOK

Arduino For Beginners
Step-By-Step Guide To Getting Started
Copyright © 2017 Makerspaces.com
ISBN-10: 0-9979584-2-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-9979584-2-3
Published by Makerspaces.com
P.O Box 4147
Clearwater, FL 33758
www.makerspaces.com
Author: Andrew Miller

Edition: 1
Disclaimer - The information and projects in this book are distributed on an “as is” basis,
without warranty. While every precaution has been taken when preparing the projects and
information, the author and publisher shall not have any liability to any person or entity with
respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the
information contained in this book. The author and publisher also assume no responsibility for
errors or omissions in this book. There are small parts and electricity involved in some of the
projects and because of this, supervision is recommended for small children who attempt to
create these projects.
This work is published under a Creative Commons license:

Attribution—NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
(CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
About The Author
Andrew Miller is the Founder and

CEO of Makerspaces.com which
he started in 2014 to help
schools and libraries learn more
about creating a successful
makerspace. He is a strong
believer in maker education and
hands-on learning as a way to
help students acquire the skills
needed to succeed in the 21st
century. He comes from a long
line of teachers and is committed
to helping improve the
educational system through
maker education. Andrew has
been a maker since he was 8
years old and hopes to inspire
others to find the joy in making.
To my daughter Lilly –
I can’t wait for the day when you’re old enough to create things in our
makerspace. This book was written for you.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..….……… 7
a. Projects In This Book …………………………………………………………..…...…. 8
b. Materials Needed ……………………………………………………………..…….….. 9
c. Tools Needed ……………………………………………………………………….…… 10
d. Workspace & Storage ……………………………………………………………….. 17
2. Intro To Basic Electronics ………………………………………………………………….... 19
a. Electronic Components ………………………………………..……………..……. 20
b. What is a Circuit? ………………………………………..…………………….…..…. 26
c. Schematic Diagrams ………………………………………..……………..……..…. 27
d. How To Determine A Resistor Size ………………………….………………... 29
e. How To Use a Breadboard …………………………………..……………...……. 30
f. Practice Project #1 ………………………………………..…………….….………... 32
g. Practice Project #2 ………………………………………..…………….……………. 35
3. Arduino Hardware Basics ………………………………………..…………….……….…... 39
a. What Is Arduino? ………………………………………..……………….……………. 40
b. Types of Arduino Boards ………………………………………..…….………..…. 41
c. What Can You Do With Arduino? ………………………………….…..………. 43
d. Arduino Uno Breakdown ……………………………..……..…….………………. 45
e. Powering The Board ………………………………………..………….…….………. 47
f. Arduino Shields ………………………………………..………………….……………. 48
g. Arduino Sensors ………………………………………..………………….…..………. 49
4. Arduino Software Basics ………………………………………..……………..….…………. 50
a. Arduino Programming Software – IDE …………………………….…………. 52
b. Arduino Software Breakdown………….……………………………….………… 53
5. Your First Arduino Project ……………………………………………………….…………… 55
6. Arduino Practice Projects ………………………………………………………….…....….. 68
a. Download The Arduino Project Code (APC) …………………….…….……. 70
b. Connect & Configure The Arduino Uno ………………………….……….…. 70
c. Project 1 – Test The Arduino ………………………………………….……….…. 72
d. Project 2 – Blink An LED …………………………………………………….….…… 74
e. Project 3 – Pushbutton ………………………………………………….…….……. 76
f. Project 4 – Potentiometer ………………………………………....……...…….. 78
g. Project 5 – Fade An LED ……………………………………………….………..….. 80
h. Project 6 – Scrolling LED ………………………………………………..…….……. 82
i. Project 7 – Bargraph ………………………………………………..………...…….. 84
j. Project 8 – Multiple LEDs …………………………………………….……..……… 86
k. Project 9 – RGB LED …………………………………………………….……..……… 88
l. Project 10 – Photoresistor ………………………………………….……..………. 90
m. Project 11 – Temp Sensor …………………………………………….…..……….. 92
n. Project 12 – Tone Melody …………………………………..……….…..……….. 94
o. Project 13 – Servo ……………………………………………………………………… 96
p. Project 14 – Motor …………………………………………………………...………. 98
q. Project 15 – LCD Screen …………………………………………………….…….. 100
7. The Arduino Bit From littleBits® ……………………………………………….…..…… 102
8. Arduino Troubleshooting ………………………………………………………….………. 112
9. How To Solder Your Arduino Projects …………………………………..…..……… 114
a. What Is Soldering? ……………………………………………………..……..…… 115
b. Soldering Tools & Materials ………………………………………………..….. 116
c. Safety ……………………………………………………………………………………… 122
d. How To Solder …………………………………………………………………..……. 123
e. How To Desolder …………………………………………………………………….. 129
10. Arduino & Electronics Suppliers ………………..…………………..………………… 131
11. Never Stop Learning ………..………………………………………..………….………… 133
Introduction
I wrote this book for the absolute beginner who has never even touched an Arduino or worked
with electronics before. It was written in a very simple and easy to understand way. This book
contains step-by-step instructions that will help you learn about the Arduino hardware, the
software and will combine the two in order to create your first project. In fact, there are over
17 projects in this book that are easy to do and each will teach a specific concept.
Learning Arduino isn’t hard and the skills you acquire are extremely valuable in the 21st century.
Whether you’re a teacher or librarian in a makerspace or a K-12 student, you can do this!
Projects In This Book

The projects in this book were designed to introduce you to Arduino while helping you learn
about basic electronics. These projects utilize a breadboard in order for you to create the
circuits without the need for soldering.
The following are the projects you will be able to create and each comes with a material list in
addition to a step by step guide.
1. Test The Arduino

2. Blink An LED
3. Pushbutton
4. Potentiometer
5. Fade An LED
6. Scrolling LED
7. Bargraph
8. Multiple LEDs
9. RGB LEDs
10. Photoresistor
11. Temp Sensor
12. Tone Melody
13. Servo
14. Motor
15. LCD Screen
Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Materials Needed
In order to do the projects in this book, you will need some basic materials. The following items
are easy to find online and are not expensive to buy.
• Arduino Uno Board

• USB A-to-B Cable
• Breadboard – half size
• Jumper Wires
• LED (5mm)
• RGB LED
• Temp Sensor
• Pushbutton Switch
• Potentiometer
• Photoresistor
• Servo
• DC Motor
• Piezo Buzzer
• LCD Screen
• NPN Transistor
• 10k Ohm Resistor
• 220 Ohm Resistor

