Arduino Project Handbook

25 Practical Projects to Get You Started

by Mark Geddes

June 2016, 272 pp.

ISBN-13:

978-1-59327-690-4

Full Color

Look Inside!

Arduino Project Handbook is a beginner-friendly collection of electronics projects using the low-cost Arduino board. With just a handful of components, an Arduino, and a computer, you’ll learn to build and program everything from light shows to arcade games to an ultrasonic security system.

First you’ll get set up with an introduction to the Arduino and valuable advice on tools and components. Then you can work through the book in order or just jump to projects that catch your eye. Each project includes simple instructions, colorful photos and circuit diagrams, and all necessary code.

Arduino Project Handbook is a fast and fun way to get started with microcontrollers that’s perfect for beginners, hobbyists, parents, and educators.

Uses the Arduino Uno board

Author Bio

Mark Geddes is a lifelong tinkerer and gadget enthusiast. Frustrated with the lack of practical, visual guides to help him teach his 10-year-old how to build with Arduino, he set out to record his own experiments, and Arduino Project Handbook is the result. Geddes has a bachelor's degree from Edinburgh College of Art. He lives in Dumfries, Scotland.

Table of contents

Introduction

Project 0: Getting Started

PART I: LEDs

Project 1: Pushbutton-Controlled LED
Project 2: Light Dimmer
Project 3: Bar Graph
Project 4: Disco Strobe Light
Project 5: Plant Monitor
Project 6: Ghost Detector

PART II: Sound

Project 7: Arduino Melody
Project 8: Memory Game
Project 9: Secret Knock Lock

PART III: Servos

Project 10: Joystick-Controller Laser
Project 11: Remote Control Servo

PART IV: LCDs

Project 12: LCD Screen Writer
Project 13: Weather Station
Project 14: Fortune Teller
Project 15: Reaction Timer Game

PART V: Numeric Counters

Project 16: Electronic Die
Project 17: Rocket Launcher

PART VI: Security

Project 18: Intruder Sensor
Project 19: Laser Trip Wire Alarm
Project 20: Sentry Gun
Project 21: Motion Sensor Alarm
Project 22: Keypad Entry System
Project 23: Wireless ID Card Entry System

PART V: Advanced

Project 24: Rainbow Light Show
Project 25: Build Your Own Arduino!

Appendix A: Components
Appendix B: Arduino Pin Reference

View the detailed Table of Contents (PDF)

Reviews

The joystick-controlled laser was featured on Lifehacker!

“Beautifully designed.”
—Boing Boing

“This books walks you through not only the simple, beginner’s stuff that everyone does; but also the complex, larger projects that demonstrate the real power of Arduino. These projects will genuinely keep you motivated to continue learning. Having a practical, exciting thing to make is more motivating than simply making a thing for the sake of it.”
—MakeUseOf

“If you are going to start messing around with Arduino projects, this is the book to start with, and it will get you quite far.”
—Science Blogs

“This guide is ideal for both beginners and those experienced with electrical systems. Simple diagrams and pictorial guides add to the instruction without overwhelming the reader. Libraries and classrooms interested in creating makerspaces, or those building upon an established collection, would do well to consider purchasing this handbook.”
—School Library Journal

Featured in Electronics Weekly's Gadget Master blog.

Recommended by Tech Savvy Mama

Featured on The Maker Mom

Electronics Weekly features the handy plant monitor project that will show you how to set up a light and sound alarm system to tell you when your plants need watering.

“While originally written to teach his child the joys of electronics and experimentation, it is completely relevant for anyone looking to learn how to use the Arduino in the real world.”
—Full Circle Magazine

“Overall this is another great Arduino book. Mark Geddes does a great job of showing how new makers can leverage an Arduino. I recommend the Arduino Project Handbook for any aspiring makers and those new to electronics!”
—Milluzzi Labs

“It’s a great book for children of ALL Ages (I’m 44) to dive in with some fun projects. Anyone who wants to learn, and wants some “instant gratification” to get those positive reinforcement juices going, this book is for them!”
—You Brew My Tea

Updates

Page 60:
The code line

Serial.pinMode(9600);

should be

Serial.begin(9600);

Page 74:
The code lines that currently read:
boolean button[] = {2, 3, 4, 5}; // Pins connected to // pushbutton inputs
boolean ledpin[] = {8, 9, 10, 11}; // Pins connected to LEDs

Should read:
int button[] = {2, 3, 4, 5}; // Pins connected to // pushbutton inputs int ledpin[] = {8, 9, 10, 11}; // Pins connected to LEDs

Page 168:
The circuit diagram for this project should look like this.