davebodnar

That is great news, Orlando - I am please that you enjoyed it ! ! !Thanks for taking the time to let us know.dave

I didn't know that would work but it makes sense - I could have set the laptop to never blank the screen, too, but wanted it to sleep when I wasn't in my office.thanks for the infodave

Thanks for the tip. Will check it out. Dave

As I noted all I had to do was say "Alexa discover devices" and "keyboard" was found - not sure what may up with your implementation.Keep at it and I am sure you will get it!dave

That is super news - thanks for letting me knowdave

That is certainly worth a try - good luck!dave

Not sure what the issue may be - have you checked pin # 12 to see if it is going on/off with the sound? You can check that with an oscilloscope, a logic probe or even a volt meter.Also, have you pulled pin 12 high to see if that lights the LEDs?dave

If you disconnect pin 12 from the Arduino and connect it to +5 volts the LEDs should lightdave

Good day - I believe that you could interface the ultrasonic sensor as you describe. There are sure to be samples on the Internet that can help.I will leave the actual coding and hardware changes to you as I do not have time to devote to your ideas right now.Good luck and have fun!dave

I believe you have it right - the source goes to ground, the drain to the LED and the gate to the Arduinodave

Joe - the only thing that I can think of is that you have not installed the library - The only library ( #include ) that is used can be downloaded here: https://github.com/DFRobot/DFPlayer-Mini-mp3/blob...If you have not give that a try.If you are not familar with adding libraries just Google arduino library install for helpGood luck!dave

All but the very bottom of the heating unit needs to be exposed. Only the small holes or wick (depending on the vendor design) needs to be in contact with the juice.dave

That is all good information, Don - thanks for passing it along.I have not seen an issue with the A0 pin but it would be wise to keep it down to 3.2 volts - thanks!dave

Sorry, Don, but I have not had the problem you describe - I have not tried using the D1Mini lite.dave

Take a look under Step 6 Arduino Code above.... If that is not what you are looking for let me knowdave

Interesting code - thanks for sharing!dave

That is good to hear - please let us know when you post the instructionsthanksdave

This Instructablehttps://www.instructables.com/id/Wemos-ESP8266-Get...should help with the libraries - if you have never installed libraries with the Arduino see:https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Libraries Hope that helpsdave

That is great news - thanks for letting me knowdave

Sorry for any confusion - to use the files first download the ZIP file and extract it to some convenient place on your PCYou should see a set of files that looks like the attached photoWhen you open the Wemos-Servo-keyboard.inofile you should see the associated files displayed at the top as tapshope that helpsdave

I do not have a good solution, Umberto - for now I just changed the value of SummerTime and uploaded the software - there is talk about going to DST year round so the issue may not be around much longerLet me know if you have a better solutionthanksdave

Thanks for the code, Umberto - I'll give it a try.dave

Umberto - you may be right about the code you found - I am not the author of that set of routines as I used code that I found on YouTube. If you come up with a fix please let me know.thanksdave

Nothing comes to mind that could be causing the problem - does the same thing happen if you use the original code without your ON/OFF & push button?dave

That is excellent, Umberto - Thanks for posting a photo of your projectenjoy!dave

No particular reason - the sketch should work on any of the other GPIO pinsdave

It is good to hear that you enjoyed the project, Umberto - The reference to pin A2 and 12 can be ignored as this is left over code that is no longer needed - I just commented it out with the "//" symbol.It should compile and work just as I have it.You can also see the same project on my web page herehttp://www.trainelectronics.com/Arduino/Clock_step...enjoy!dave

Please let me know how it goes - thanks!dave

Nice software solution, Peter - thanks!dave

Nicely done - I like the 12 LED disk for hours & Star Wars is a great ideathanksdave

That certainly could be done but the stepper motors that I used are very low on torque and running both hands from one motor might have caused issues.dave

Jon - it is good to hear that you enjoyed the project- it was great fun putting it together (lots of work, too!)dave

I do own a laser cutter (two, actually) and find it to be one of the best investments that I have ever made - love the speed and accuracy.dave

Absolutely, but no where near as much fun!dave

Sorry, but I did not design the routines that generate the fonts - As with many Arduino projects I used the work of others to help to develop my design.I did a Google search and found this link that may helphttps://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=110227.0Good luck!dave

That is wonderful news - great job adding the temperature function.Thanks for letting me know that it worked well for youdave

The symbol that points down (an arrow or triangle) indicates a connection to ground (the negative terminal of the power supply) - so, you connect all such symbols together then to minus power.dave

That is a common error - I have done it myself!Great news that you have things working - enjoy!dave

That is good news - let me know if you get the DFPlayer workingenjoy!dave

I am using IDE version 1.8.4The ESP8266 version is 2.3.0 I added a link to the DFPlayer library I am using herehttp://www.trainelectronics.com/Arduino/LED_Matrix...Let me know how it goes dave

Try connecting an LED to the TX pin and ground (with a 1000 ohm resistor in series with the LED) and see if it blinks when it is supposed to be sending data - That is if you don't have an oscilloscope or logic analyzer!dave