Tools Needed
The projects in this book were designed so that you wouldn’t need a ton of tools to complete
them. In fact, you really only need a few very basic hand tools which are listed below. The
items under optional are tools you should buy if you are going to work on more complex
Arduino and electronics projects.
Required
1. Needle-nose pliers
2. Wire Strippers/Cutters
3. Fine Tip Straight Tweeters
4. Test Leads (Alligator Clips)
Optional
1. Digital Multimeter
2. Soldering Iron
3. Solder Sucker
4. Panavise Jr
5. Flush Cutters
6. Battery Holders
7. Precision Screwdriver Set
8. Helping 3rd Hand
9. Heat Gun

Here is a brief description of the required and optional tools that you’ll be using. This isn’t a
complete list but it does outline the items you’re most likely to need when working with
Arduino and basic electronics.
Breadboard
One of the most important items you need when working with Arduino is a solderless
breadboard. This device allows you to prototype your project without having to permanently
solder the circuit together. Using a breadboard allows you to create temporary designs and
experiment with different circuit configurations.
Inside the holes (tie points) of the plastic housing, are metal clips which are connected to each
other by strips of conductive material. The holes in a breadboard are connected in rows both
horizontally and vertically as shown below.
The breadboard is not powered on its own and needs power brought to it from the Arduino
board, a battery or power pack.

Digital Multimeter
A multimeter is a device that’s used to measure electric current (amps), voltage (volts) and
resistance (ohms). It’s great for troubleshooting circuits and is capable of measuring both AC
and DC voltage.
Battery Holders
A battery holder is a plastic case that holds batteries from 9V to AA. Some holders are enclosed
and may have an on/off switch built in. These can be used to power a breadboard.

Test Leads (Alligator Clips)
Test leads are great for connecting components together to test a circuit without the need for
soldering.
Wire Cutter
Wire cutters are essential for stripping stranded and solid copper wire of varying gauges.

Precision Screwdriver Set
Precision screwdrivers are also known as jeweler’s screwdrivers and usually come as a set. The
advantage of these over normal screwdrivers is the precision tips of each driver. These are very
handy when working with electronics that contain tiny screws.
Helping 3rd Hand
When working with electronics, it seems you never have enough hands to hold everything. This
is where the helping 3rd hand comes in. Great for holding circuit boards or wire when soldering.

Heat Gun
A heat gun is used to shrink plastic tubing known as heat shrink to help protect exposed
wire. Heat shrink has been called the duct tape of electronics and comes in handy in a wide
variety of applications. Heat guns usually have high and low heat settings.
Jumper Wire
These wires are used with breadboard and development boards and are generally 22-28 AWG
solid core wire. Jumper wires can have male or female ends depending on how they need to be
used. They are used to connect components together and come in a variety of colors & lengths.

Soldering Iron
When it’s time to create a permanent circuit, you’ll want to solder the parts together. To do
this, a soldering iron is the tool you would use. These irons can have fixed or variable heat
control.
Soldering Station
A soldering station is a more advanced version of the stand-alone soldering iron. They usually
have more precise temperature control and some come with a built-in iron holder.

Workspace & Storage
Before you start working with Arduino and electronics you’ll want to have a good workspace.
There are a lot of small parts involved in these projects and having an organized workbench will
save you headaches.
Build a Workbench
Your workbench doesn’t need to be fancy and it doesn’t even need to be store bought. We
wrote a post on Makerspaces.com about building the below workbench for under $100. Check
it out if you want the step by step build plans.

Storage
Some electronic components can be as small as a pencil eraser so it’s a good idea to keep
everything organized. A popular storage option is to use clear plastic storage boxes for small
parts. These storage boxes come in a variety of sizes and usually have dividers.
Another organization option is to use storage bins that hang from a wall mounted bar. The red
bin as shown above can be mounted to a workbench or put in a cabinet. These are very handy
for keeping all your small items close by but out of the way.
You can find these bins and racks at Uline.com

Intro To Basic Electronics
Before we start working with Arduino, you need to learn about the electrical components and
principles that are commonly used in conjunction with these projects. If you already have an
understanding of these components, feel free to jump ahead to the other sections on circuits or
schematics.
Electronic Components
There are literally hundreds of different electronic components available on the market. On the
following pages you will get a quick breakdown of the most commonly used components that
make your Arduino projects come to life.
If you’re new to electronics, it can be very easy to get overwhelmed when seeing all these
parts. It’s a good idea to just get familiar with the names and their basic functions. Once you
start building your practice projects it will be easier to understand these components.

Switch
Switches can come in many forms such as pushbutton, rocker, momentary and others. Their
basic function is to interrupt electric current by turning a circuit on or off.
Resistor
Resistors are used to resist the flow of current or to control the voltage in a circuit. The amount
of resistance that a resistor offers is measured in Ohms. Most resistors have colored stripes on
the outside and this code will tell you its value of resistance. You can use a multi-meter or
Digikey’s resistor color code calculator to determine the value of a resistor.

Variable Resistor (Potentiometer)
A variable resistor is also known as a potentiometer. These components can be found in
devices such as a light dimmer or volume control for a radio. When you turn the shaft of a
potentiometer the resistance changes in the circuit.
Light-Dependent Resistor (LDR)

A light-dependent resistor is also a variable resistor but is controlled by the light versus turning
a knob. The resistance in the circuit changes with the intensity of the light. These are often
found in exterior lights that automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn.

Capacitor
Capacitors store electricity and then discharge it back into the circuit when there is a drop in
voltage. A capacitor is like a rechargeable battery and can be charged and then
discharged. The value is measured in F (Farad), nano Farad (nF) or pico Farad (pF) range.
Diode
A diode allows electricity to flow in one direction and blocks it from flowing the opposite
way. The diode’s primary role is to route electricity from taking an unwanted path within the
circuit.

Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
A light-emitting diode is like a standard diode in the fact that electrical current only flows in one
direction. The main difference is an LED will emit light when electricity flows through it. Inside
an LED there is an anode and cathode. Current always flows from the anode (+) to the cathode
(-) and never in the opposite direction. The longer leg of the LED is the positive (anode) side.
Transistor
Transistors are tiny switches that turn a current on or off when triggered by an electric
signal. In addition to being a switch, it can also be used to amplify electronic signals. A
transistor is similar to a relay except with no moving parts.

Relay
A relay is an electrically operated switch that opens or closes when power is applied. Inside a
relay is an electromagnet which controls a mechanical switch.
Integrated Circuit (IC)
An integrated circuit is a circuit that’s been reduced in size to fit inside a tiny chip. This circuit
contains electronic components like resistors and capacitors but on a much smaller
scale. Integrated circuits come in different variations such as 555 timers, voltage regulators,
microcontrollers and many more. Each pin on an IC is unique in terms of its function.

