For a school project, we were tasked with finding an Instructable online and creating an improved variation of the product. I chose a Morse code translating machine and I decided to change it into a machine that teaches the user Morse code.

Step 1: Step 1: Requirements

1 x Arduino Uno

1 x LCD Screen 16x2

1 x Half Breadboard

1 x Button (I used a large game button from Adafruit https://www.adafruit.com/products/473 )

1 x 10k resistor

1 x Potentiometer

Single Core Wire

1 x 4AA battery holder ( htps://www.adafruit.com/products/830 )

Shell (optional)

12 x 12 inch Baltic Birch Word (For the shell)

Laser Cutter ( I include an .ai file for the case of the machine )

Wood Glue and Duct Tape

Step 2: Step 2: Software Needed

Here is the code I used for the Arduino in an .ino file:

Here is the .ai file for laser cutting the case:

Note that the etches on the shell are optional and do not effect the machine itself.

Step 3: Step 3: Hardware Setup

Here is the Fritzing diagram to show how I assembled my LCD Screen.

To add the button, I connected wires to the ends of the button using clips and then connected:

+ wire of button to E1

- wire of button to E3

C3 to (-)

C1 to (+)

Resistor from (+) to A1

To power the machine with batteries, I inserted 4AA batteries to the holder I linked to earlier and connected:

Positive wire of the holder to 5V on the arduino

Negative wire of the holder to GND on the arduino

**NOTE**

To make the Arduino and breadboard fit inside the shell I made, I had to fold the arduino over the breadboard (see in the photos what it looks like). To adjust for this, include extra centimeters of wire to all the connecting wires between the arduino and breadboard to allow them to be on top of each other. As seen in the second picture

Step 4: Step 4: Assembling the Shell

Once you cut out the shell, glue the front and four sides together first (I used Carpenter's wood glue). Then fit and accommodate the innards of the machine so that they not only fit but that the user can also see the LCD screen from the outside. Attach the battery holder to the side of the shell with the hole (I use Hot Glue) so that the wires can pass through and power the Arduino.