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Step 6Program the Arduino and test the displays
Next, we need to use the Arduino sketch editor to program the controller.
Open the attached sketch file in the editor, connect the controller using a USB cable, and press the 'Upload' button. This is the cool bit about using an Arduino - everything works just by itself!
The sketch will be transfered, and it should start executing immediately. In this step is a startup animation as a Gif image. This is what the startup should look like. You may notice that there are a few dark LEDS in the picture where all of the LEDs are lit. These are the LEDs that are not connected.
I have included a debug function in the software that prints the time out every time that it is updated via the Arduino serial port, as well as flashing the Digital13 Pin every second. Simply use the Arduino serial monitor to see the time being displayed.
It is important to note that you will not see LEDs lighting up when the controller is being powered by the USB cable, as the LEDs are powered by the external power connection. So to test the unit, lets connect the device to a DC power supply. When the unit is plugged in, every word should light up in sequence, and the clock should start running. If one of the words fails to light up, or part of a word doesn't light, check the orientation of the LEDs, and their wiring.
I brought a set of 500 LEDs from eBay, and was disappointed with an 8% failure rate when I used them. Some vendors are awesome, and others are not. But - they were cheap!
Open the attached sketch file in the editor, connect the controller using a USB cable, and press the 'Upload' button. This is the cool bit about using an Arduino - everything works just by itself!
The sketch will be transfered, and it should start executing immediately. In this step is a startup animation as a Gif image. This is what the startup should look like. You may notice that there are a few dark LEDS in the picture where all of the LEDs are lit. These are the LEDs that are not connected.
I have included a debug function in the software that prints the time out every time that it is updated via the Arduino serial port, as well as flashing the Digital13 Pin every second. Simply use the Arduino serial monitor to see the time being displayed.
It is important to note that you will not see LEDs lighting up when the controller is being powered by the USB cable, as the LEDs are powered by the external power connection. So to test the unit, lets connect the device to a DC power supply. When the unit is plugged in, every word should light up in sequence, and the clock should start running. If one of the words fails to light up, or part of a word doesn't light, check the orientation of the LEDs, and their wiring.
I brought a set of 500 LEDs from eBay, and was disappointed with an 8% failure rate when I used them. Some vendors are awesome, and others are not. But - they were cheap!
WordClock-v1.0.pde12 KB| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
Do you have a link to download Arduino sketch editor ? Is it free ?
what devices we need to perform this programing tasks ? How to plug this Arduino ?
Thanks in advance
(I am french, sorry for my broken english)
Pierre.
The Arduino sketch editor is available from www.arduino.cc
All you need to program the arduino, is a simple USB cable (Like those that come with printers). The Arduino just plugs into the PCB that is on this web site.
If it is helpful, I can provide you with an updated PCB that does not use the entire Arduino module - it uses just the ATMega Chip - Send me an email (doug@doughq.com) and I will send you the current layout and a construction manual.
Arduino Duemilanove ?
http://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardDuemilanove
This board just plugs into the controller - alternately you can use the new board, and just use the chip. With the new board you can use a programming cable from EvilMadScientist.com to program the board directly.