What Is A Circuit?
Before you design your electronic project, you need to know what a circuit is and how to create
one properly.
An electronic circuit is a circular path of conductors by which electric current can flow. A closed
circuit is like a circle because it starts and ends at the same point forming a complete loop.
Furthermore, a closed circuit allows electricity to flow from the (+) power to the (-) ground
uninterrupted.
In contrast, if there is any break in the flow of electricity, this is known as an open circuit. As
shown below, a switch in a circuit can cause it to be open or closed depending on its position.
All circuits need to have three basic elements. These elements are a voltage source, conductive
path and a load.
The voltage source, such as a battery, is needed in order to cause the current to flow through
the circuit. In addition, there needs to be a conductive path that provides a route for the
electricity to flow. Finally, a proper circuit needs a load that consumes the power. The load in
the above circuit is the light bulb.

Schematic Diagrams
When working with circuits, you will often find something called a schematic diagram. These
diagrams use symbols to illustrate what electronic components are used and where they’re
placed in the circuit. These symbols are graphic representations of the actual electronic
components.
Below is an example of a schematic that depicts an LED circuit that is controlled by a switch. It
contains symbols for an LED, resistor, battery and a switch. By following a schematic diagram,
you are able to know which components to use and where to put them. These schematics are
extremely helpful for beginners when first learning circuits.

Electronic Symbols
There are many types of electronic symbols and they vary slightly between countries. Below
are a few of the most commonly used electronic symbols in the US.

How To Determine A Resistor Size
Resistors are commonly used in LED projects such as the ones we’ll do later in this book. It’s
very important to know which size resistor to use or you could damage your LED. To find the
proper resistor value, you need to know the voltage and the amps of your LED and battery.
A standard LED generally needs a voltage of around 2V and a current of 20mA or .02A to
operate correctly. Next, you need to find out what voltage your battery is. In this example, we
will be using a 9V battery. In order to determine the resistor size, we need to use a formula
known as Ohm’s law as shown below.
Ohm’s Law – Resistance (R) = Voltage (V) / Current (I)

• Resistance is measured in Ohms (Ω)
• Voltage is measured in volts (V)
• Current is measured in amps (A)
Using Ohm’s law, you need to subtract the LED voltage from the battery voltage. This will give
you a voltage of 7 which needs to be divided by .02 amps from the LED.
This formula shows that you will need a 350 Ω resistor.
As a note, standard resistors don’t come in 350 Ω but are available in 330 Ω which will work
fine.

How To Use A Breadboard
Another way to create and test a circuit is to build it on a breadboard. These boards are essential for
testing and prototyping circuits because no soldering is needed. Components and wires are pushed into
the holes to form a temporary circuit. Because it’s not permanent, you can experiment and make
changes until the desired outcome is reached.
Below the holes of each row are metal clips that connect the holes to each other. The middle rows run
vertically as shown while the exterior columns are connected horizontally. These exterior columns are
called power rails and are used to receive and provide power to the board.
Note – There is “dip” in the middle of the breadboard between rows E & F. This dip acts as a break. The
top middle section is not connected to the bottom middle section.
To form a circuit, insert your components and jumper wires into the breadboard. Later, you will create a
few breadboard circuits which will help you truly understand how they work.

Here is a visual of what a completed Arduino circuit looks like when connected to a breadboard. The
colors of the wires don’t matter and you can use any color or length.
Breadboards will need to have power supplied to them and this can be done in a few ways. One of the
easiest ways is to plug the wires from a battery holder into the power rails. This will supply voltage to
the rail it’s plugged into only.
To power both rails, you will need to use a jumper wire from the (+) and (-) to the rail on the opposite
side. Now both sides of the breadboard are powered with 9V.

Practice Project #1
In our first project, we’ll be using test leads to create a very simple LED circuit. In our next project, we
will create this same circuit but with a breadboard.
Parts Needed:
• 9V Battery
• Battery Snap-on Connector
• Test Leads w/ Alligator Clips
• LED – Basic Red 5mm

Schematic Diagram
Project Steps
1. Attach the battery clip to the top of the 9V battery.
2. Red wire from the battery clip is connected to one alligator clip on the red test lead.
3. The other end of the red test lead is connected to the long leg (+) of the LED.
4. Connect one alligator clip from black test lead to the short leg (-) of the LED.
5. The other end of the black test lead is clipped to one leg of the 330 Ω resistor.
6. Clip one side of the other black test lead to the other leg of the 330 Ω resistor.
7. The opposite end of the black test lead is connected to the black battery wire.

IMPORTANT – Never connect an LED directly to a 9V battery without a resistor in the
circuit. Doing so will damage or destroy the LED.

Practice Project #2
Now we’re going to learn how to create a circuit on a breadboard. This circuit is the exact same
one we did earlier but without the test leads.
Parts Needed:
• 9V Battery
• Battery Snap-on Connector
• LED – Basic Red 5mm
• Breadboard- Half Size

Schematic Diagram
Project Steps
1. Attach the battery clip to the top of the 9V battery.
2. Place the red wire from the battery clip into F9 of the breadboard.
3. Insert the black wire from the battery clip into J21 of the breadboard.
4. Bend the legs of the 330 Ω resistor and place one leg into F21.
5. Place the other leg of the resistor into F15.
6. Insert the short leg of the LED into J15 and the long leg into J9.

The red arrows in the image below help to show how electricity is flowing in this circuit. All
components are connected to each other in a circle just like when we used the test leads.
IMPORTANT – Never connect an LED directly to a 9V battery without a resistor in the

circuit. Doing so will damage or destroy the LED.

Arduino Hardware Basics
What Is Arduino?
Arduino is an open source programmable circuit board that can be integrated into a wide
variety of makerspace projects both simple and complex. This board contains
a microcontroller which is able to be programmed to sense and control objects in the physical
world. By responding to sensors and inputs, the Arduino is able to interact with a large array of
outputs such as LEDs, motors and displays. Because of its flexibility and low cost, Arduino has
become a very popular choice for makers and makerspaces looking to create interactive
hardware projects.
Arduino was introduced back in 2005 in Italy by Massimo Banzi as a way for non-engineers to
have access to a low cost, simple tool for creating hardware projects. Since the board is open-
source, it is released under a Creative Commons license which allows anyone to produce their

own board. If you search the web, you will find there are hundreds of Arduino compatible
clones and variations available but the only official boards have Arduino in its name.
In the next section, we’re going to discuss a few of the Arduino boards available and how they
differ from each other.
Types of Arduino Boards

Arduino is a great platform for prototyping projects and inventions but can be confusing when
having to choose the right board. If you’re brand new to this, you might have always thought
that there was just one “Arduino” board and that’s it. In reality, there are many variations of
the official Arduino boards and then there are hundreds more from competitors who offer
clones. But don’t worry, we’re going to show you which one to start with later on in this
tutorial.
Below are a few examples of the different types of Arduino boards out there. The boards with
the name Arduino on them are the official boards but there are also a lot of really great clones
on the market as well. One of the best reasons to buy a clone is the fact they are generally less
expensive than their official counterpart. Adafruit and Sparkfun for example, sell variations of
the Arduino boards which cost less but still have the same quality of the originals. Be careful
when buying boards from companies you don’t know as the quality can vary.

