Introduction to Electronics
We were introduced to different electronic components e.g. resistors, jumper wires, crocodile clips, breadboard and how to we can combine these elements to create programs using the Arduino. Dana and I paired up for this exercise. Firstly, we had to download the open-source Arduino Software (IDE). Next, as a starter, we did a simple exercise by learning how to light up a simple bulb using the Arduino. After some exploration, Andreas gave us our task for the week.
Task
Brainstorming Process
After completing the circuit, we had to think of how we want to operate the button. We had lots of ideas but most of them seem infeasible when we tested them out. The closest we got to success was using a hand air pump blower to “blow” the wires together.
The button was not working as well as we wanted it to. Dana and I got very confused as we did not know what to do. We showed Andreas what we had but he said it’s not good enough. He gave us some pointers to work on. By 8pm, our brains were not working after the long day so we decided to meet up another time to continue.
We liked the idea of the wind flaps better and thought that worked better. Next, we went on to work on connecting the circuit to it.
Final Outcome
Materials Used:
- 1 x Arduino
- 1 x breadboard
- 6 x jumper wires
- 1 x resistor
- 1 x light bulb
- 2 x crocodile clips
- 1 x stationery holder
- 1 x film cartridge holder
- 1 x plastic gem
- 2 x foldback clips
- 1 x paper clip
- 1 x glue
- Misc: Aluminium foil, paper, tape, Blu Tack
We presented the project to the class the week after the Chinese New Year holidays. View slides
Learning Points
Although I had used these electronic components during my undergraduate times at NTU, I was always given a a switch component to use for circuit building. This is the first time I had to create a button from scratch. This exercise stretched our thinking by forcing us to be creative and thinking “out of the box”. At the same time, we also learnt to be resourceful by finding items lying around the workshop and at home to use.
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