First I would check to see if you have power to the DFPlayer (check voltage between VCC and GND) -It is also easy to have the DFPlayer installed backwards - the notch in the player is between VCC and BUSYAlso, check the sound files - they must be in a subdirectory on the SD card called mp3 I would also try a different SD cardHope that helpsdave

Loren - sorry to hear that you are having issues with the DFPlayer - I put a link to the DFPlayer library that I am using on my web page herehttp://www.trainelectronics.com/Arduino/LED_Matrix...It is a ZIP file - give it a try and see if that helpsGood luck!dave

I responded to this earlier but it must have gotten lost in the Ether!First of all, good deal on making the motor!Things that you can try to change the speed:1. Use a higher voltage - take care not to get the coil too hot2. Use stronger magnets3. Use more wire in the coil4. Move the coil closer to the magnets5. make sure there is no binding or wobbling in the spinner6. Get a spinner with better bearings.Let us know how it goes!dave

Good plan to start simple - there are a number of examples (Click File / Examples and look for Examples for Wemos) that you can try first.Good luck experimenting!dave

Ruddy - I agree that the sound files are not wonderful - if you (or anyone) finds a better set of sounds please let us know.thanksdave

Hello (another) Dave - Not sure what may be up with your installation - have you added the ESP8266 support ( See: https://www.instructables.com/id/Programming-the-W...Have you selected the "Wemos D1 R2 & mini" under boards?Do you have all three files (that are in the ZIP file) to the program folder?I just loaded the file and compiled it with IDE version 1.8.4 without errors.dave

I just double checked and there is an error in the schematic - the TX pin on the Wemos goes to the RX pin on the DFPlayer  through a 1K resistor. I'll change the schematic to reflect this. Thanks for the good eyes - I am not sure how that got in there! dave

Gertjan- Something else may be going on with your system as those are the libraries that I have been using and they do compile - what kind of error are you getting?dave

I just checked out your web page, too.http://wvs-k.weebly.com/fidget-spinner.htmlAlso very well done.... Thanks!dave

Your project and video are SUPER! Thanks for letting us know of your adaptation. Keep up the good work!thanksdave

That is terrific news, Oliver - thanks for taking the time to let us know that it worked for you.Do you plan on a G-scale installation?thanks againdave

David - you could use DCC to deliver new messages but it would require some custom programming as there is nothing in the DCC specification that supports sending text strings. I have been experimenting with an open source DCC system that runs on an Arduino - it is called DCC++ and can be seen herehttps://sites.google.com/site/dccppsite/dave

A good find - you can also find such power pickup trucks that are meant for lighted passenger cars.thanksdave

I considered writing my own app but the Bluetooth Serial app does such a nice job and spares users from downloading yet another custom app that I decided to go with that method of message programming.thanksdave

I have never heard that expression - thanks for the infodave

Good day - I did not 3D print any of the parts - several of the supports were done with a laser cutter but could just as easily be cut from acrylic or wood with a hand saw and a drill.The parts that I used are described in detail within the Instructable - you should be able to easily identify what you need.Please let us know how your experiments go with the spinner!thanksdave

Thanks, Yoda!dave

What a wonderful comment, ,Mike - you are quite welcome & I bet you would have had in my science classes, too!enjoydave

I suppose that doing useful work could be one definition of "motor" but this is what is generally referred to as a demonstration motor - If you want it to do "work" you could add a turbine or vanes to the spinner and make it a fan!Hope that makes sensedave

That is wonderful! I appreciate your taking the time to show us what you have done and how you used it with your daughter.Keep up the good work!thanks!dave

Jimmy - those two resistors pull the terminals they are connected to a high state (5-12 volts). If they are omitted the terminals would stay low (pulled to ground) even when turned off.dave

GeraldoG6 - FYI, I posted a similar Instructable last week that has options for a physical switch, reed switch, Hall sensor and phototransistor sensor - have a look here:https://www.instructables.com/id/Fidget-Spinner-to-Brushless-Motor/dave

Nice project! Do you have the code and laser cutter plans available?thanks!dave

That is good to hear, Tanner - I look forward to seeing your projectdave

Fixed - thanks for the heads-up!dave

Thanks for the comment! Please note that I did not build this layout - that was done by a professional organization and took many moons to complete!dave

Right you are, Russ - I believe some of the commercial phone charging bases have ferrite under the transmitting coil.My goal was to use as simple a setup as possible and I have not needed to increase the power output beyond what I can realize with the project as described.thanks!dave

The speaker output varies depending on the volume of the of the MP3 player output - that is how the Arduino knows when it is time to turn on or turn off the LED light.dave

I don't know if it would work or not - the heating element and wick are designed to work with the glycerine so it would be unlikely that a completely different fluid would work. If you give it a try be sure to let us know what you find!dave

Lamar - I really can't say if the smoke would harm a smoke detector - I have never seen such an issue discussed.dave