Image credit – Sparkfun.com
Another factor to consider when choosing a board is the type of project you are looking to
do. For example, if you want to create a wearable electronic project, you might want to
consider the LilyPad board from Sparkfun. The LilyPad is designed to be easily sewn into e-
textiles and wearable projects. If your project has a small form factor, you might want to use
the Arduino Pro Mini which has a very small footprint compared to other boards.

What Can You Do With Arduino?
You may be wondering what an Arduino board can do besides blink an LED. Below are some
example projects which help to showcase how truly amazing this board is and the capabilities of
it. If you’re looking for more project ideas, check out sites such as Instructables or Make
Magazine which are loaded with helpful tutorials.
Arduino Light Following Robot – Instructables

Arduino Drone That Follows You – Instructables
LED Cube w/ Arduino Uno – Instructables

Arduino Uno Breakdown
One of the most popular Arduino boards out there is the Arduino Uno. While it was not
actually the first board to be released, it remains to be the most actively used and most widely
documented on the market. Because of its extreme popularity, the Arduino Uno has a ton of
project tutorials and forums around the web that can help you get started or out of a
jam. We’re big fans of the Uno because of its amazing features and ease of use.
All of the practice projects in this book will use an Arduino Uno. Below is a breakdown of the
individual components that make up a board. Even though there are a lot of parts to the board,
you only interact with a few of them.

Board Breakdown
1. Reset Button – This will restart any code that is loaded to the Arduino board
2. AREF – Stands for “Analog Reference” and is used to set an external reference voltage
3. Ground Pin – There are a few ground pins on the Arduino and they all work the same
4. Digital Input/Output – Pins 0-13 can be used for digital input or output
5. PWM – The pins marked with the (~) symbol can simulate analog output
6. USB Connection – Used for powering up your Arduino and uploading sketches
7. TX/RX – Transmit and receive data indication LEDs
8. ATmega Microcontroller – This is the brains and is where the programs are stored
9. Power LED Indicator – This LED lights up anytime the board is plugged in a power source
10. Voltage Regulator – This controls the amount of voltage going into the Arduino board
11. DC Power Barrel Jack – This is used for powering your Arduino with a power supply
12. 3.3V Pin – This pin supplies 3.3 volts of power to your projects
13. 5V Pin – This pin supplies 5 volts of power to your projects
14. Ground Pins – There are a few ground pins on the Arduino and they all work the same
15. Analog Pins – These pins can read the signal from an analog sensor and convert it to digital

Powering The Board
The Arduino Uno needs a power source in order for it to operate and can be powered in a
variety of ways. You can do what most people do and connect the board directly to your
computer via a USB cable. If you want your project to be mobile, consider using a 9V battery
pack to give it juice. The last method would be to use a 9V AC power supply.

Arduino Shields
If you want to add a very specific functionality to your Arduino, you will need to use a
shield. Arduino shields plug into the top of the Arduino board and can add capabilities such as
WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and much more. There are literally hundreds of shields to choose from
and here are a few examples.
• WiFi Shield
• LCD Shield
• GPS Logger Shield
• MP3 Music Maker Shield
• Ethernet Shield
• Motor/Stepper/Servo Shield
GPS Shield Plugged into Arduino Uno – Sparkfun.com

Arduino Sensors
If you want your Arduino to sense the world around it, you will need to add a sensor. There are a wide
range of sensors to choose from and they each have a specific purpose. Below you will find some of the
commonly used sensors in projects.
• Distance Ranging Sensor
• PIR Motion Sensor
• Light Sensor
• Degree of Flex Sensor
• Pressure Sensor
• Proximity Sensor
• Acceleration Sensor
• Sound Detecting Sensor
• RGB and Gesture Sensor
• Humidity and Temperature Sensor
Examples of Arduino Sensors

Arduino Software Basics
This chapter will focus on the software portion of Arduino. The easiest way to learn how the
software works is if you download it and look around. Don’t worry, it’s free!

Arduino Programming Software (IDE)
The image on the previous page shows the Arduino software which is called the Integrated
Development Environment or IDE. This is the place where you create the programs known as
sketches. These sketches are then uploaded to the Arduino which tells the board what to do.
Download The Arduino IDE

The Arduino IDE is a free program which can be downloaded at the following link:
https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
Select the operating system you have in order to begin the download process.

Arduino Software Breakdown
Once the software has been installed on your computer, go ahead and open it up. Below is a
breakdown of the software interface.

1. Menu Bar: Gives you access to the tools needed for creating and saving Arduino sketches.
2. Verify Button: Compiles your code and checks for errors in spelling or syntax.
3. Upload Button: Sends the code to the board that’s connected such as Arduino Uno in this
case. Lights on the board will blink rapidly when uploading.
4. New Sketch: Opens up a new window containing a blank sketch.
5. Sketch Name: When the sketch is saved, the name of the sketch is displayed here.
6. Open Existing Sketch: Allows you to open a saved sketch or one from the stored examples.
7. Save Sketch: This saves the sketch you currently have open.
8. Serial Monitor: When the board is connected, this will display the serial information of
your Arduino
9. Code Area: This area is where you compose the code of the sketch that tells the board
what to do.
10. Message Area: This area tells you the status on saving, code compiling, errors and more.
11. Text Console: Shows the details of error messages, size of the program that was compiled
and additional info.
12. Board and Serial Port: Tells you what board is being used and what serial port it’s
connected to.
Every Arduino sketch has two main parts to the program which are shown below. You can see
this in the code area (#9) of the interface.
void setup() – Sets things up that have to be done once and then don’t happen again.
void loop() – Contains the instructions that get repeated over and over until the board is
turned off.

Your First Arduino Project
Now it’s time to take what you learned so far and create your first Arduino project. Once you
finish this project you will start to understand how everything works together.
Connect Your Arduino Uno
At this point you are ready to connect your Arduino to your computer. Plug one end of the USB
cable to the Arduino Uno and then the other end of the USB to your computer’s USB port.
Once the board is connected, you will need to open the IDE and go to Tools then Board then
finally select Arduino Uno.

