Introduction to measurement using the Arduino
Come and learn the basics of collecting quantitative data and designing your own experiments with your own hardware. The Arduino is a powerful and simple-to-use microcontroller – a powerful interface between your computer and a huge variety of detection and measurement devices.
We will set up Arduinos and learn the basics of programming them and connecting to detectors. We hope this workshop will be fun and a useful first step toward the enormous range of possibilities for measurement. No prior experience with computing or hardware is needed – newcomers are most welcome.
Arduino boards will be provided and we will have a limited number of laptop computers available for use. We do, however, recommend purchasing your own Arduino in advance and bringing a laptop if you have one. This way, you can bring your setup home with you and continue your own explorations and discoveries. Any Arduino® microprocessor board will do, but if you are purchasing one then we recommend the Arduino Uno R3 or the similar Elegoo Uno R3. (There are others as well.) Prices start at about $10, depending on whether you get just the board or also get a USB cable (AB type) or a kit with accessories.
The Arduino can…
- measure light level, humidity, temperature, air quality, sound level, acceleration, UV level, …
- take megapixel images with visible light or thermal images with IR.
- communicate via WiFi and control other devices.
- do all these things while connected to your computer or as a standalone device and then report back to you.