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ATTiny-based computer with the simplest interface

Posted on October 8, 2016 by R-B Leave a comment

Designed by Jack Eisenmann, the DUO Binary is an ATTiny84-based computer with a single button for input and a single LED for output. Video demonstration of DUO Binary is posted below. Parts used: Microcontroller: ATTINY84-20PU (x2) 3 pin male header: 69190-403 2 MB flash: SST25VF016B-50-4C-S2AF 128 KB SRAM: 23LC1024-I/P 14 pin IC socket: 4814-3000-CP 8 pin IC socket: 4808-3000-CP (x2) 4 pin female header: 929974-01-04-RK (x2) 4 pin male header: 68000-104HLF SOIC to DIP board: 485-1212 (x3) 0.1 uF capacitor: K104K15X7RF5TL2 Button: B3F-1000 LED: WP7113GD 300 ohm resistor: 291-330-RC (x5) 10K ohm resistor: 291-10K-RC (x1 for microcontroller reset, x1 for

Getting started with ESP32

Posted on October 4, 2016 by R-B Leave a comment

Hackaday has posted a quick tutorial on how to get started with the ESP32, the successor of ESP8266 WiFi MCU, with both WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy radios built in. The ESP32 module comes preloaded with a ROM image with an AT command set, just like the ESP8266 did. If you want to waste 95% of this chip’s potential by using it as a glorified serial-to-WiFi modem, you’re all set! But you all want to dig in, right? Right! The toolchain for programming the ESP32 in C is pretty straightforward. You’ll need Espressif’s software library (esp-idf), a cross-compiler and build tools that

Arduino calculator box

Posted on January 20, 2015 by R-B Leave a comment

Kale_3D has posted this instructable about his build of an Arduino-based calculator with a laser cut wooden enclosure. In this Instructable I will show you how to make an Arduino calculator that is just as good as any other calculator (well… sort of). Even though it’s probably not practical due to it’s size, repetitive use of the equals button (due to the lack of keys), and cost (You can probably buy a calculator that does the same thing for $2), It is really fun and adds a few skills to your inventory. Let me tell you how I got started

Enhanced water and condensation safe touch sensing operation

Posted on April 18, 2014 by R-B Leave a comment

This application note explains the unique auto-calibration feature of the touch sensor family from NXP and provides guidelines for enhanced water and condensation safe operation, focusing on applications with capacitive touch buttons. Capacitive touch sensing is considered as a revolutionary development to replace mechanical buttons in all application areas. While providing an easy to implement hermetic touch interface with no mechanical parts, factors as accumulated contaminations, condensation and water droplets have been less pleasant topics to deal with. Robustness is a major concern. Especially in harsh environments as workshops where contaminations are usual, in automotive applications where extreme climate conditions

Lab 8: Asynchronous serial communication

Posted on December 14, 2010 by R-B 26 comments

Description The PIC16F628A microcontroller has a built in Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART) hardware that allows to communicate with a wide range of serial devices such as memory chips, LCDs, personal computers, etc. The USART module has two modes of operation: synchronous (requires a synchronized clock between the transmitter and receiver) and asynchronous (no synchronization clock required). As the asynchronous mode is more popular, we will focus today’s lab session on this and will establish a two way serial data link between the PIC microcontroller and a PC. Required Theory Serial communications are used in microcontroller-based systems, mostly due