Next, you have to tell the Arduino which port you are using on your computer.
To select the port, go to Tools then Port then select the COM port that says Arduino.
Now that the board is connected, we’re ready for your first Arduino project.

Arduino Project 1: Blink an LED
In this example, we are going to tell your Arduino board to blink an LED.
Required Parts

• Jumper Wires
• USB Cable
• LED (5mm)

Connect The Parts
You can build your Arduino circuit by looking at the breadboard image or by using the written
description below. In the written description, we will use a letter/number combo that refers to
the location of the component. If we mention H19 for example, that refers to column H, row 19
on the breadboard.
Step 1 – Insert black jumper wire into the GND (Ground) pin on the Arduino and then in the
GND rail of the breadboard row 15
Step 2 – Insert red jumper wire into pin 13 on the Arduino and then the other end into F7 on
the breadboard
Step 3 – Place the LONG leg of the LED into H7
Step 4 – Place the SHORT leg of the LED into H4
Step 5 – Bend both legs of a 220 Ohm resistor and place one leg in the GND rail around row 4
and other leg in I4
Step 6 – Connect the Arduino Uno to your computer via USB cable
Upload The Blink Sketch
Now it’s time to upload the sketch (program) to the Arduino and tell it what to do. In the IDE,
there are built-in example sketches that you can use. We’re going to use the blink sketch.
To open the blink sketch, you will need to go to File > Examples > Basics > Blink

Now you should see a fully coded blink sketch that looks like the image below.

Next, you need to click on the verify button (check mark) that’s located in the top left of the IDE
box. This will compile the sketch and look for errors. Once it says “Done Compiling” you are
ready to upload it. Click the upload button (forward arrow) to send the program to the Arduino
board.
The built-in LEDs on the Arduino board will flash rapidly for a few seconds and then the
program will execute. If everything went correctly, the LED on the breadboard should turn on
for a second and then off for a second and continue in a loop.

Congrats! You just completed your first Arduino project. Troubleshooting – If you ran into a
problem don’t give up, check out the troubleshooting section at the end of the chapter for
common problems.
Change The Code
Before we go to the next project, let’s change some of the code in the “Blink” sketch to make it
do something different. Playing around with the sketch will help you start to learn how the
code controls the board.
Keep the Arduino board connected and change the delay portion of the code from (1000) to
(200). Click the verify button on the top left of the IDE and then click upload. This should make
the LED on the breadboard blink faster.
NOTE – Arduino measures time in milliseconds and 1000 milliseconds = 1 second. The original
code (1000) turns on the LED for 1 second and then off for 1 second. By adjusting the code
from (1000) to (200) it shortens the time between on and off which makes it blink faster.

Arduino Project 2: LED w/ Switch
Now it’s time to add a switch to your Arduino project. A switch is an electrical component that
completes a circuit when pushed and breaks the circuit when released. In this project, we will
be using a small pushbutton switch to control an LED.
Required Parts

• Jumper Wires
• USB Cable
• LED (5mm)
• Push button switch
• 10k Ohm Resistor

Connect The Parts
You can build your Arduino circuit by looking at the breadboard image or by using the written
description below. In the written description, we will use a letter/number combo that refers to
the location of the component. If we mention H19 for example, that refers to column H, row 19
on the breadboard.
Step 1 – Connect the blue jumper wire from the GND on the Arduino to the GND rail (blue line)
on the breadboard near A13
Step 2 – Connect the blue jumper wire from the GND rail on the breadboard near A17 to H19
Step 3 – Connect the red jumper wire from the power rail on the breadboard around row A27
to H26
Step 4 – Connect the green jumper wire from pin 2 on Arduino to J24 on the breadboard
Step 5 – Place one leg of a 10k Ohm resistor in G19 and the other leg in G24
Step 6 – Place the pushbutton switch into F24, F26, E24 and E26
Step 7 – Place one leg of a 220 Ohm resistor in D5 and the other leg in G5
Step 8 – Insert the short leg of the LED in the GND rail around A5 and the long leg in B5
Step 9 – Connect the black jumper wire from pin 13 on the Arduino to I5 on the breadboard
Step 10 – Connect the red jumper wire from 5V on the Arduino to power rail (+) near A8
Step 11 – Connect the Arduino Uno to your computer via USB cable

Upload The Switch Sketch
Now it’s time to upload the sketch to the Arduino that will allow us to use a switch. As with the
blink sketch, there are example programs already loaded in the Arduino IDE that we’ll be using.
In order to use a switch, we have to load the file called “Button” which can be found at this
location in the IDE: File > Examples > Digital > Button

Now you should have a fully coded button sketch that looks like the image below.

Click on the verify button (check mark) that’s located in the top left of the IDE box. Once it says
“Done Compiling” you are ready to upload it. Click the upload button (forward arrow) to send
the program to the Arduino board.
Press the button switch on the breadboard and you should be able to turn on and off the LED.
Troubleshooting
If you are having any problems with the projects we did, make sure the following has been
checked.
1. Verify the LED is actually functional. Use a 3v coin cell battery and connect the LONG leg of
the LED to the (+) and SHORT leg to the (-) of the battery.
2. Verify the correct leg of the LED is connected properly. LONG leg to positive and SHORT
leg to negative.
3. Make sure the Arduino IDE shows the correct board. Go to Tools > Board then
select Arduino Uno.
4. Make sure the Arduino IDE shows the correct port. Go to Tools > Port then select the port
that says Arduino.
5. Verify all component connections are secure with the Arduino board and breadboard.

Arduino Practice Projects
Now it’s time to expand your knowledge by creating circuits using the following electronic
components:
• LED
• RGB LED
• Temp Sensor
• Pushbutton
• Potentiometer
• Photoresistor
• Servo
• Motor
• Buzzer
• LCD screen
Download The Arduino Project Code (APC)
In order to complete the 15 projects in this chapter, you will need to download the Arduino
Project Code (APC). Use the link below to download the zip folder containing the code.
Download Project Code – www.Makerspaces.com/APC
Once the file has been downloaded, you will need to unzip/extract the folder in order to use it.
Connect & Configure The Arduino Uno

Before you can start working with Arduino, you will need to make sure you have the IDE
software installed on your computer. You can download the IDE for free on Arduino’s website
as outlined in an earlier chapter.
Select The Board

Connect the Arduino to the computer using the USB cable. Once plugged in, you will need to
open the IDE and click on Tools > Board > Arduino Uno to select the board.
Select Serial Port
Next, you have to select the port that you are using on your computer.
To select the port, go to Tools > Port and then select the COM that says Arduino.
At this point, you are ready to create the project circuits as outlined in this chapter.
Project 1 – Test The Arduino
The first project is one of the most basic and simple circuits you can create with Arduino. This
project will test your Arduino by blinking an LED that is connected directly to the board.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (1) USB A-to-B Cable
• (1) LED 5mm
• (1) 220 Ω Resistor
Project Steps
1. Twist a 220 Ω resistor to the long leg (+) of the LED.
2. Push the short leg of the LED into the ground (GND) pin on the board.
3. Push the resistor leg that’s connected to the LED into the #13 pin.
Project Code
1. Connect the Arduino board to your computer using the USB cable.
2. Open project code – Circuit_01_TestArduino
3. Select the board and serial port as outlined in earlier section.
4. Click upload button to send sketch to the Arduino.

