Description:

This class is an introduction to physical computing with the Arduino. Physical computing is a name for using a computer system (in this case, the Arduino microcontroller) to sense, react to, and effect the physical world. Students will learn the basic electronics and programming skills required to have an Arduino turn lights on and off, sense the world in a variety of ways, and move different kinds of motors automatically.

Class Goals:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Write programs for the Arduino
• Make lights blink, glow, pulse and flash
  
• Interact with your projects through a variety of sensors: buttons, knobs, light, distance, magnetics, temperature, and more!
  
• Move things in the real world with motors and servos
  
• Get your electronics talking to computers

Prerequisites:

None.

Materials:

Complete take-home kits will be provided by the instructor for $100, payable to the instructor, at the beginning of the class.This fee covers the following materials:

• Arduino Uno
• USB Cable
• Breadboard
• Wire kit
• Resistor/capacitor kit
• Transistors/relays
• Outputs: buzzer, knobs, pots, LEDs, servo, motor, display
• Sensors: ultrasound, pot/knob, temperature, magnetic, touch
• Battery pack

It is preferred to bring a Windows or Mac computer, but computers will be available for any students who need.

Instructor Biography:

Joe Schlesinger is an Electrical and Computer Engineer, founder of the MakeIt Labs hackerspace in Nashua NH, and most recently an ARM/DSP Firmware Engineer for industrial power backup systems. Joe is currently employed as a python developer, and working on his fleet of arduino-compatible robotic mini-hexapods.