This project is ideal to understand the logic of work of a counter by utilizing Arduino code since you have available 4 programs: 1 for 1-digit, 1 for 2-digit, 1 for 3-digit, and other for 4-digit counter with one single 4-digit panel. Here, you can upload the code from 1, 2, 3, or 4 digits according to what you want to use. The main components to this kit are a 4-digit panel and 7 resistors while the star that produces the magical result is an Arduino Uno.. Video for this project in the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrAq_A7OJ94

Step 1: Bill of Materials

Components of your project:
1 Arduino Photo Shield (PCB only)
1x4 Digit LED Display Panel
1x40 pin male headers pins
7 Resistors of 220 Ohm
1 Arduino Uno
1 USB-A male to USB-B male cable

What you will need to construct this project:
Soldering Iron
Solder
Helping Hands
Wire Cutters/Strippers
Needle Nose Pliers
1 meter of wire #22

Step 2: Project's Diagram

Checking the project's diagram, you can realize what you really need for this project. Also, it's necessary to revise the pins of connection to your 1x4 LED Display Panel so that you can work without any problem with the project.

Step 3: Separate 5 and 6 Pins

Take 1x40 pin headers pins and cut 5 & 6 pins for using them later.

Step 4: Insert the Pins Reserved Inside the Arduino Socket

Insert the Pins Reserved Inside the Arduino Sockets those of 1x5 (A1-A5) and 1x6 pins (2-7)

Step 5: Mount the PCB on Your Arduino

Once you have mounted the PCB on your Arduino, proceed to solder the tips of each pin you will be seeing in the PCB.

Step 6: Dismount the PCB of Your Arduino

Dismounting the PCB of your Arduino, you can see how it looks.

Step 7: Mount the 1X4 Digit Display Panel

Mounting the 1x4 digit display panel, you can proceed to solder its ends of connection to the PCB.

Step 8: Installing the Resistors of 220 Ohm

Install the resistors of 220 Ohm so that you can complete all of electrical connections of this project.

Step 9: Mount the Done PCB on Your Arduino

Once mounted the done PCB on your Arduino, connect USB-A male to USB-B male cable between your project and your computer.

Step 10: Uploading One Digit Arduino Counter Code

Upload one digit Arduino counter in the following link:
http://pastebin.com/YfywF6jD

Step 11: Uploading Two Digit Arduino Counter Code

Upload two digit Arduino counter code in the following link:
http://pastebin.com/bqmjhHgX

Step 12: Uploading Three Digit Arduino Counter Code

Upload three digit Arduino counter code in the following link:
http://pastebin.com/8WEvm1tW

Step 13: Uploading Four Digit Arduino Counter Code

Upload four digit Arduino counter code in the following link:
http://pastebin.com/Wm1DPSwc

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33 Comments

ebr835g

Question 3 years ago on Step 12

i can not download it

abuhafss

Question 4 years ago

Nice instructable.

I would like to make some modifications in the code. I want to count with a push-button and also remove the trailing zeros (if number is 594, the display should be 594 not 0594). What changes should I make. I tried to go thru your code but, I could not track where the number is increasing. Would you please be kind enough to help me out.

DennisPropellerHead

5 years ago

Can you help me expand this idea a bit? I want to build a punch
counter for my son's martial arts club. It will count the number of hits
to a punching board (bag) in 45 seconds.

Ideally, what I envision is a reset button, triggering a set of warning beeps......

beep,
beep, beeeeeeeeeeeeeep, a small counting display 1-45 seconds and a
much larger display for the count (3 digits would suffice) followed by a
long beep and stop and freeze the count until the next reset.

Although it might be possible to trigger it with a switch, I think an accelerometer might be the way to go.

I
have all the parts to build, but I am a complete beginner on the
programming side and I could use some help. I want to learn this stuff,
but I need this project sooner than later. ;-)

Any offers to help greatly appreciated!

Best Regards, Dennis