Project 2 – Blink An LED
This project is identical to project #1 except that we will be building it on a breadboard. Once
complete, the LED should turn on for a second and then off for a second in a loop.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (1) Breadboard – Half Size
• (1) LED 5mm
• (2) Jumper Wires
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_02_Blink

Project 3 – Pushbutton
Using a push button switch, you will be able to turn on and off an LED.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (1) LED 5mm
• (1) 10K Ω Resistor
• (1) Push Button Switch
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_03_Pushbutton

Project 4 – Potentiometer
Using a potentiometer, you will be able to control the resistance of an LED. Turning the knob
will increase and decrease the frequency the LED blinks.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (1) LED 5mm
• (1) Potentiometer (10k Trimpot)
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_04_Potentiometer

Project 5 – Fade An LED
By using a PWM pin on the Arduino, you will be able to increase and decrease the intensity of
brightness of an LED.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (1) LED 5mm
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_05_Fade

Project 6 – Scrolling LED
This project will blink 6 LEDs, one at a time, in a back and forth formation. This type of circuit
was made famous by the show Knight Rider which featured a car with looping LEDs.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (6) LED 5mm
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_06_Scrolling

Project 7 – Bargraph
Using a potentiometer, you can control a series of LEDs in a row. Turning the potentiometer
knob will turn on or off more of the LEDs.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (1) Potentiometer – Rotary
• (10) LED 5mm
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_07_BarGraph

Project 8 – Multiple LEDs
This project will use 8 pins on the Arduino board to blink 8 LEDs at the same time.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (8) LED 5mm
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_08_MultipleLEDs

Project 9 – RGB LED
This project will be using an RGB LED to scroll through a variety of colors. RGB stands for Red,
Green and Blue and this LED has the ability to create nearly unlimited color combinations.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (1) RGB LED
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_09_RGBLED

Project 10 – Photoresistor
A photoresistor changes the resistance a circuit gets based on the amount of light that hits the
sensor. In this project, the brightness of the LED will increase and decrease based on the
amount of light present.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (1) LED 5mm
• (1) 10K Ω Resistor
• (1) Photoresistor
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_10_Photoresistor

Project 11 – Temp Sensor
A temperature sensor measures ambient temperatures of the world around it. In this project,
we will be displaying the temperature in the serial monitor of the Arduino IDE.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (1) Temperature Sensor – TMP36
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_11_TempSensor

Project 12 – Tone Melody
The project will use a piezo buzzer/speaker to play a little melody.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (1) Piezo Buzzer/Speaker
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_12_ToneMelody

Project 13 – Servo
In this project, you will be able to sweep a servo back and forth through its full range of motion.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (1) Servo
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_13_Servo

Project 14 – Motor
Using a switching transistor, we will be able to control a DC motor. If everything is connected
correctly, you should see the motor spinning.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (1) DC Motor
• (1) Diode 1N4148
• (1) NPN Transistor
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_14_Motor

Project 15 – LCD Screen
An LCD is a liquid crystal display that is able to display text on its screen. In this project, you
should see the words “hello,world!” displayed on the screen. The potentiometer is used to
adjust the contrast of the display.
Parts Needed
• (1) Arduino Uno
• (1) LCD Screen
• (1) Potentiometer
Project Code
2. Open project code – Circuit_15_LCD

The Arduino Bit From littleBits ®
Another way to get started with Arduino is by using the Arduino bit from littleBits ®
Intro To littleBits
For those of you not familiar, littleBits is a collection of electronic modules known as bits that
connect together using magnets. Each bit has a specific function such as an input or an output
like an LED or a motor. Snap them together and you can create circuits in seconds with no
programming required.
But what if you wanted to create and code your own inventions without having to use the
traditional Arduino, breadboard and jumper wire setup? That’s where the Arduino Coding Kit
comes in and is a perfect fit. This kit includes an Arduino bit and other accessories that will
allow you to code your own interactive hardware projects.

littleBits Arduino Coding Kit
The following are the bits and accessories that are included in the littleBits Arduino Coding
Kit. For the following two projects, you will only need a few of them and they could be
purchased separately if needed.

Arduino Bit Breakdown
The “brains” of the Coding Kit is the Arduino bit and the below graphic helps to point out it’s
key components. If you want more information on this bit, check out this Arduino bit
tutorial from littleBits.

Project 1- Blink an LED
Now it’s time to blink an LED using an Arduino bit from littleBits ®.
Parts Required
Arduino Bit
Power Bit
Battery & Power Cable
Micro USB Cable
Bright LED Bit
Step 1 – Create LED Blink Circuit

To begin, you will need to connect the power bit (1) to the Arduino bit (2) at the point marked
(a- zero). Make sure the 9v battery (3) is attached to the power bit using the power
cable. Next, attach the LED bit (4) to the side marked (d5~) and then TURN ON the power
bit. The last step is to connect the Arduino bit to your computer (5) using the micro USB cable.

Step 2 – Download Arduino IDE Software
The Arduino IDE is free software that is used to write the code that is uploaded to the littleBits
Arduino bit.
To download the software, use the following link – www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
Select the operating system you have and click on the appropriate link on the right-hand side.
Step 3 – Select The littleBits Arduino Board & Port

Open up the IDE software and make sure the Arduino bit is connected to your computer and
the power bit is switched on.
Select Tools > Board > Arduino Leonardo

Next you need to select the port the Arduino will be connected to. Go to Tools > Port > ComX
(Arduino Leonardo)
Step 4 – Upload Blink Sketch To Arduino Bit

Now it’s time to upload the code (known as a sketch) to the Arduino bit. First, download the
below zip file and click extract.
Blink Sketch – Zip File
Open the “Blink” file and click the forward arrow in the top left of the IDE. At this point, the
code is being uploaded and the LED bit should start blinking in a few seconds. Try
experimenting with the code and change the delay portion from (200) to (1000). What does it
do?
Note – In order for the “Blink” file to work correctly, it will need to be located in a folder named
Blink.