It is a Vollmer HO Scale 1:87 SMOKE STACK KIT dave

You could certainly use metal - I have also made a unit using PVC pipe - These photos show my latest version using 3/4" fittings and a small acrylic disk between the top and bottom section.Keep in mind that the chance of fire is really remote due to the low power that is used. Only a few watts.dave

I have a timer that turns the unit on for about 30 seconds then off for a few minutes - it is activated by a simple keyfob remote but could be started with a simple button.I have notes on how it was done and the timer I used on my web page here:http://trainelectronics.com/Animation_Smoke/Please let me know if you have any questions.dave

Rob - I am not sure that this type of gizmo would produce the smoke you are looking for as it seems to dissipate quickly - The units I am using only want 3.7 volts or so. You surely would need a step down converter to deal with your voltages!dave

That is good to hear - it has been great fun to build and use - folks really like the effect on the model railroad layoutdave

Does anyone have a fix for these error messages? I believe I have the right program and the right compiler & librariesthanks!daveArduino: 1.6.7 (Windows 10), Board: "Generic ESP8266 Module, Serial, 80 MHz, 40MHz, DIO, 115200, 512K (64K SPIFFS), ck"WeatherStationDemo:84: error: 'drawFrame1' was not declared in this scope bool (*frames[])(SSD1306 *display, SSD1306UiState* state, int x, int y) = { drawFrame1, drawFrame2, drawFrame3, drawFrame4, drawFrame5 }; ^WeatherStationDemo:84: error: 'drawFrame2' was not declared in this scope bool (*frames[])(SSD1306 *display, SSD1306UiState* state, int x, int y) = { drawFrame1, drawFrame2, drawFrame3, drawFrame4, drawFrame5 }; ^WeatherStationDemo:84: error: 'drawFrame3' was not declared in this scope bool (*frames[])(SSD1306 *displa...

Does anyone have a fix for these error messages? I believe I have the right program and the right compiler & librariesthanks!daveArduino: 1.6.7 (Windows 10), Board: "Generic ESP8266 Module, Serial, 80 MHz, 40MHz, DIO, 115200, 512K (64K SPIFFS), ck"WeatherStationDemo:84: error: 'drawFrame1' was not declared in this scope bool (*frames[])(SSD1306 *display, SSD1306UiState* state, int x, int y) = { drawFrame1, drawFrame2, drawFrame3, drawFrame4, drawFrame5 }; ^WeatherStationDemo:84: error: 'drawFrame2' was not declared in this scope bool (*frames[])(SSD1306 *display, SSD1306UiState* state, int x, int y) = { drawFrame1, drawFrame2, drawFrame3, drawFrame4, drawFrame5 }; ^WeatherStationDemo:84: error: 'drawFrame3' was not declared in this scope bool (*frames[])(SSD1306 *display, SSD1306UiState* state, int x, int y) = { drawFrame1, drawFrame2, drawFrame3, drawFrame4, drawFrame5 }; ^WeatherStationDemo:84: error: 'drawFrame4' was not declared in this scope bool (*frames[])(SSD1306 *display, SSD1306UiState* state, int x, int y) = { drawFrame1, drawFrame2, drawFrame3, drawFrame4, drawFrame5 }; ^WeatherStationDemo:84: error: 'drawFrame5' was not declared in this scope bool (*frames[])(SSD1306 *display, SSD1306UiState* state, int x, int y) = { drawFrame1, drawFrame2, drawFrame3, drawFrame4, drawFrame5 }; ^C:\Users\Dave\AppData\Local\Temp\arduino_4924bad1e3d1ecf3c4fc43cc0c1bfec8\WeatherStationDemo.ino: In function 'void setup()':WeatherStationDemo:149: error: 'updateData' was not declared in this scope updateData(&display); ^WeatherStationDemo:151: error: 'setReadyForWeatherUpdate' was not declared in this scope ticker.attach(UPDATE_INTERVAL_SECS, setReadyForWeatherUpdate); ^C:\Users\Dave\AppData\Local\Temp\arduino_4924bad1e3d1ecf3c4fc43cc0c1bfec8\WeatherStationDemo.ino: In function 'void loop()':WeatherStationDemo:158: error: 'updateData' was not declared in this scope updateData(&display); ^C:\Users\Dave\AppData\Local\Temp\arduino_4924bad1e3d1ecf3c4fc43cc0c1bfec8\WeatherStationDemo.ino: In function 'void updateData(SSD1306*)':WeatherStationDemo:173: error: 'drawProgress' was not declared in this scope drawProgress(display, 10, "Updating time..."); ^C:\Users\Dave\AppData\Local\Temp\arduino_4924bad1e3d1ecf3c4fc43cc0c1bfec8\WeatherStationDemo.ino: In function 'bool drawFrame4(SSD1306*, SSD1306UiState*, int, int)':WeatherStationDemo:240: error: 'drawForecast' was not declared in this scope drawForecast(display, x, y, 0); ^exit status 1'drawFrame1' was not declared in this scope This report would have more information with "Show verbose output during compilation" enabled in File > Preferences.