ASSIGNMENTS
1. Use an output device that you haven't used before.
2. Write a microcontroller program that integrates at least one input device and one output device. Avoid the delay() function by using either timers or interrupts.
My Work
In class, I used both the buzzer and the LED strip, but I actually enjoyed working with the LED strip more. Therefore, I decided to use the LED strip for my assignment as well. For this to work, I also needed an input device. I thought that using potentiometers could be a good idea to control the LED Strip. Therefore, I started researching to see if anyone else has done a similar project before.
In an arduino forum, I came across someone who had written a code to control the LED strip via two potentiometers. In this design, one of the potentiometers will control the color of the LED strip, and the other potentiometer will control the brightness. I changed the code a little bit so that it would fit the LED strip and the Metro Board that I was using. Afterwards, I needed to design a circuit since there was only the code in the website.
Looking at the code, I tried to understand how everything was supposed to be connected, and I went to Tinkercad in order to try out my circuit. I built the whole circuit on Tinkercad, and uploaded my code to start the simulation. Everything was working perfectly. I was quite happy with the results, so I could start building the real circuit now.
Building the Circuit
Now that everything was ready, I started to build the real circuit. I built the almost exact same circuit that I designed on Tinkercad. I uploaded my code to the Metro Board, and started to test my circuit. Eveything was working as I wanted.
The potentiometer on the left changes the color of the LED strip as you turn it, and the potentiometer on the right adjusts the brightness of the LED strip. By using the potentiometers as input devices, I was able to control the LED strip which is my output device. I think that the final product was quite nice, and I had a lot of fun working with the LED strip.