Project 2- Fade a Bargraph
Now it’s time to create a fading LED bargraph using the littleBits Arduino bit.
Parts Required
• Arduino Bit
• Power Bit
• Battery & Power Cable
• Micro USB Cable
• Bargraph Bit
Step 1 – Connect The Bits

To begin, you will need to connect the power bit (1) to the Arduino bit (2) at the point marked
(a- zero). Make sure the 9v battery (3) is attached to the power bit using the power
cable. Next, attach the bargraph bit (4) to the side marked (d5~) and then TURN ON the power
bit. The last step is to connect the Arduino bit to your computer (5) using the micro USB cable.

Step 2 – Upload Fade Sketch To Arduino Bit
Download the below zip file and click extract.
Fade Sketch – Zip File
Open the “Fade” file and click the forward arrow in the top left of the IDE. At this point, the
code is being uploaded to the bit and the bargraph should start fading.
More Arduino Projects

Looking for more beginner Arduino projects that involve littleBits? Check out their getting
started section for more ideas. Below are a few examples of what you’ll find.
LittleBits Analog Pong Game

littleBits DIY Computer Mouse

Arduino Troubleshooting
• Make sure the Arduino IDE shows the correct board. Go to Tools > Board then
select Arduino Uno.
• Make sure the Arduino IDE shows the correct port. Go to Tools > Port then select the
port that says Arduino.
• It can be easy to put a component or jumper into the wrong pin on the Arduino or the
breadboard. Double check the correct pin is being used.
• Verify all component connections are secure with the Arduino board and breadboard.
• Verify the LED is actually functional. Use a 3v coin cell battery and connect the LONG leg
of the LED to the (+) and SHORT leg to the (-) of the battery.
• The long leg of the LED is the (+) positive and the short leg is the (-) negative. Make sure
the correct leg of the LED is in the proper pin of the Arduino or breadboard as directed.

How To Solder Your Arduino Projects
Learning how to solder w/ proper soldering techniques is a fundamental skill every maker
should master. This skill also comes in handy when you are ready to make your Arduino
creations more permanent. In this chapter, we’ll outline the basics of soldering and show you
what tools you’ll need to do it correctly.
What Is Soldering?
If you were to take apart any electronic device that contains a circuit board, you’ll see the
components are attached using soldering techniques. Soldering is the process of joining two or
more electronic parts together by melting solder around the connection. Solder is a metal alloy
and when it cools it creates a strong electrical bond between the parts. Even though soldering
can create a permanent connection, it can also be reversed using a desoldering tool.

Soldering Tools & Materials
The good thing about learning how to solder is the fact that you don’t need a lot to get
started. Below we’ll outline the basic tools and materials you will need for most of your
soldering projects.
Soldering Iron
A soldering iron is a hand tool that plugs into a standard 120v AC outlet and heats up in order to
melt solder around electrical connections. This is one of the most important tools used in
soldering and it can come in a few variations such as pen or gun form. For beginners, it’s
recommended that you use the pen style soldering iron in the 15W to 30W range. Most
soldering irons have interchangeable tips that can be used for different soldering
applications. Be very cautious when using any type of soldering iron because it can heat up to
896′ F which is extremely hot.

Soldering Station
A soldering station is a more advanced version of the basic standalone soldering pen. If you are
going to be doing a lot of soldering, these are great to have as they offer more flexibility and
control. The main benefit of a soldering station is the ability to precisely adjust the
temperature of the soldering iron which is great for a range of projects. These stations can also
create a safer workspace as some include advanced temperature sensors, alert settings and
even password protection for safety.

Soldering Iron Tips
At the end of most soldering irons is an interchangeable part known as a soldering tip. There
are many variations of this tip and they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Each tip is
used for a specific purpose and offers a distinct advantage over another. The most common
tips you will use in electronics projects are the conical tip and the chisel tip.
Conical Tip – Used in precision electronics soldering because of the fine tip. Because of its
pointed end, it’s able to deliver heat to smaller areas without affecting its surroundings.
Chisel Tip – This tip is well-suited to soldering wires or other larger components because of its
broad flat tip.
Image Credit – Sparkfun.com
Brass or Conventional Sponge

Using a sponge will help to keep the soldering iron tip clean by removing the oxidation that
forms. Tips with oxidation will tend to turn black and not accept solder as it did when it was
new. You could use a conventional wet sponge but this tends to shorten the lifespan of the tip
due to expansion and contraction. Also, a wet sponge will drop the temperature of the tip
temporarily when wiped. A better alternative is to use a brass sponge as shown on the left.

Soldering Iron Stand
A soldering iron stand is very basic but very useful and handy to have. This stand helps prevent
the hot iron tip from coming in contact with flammable materials or causing accidental injury to
your hand. Most soldering stations come with this built in and also include a sponge or brass
sponge for cleaning the tip.

Solder
Solder is a metal alloy material that is melted to create a permanent bond between electrical
parts. It comes in both lead and lead-free variations with diameters of .032″ and .062″ being
the most common. Inside the solder core is a material known as flux which helps improve
electrical contact and its mechanical strength.
For electronics soldering, the most commonly used type is lead-free rosin core solder. This type
of solder is usually made up of a Tin/Copper alloy. You can also use leaded 60/40 (60% tin, 40%
lead) rosin core solder but it’s becoming less popular due to health concerns. If you do use lead
solder, make sure you have proper ventilation and that you wash your hands after use.
When buying solder, make sure NOT to use acid core solder as this will damage your circuits
and components. Acid core solder is sold at home improvement stores and is mainly used for
plumbing and metal working.
As mentioned earlier, solder does come in a few different diameters. The thicker diameter
solder (.062″) is good for soldering larger joints more quickly but it can make soldering smaller
joints difficult. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to have both sizes on hand for your
different projects.

Helping Hand (3rd Hand)
A helping hand is a device that has 2 or more alligator clips and sometimes a magnifying
glass/light attached. These clips will assist you by holding the items you are trying to solder
while you use the soldering iron and solder. A 3rd hand is a very helpful tool to have in your
makerspace when working with electronics or solder.

Safety
Now that you know what tools and materials are required, it’s time to briefly discuss ways of
staying safe while soldering.
Soldering irons can reach temperatures of 800′ F so it’s very important to know where your iron
is at all times. We always recommend you use a soldering iron stand to help prevent accidental
burns or damage.
Make sure you are soldering in a well ventilated area. When solder is heated, there are fumes
released that are harmful to your eyes and lungs. It’s recommended to use a fume
extractor which is a fan with a charcoal filter that absorbs the harmful solder smoke.
It’s always a good idea to wear protective eye wear in case of accidental splashes of hot
solder. Lastly, make sure to wash your hands when you are done soldering especially if using
lead solder.

How To Solder
Before you can start soldering, you need to prep your soldering iron by tinning the tip with
solder. This process will help improve the heat transfer from the iron to the item you’re
soldering. Tinning will also help to protect the tip and reduce wear.
Step 1: Begin by making sure the tip is attached to the iron and screwed tightly in place.
Step 2: Turn on your soldering iron and let it heat up. If you have a soldering station with an
adjustable temp control, set it to 400′ C/ 752′ F.
Step 3: Wipe the tip of the soldering iron on a damp wet sponge to clean it. Wait a few seconds
to let the tip heat up again before proceeding to step 4.
Step 4: Hold the soldering iron in one hand and solder in the other. Touch the solder to the tip
of the iron and make sure the solder flows evenly around the tip.
You should tin the tip of your iron before and after each soldering session to extend its
life. Eventually, every tip will wear out and will need replacing when it becomes rough or
pitted.
Now that the soldering iron tip has been prepped, we’re ready to start soldering electronics. In
this example, we’ll be soldering an LED to a circuit board.

Step 1: Mount The Component – Begin by inserting the leads of the LED into the holes of the
circuit board. Flip the board over and bend the leads outward at a 45′ angle. This will help the
component make a better connection with the copper pad and prevent it from falling out while
soldering.
Step 2: Heat The Joint – Turn your soldering iron on and if it has an adjustable heat control, set
it to 400’C. At this point, touch the tip of the iron to the copper pad and the resistor lead at the
same time. You need to hold the soldering iron in place for 3-4 seconds in order to heat the
pad and the lead.

Step 3: Apply Solder To Joint – Continue holding the soldering iron on the copper pad and the
lead and touch your solder to the joint. IMPORTANT – Don’t touch the solder directly to the tip
of the iron. You want the joint to be hot enough to melt the solder when it’s touched. If the
joint is too cold, it will form a bad connection.
Step 4: Snip The Leads – Remove the soldering iron and let the solder cool down
naturally. Don’t blow on the solder as this will cause a bad joint. Once cool, you can snip the
extra wire from leads.
A proper solder joint is smooth, shiny and looks like a volcano or cone shape. You want just
enough solder to cover the entire joint but not too much so it becomes a ball or spills to a
nearby lead or joint.

How To Solder Wires
Now it’s time to show you how to solder wires together. For this process, it’s recommended to
use helping hands or other type of clamp device.
Begin by removing the insulation from the ends of both wires you are soldering together. If the
wire is stranded, twist the strands together with your fingers.
Make sure your soldering iron is fully heated and touch the tip to the end of one of the
wires. Hold it on the wire for 3-4 seconds.

Keep the iron in place and touch the solder to the wire until it’s fully coated. Repeat this
process on the other wire.
Hold the two tinned wires on top of each other and touch the soldering iron to both wires. This
process should melt the solder and coat both wires evenly.

Remove the soldering iron and wait a few seconds to let the soldered connection cool and
harden. Use heat shrink to cover the exposed connection.

How To Desolder
The good thing about using solder is the fact that it can be removed easily in a technique known
as desoldering. This comes in handy if you need to remove a component or make a correction
to your electronic circuit.
To desolder a joint, you will need solder wick which is also known as desoldering braid.
Step 1 – Place a piece of the desoldering braid on top of the joint/solder you want removed.
Step 2 – Heat your soldering iron and touch the tip to the top of the braid. This will heat the
solder below which will then be absorbed into the desoldering braid. You can now remove the
braid to see the solder has been extracted and removed. Be careful touching the braid when
you are heating it because it will get hot.

Optional – If you have a lot of solder you want removed, you may want to use a device called a
solder sucker. This is a handheld mechanical vacuum that sucks up hot solder with a press of a
button.
To use, press the plunger down at the end of the solder sucker. Heat the joint with your
soldering iron and place the tip of the solder sucker over the hot solder. Press the release
button to suck up the liquid solder. In order to empty the solder sucker, press down on the
plunger.

Arduino & Electronics Suppliers
There are a lot of great places online to find Arduino & electronic components,
parts and tools. Below is a list of some of our favorite places to go.
Adafruit adafruit.com
Sparkfun sparkfun.com
Jameco jameco.com
Mouser mouser.com
Velleman Store vellemanstore.com
DigiKey digikey.com
All Electronics allelectronics.com
MCM Electronics mcmelectronics.com
MakerShed makershed.com

Never Stop Learning
We’re always online sharing info, projects and ideas regarding maker education
and makerspaces. Below are some of the places you can find us. Make sure to
stay in touch and show us what you’re working on or what questions you have.
Web www.makerspaces.com
Twitter @makerspaces.com
@andrewbmiller
Facebook www.fb.com/makerspaces
Instagram www.instagram.com/makerspaces
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/maker_spaces

Arduino For Beginners EBOOK

Uploaded by

Arduino For Beginners EBOOK

Uploaded by

Arduino For Beginners

Step-By-Step Guide To Getting Started

Copyright © 2017 Makerspaces.com

Author: Andrew Miller

This work is published under a Creative Commons license:

Andrew Miller is the Founder and

Projects In This Book

1. Test The Arduino

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

• Arduino Uno Board

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Helping 3rd Hand

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

You can find these bins and racks at Uline.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Light-Dependent Resistor (LDR)

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Integrated Circuit (IC)

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Ohm’s Law – Resistance (R) = Voltage (V) / Current (I)

This formula shows that you will need a 350 Ω resistor.

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

• Battery Snap-on Connector

• Test Leads w/ Alligator Clips

• 330 Ohm Resistor

• LED – Basic Red 5mm

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

• Battery Snap-on Connector

• 330 Ohm Resistor

• LED – Basic Red 5mm

• Breadboard- Half Size

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

5. Place the other leg of the resistor into F15.

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

IMPORTANT – Never connect an LED directly to a 9V battery without a resistor in the

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Types of Arduino Boards

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino Light Following Robot – Instructables

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

LED Cube w/ Arduino Uno – Instructables

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

7. TX/RX – Transmit and receive data indication LEDs

13. 5V Pin – This pin supplies 5 volts of power to your projects

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

• GPS Logger Shield

• MP3 Music Maker Shield

GPS Shield Plugged into Arduino Uno – Sparkfun.com

Arduino For Beginners www.makerspaces.com

• Distance Ranging Sensor

• PIR Motion Sensor

• Degree of Flex Sensor

• Sound Detecting Sensor

• RGB and Gesture Sensor