About Microcontroller

PIC Data Logger with Delta-Sigma Converter

2011-07-28T02:44:00.000+07:00

The aim of the project is to build a lab-grade data logger with PIC18F45K20 microcontroller and a 20-bit delta-sigma converter. It's named as G5 Data Logger.

This new data converter technology using delta-sigma simplifies the design of high resolution data recording device. One of the interesting chip is Linear Technology LTC2400, 24-bit ADC. Another chip of interest is LTC2420, 20-bit ADC. The chip has pin and data output compatible to the LTC2400. This project uses new data logger using the LTC2420 and use the cheap memory card for data storage.

Download : Schematic, Firmware, Quick start, Brochure, Sample record of TMP36

Photovoltaic Solar Battery Regulator and Load Controller

2011-07-27T13:28:00.006+07:00

This Solar Battery Regulator project allows solar cell arrays to be connected to either conventional lead-acid, sealed lead-acid, or lithium storage batteries without fear of overcharging. The project can be used to drive two different electrical loads from the batteries at two different charge states to maximise power usage efficiency.

How to Use It
Applying a load only to the secondary output, you can choose to charge up the batteries to near maximum and dump excess power into the load only to stop overcharging. Applying the load to the main load output extracts as much power from the system immediately as it is generated. For camping fridge operation one might typically connect to the main load output most of the time, possibly switching to the secondary output if power was needed for some other purpose on the main load e.g. charging a mobile phone battery, or if it was desired to store up charge for a period of prolonged fridge operation.

Here is the project schematic. No MCU is needed for this project.

New Generation of Atmel maXTouch

2011-02-17T09:12:00.004+07:00

Atmel has announced the maXTouch E Series of single-chip capacitive touchscreen controllers for touchscreens from 2 to 12 inches. The mXT224E, mXT384E, mXT540E and mXT768E devices offer enhanced analog sensing with a third generation capacitive touch engine and Atmel's advanced AVR® architecture optimized for capacitive sensing. Offering 224 to 768 nodes, the new series enables system designers to select the industry's most advanced single-chip solution for their touchscreen size and application.

Atmel maXTouch E Series offers enhanced analog sensing to dramatically improve performance, reduce system power and lower system cost
First single-chip 32-bit solutions for smartphones, e-book readers and tablets up to 12 inches

Since system noise poses the greatest challenge to touchscreen performance, all devices in the maXTouch E Series offer enhanced analog sensing with improvements to maXTouch's industry–leading noise immunity. The enhancements enable system designers to use lower-cost, shieldless touch sensors, or to take advantage of thinner touchscreen configurations with higher levels of integration. These include "touch–on–lens" and "on–cell" configurations, where the touch sensor is patterned on the protective cover lens or on the display panel, respectively.

The enhancements also allow the use of noisy, lower-cost displays and chargers for additional system cost savings.

Better Kitchen Timer, PIC16F877

2011-02-08T11:51:00.004+07:00

The project aim is to build a better kitchen timer. It has four independent count-up and count-down timers, display of current value of user-selected timer, start/stop and digit entry controls, and alarm buzzer.

The project uses PIC16F877 as main processor. The output part consist of single 7-segment LED display and piezo speaker, while the input part consist of 10-position “BCD” rotary switch, two pushbuttons for set and start/stop, two 8-position DIP switch for timer selection. The project software written in PIC assembly and compile it using gpasm. To write the PIC, it uses XWisp and WLoader.

GPS Auditory Navigation

2010-12-17T06:47:00.005+07:00

This project goal is to build a navigator that allows a user to navigate to a predefined location through the use of auditory guidance. The project is equipped with GPS, digital compass, and MCU ATmega32 to generate sound based on the direction that the user must turn in order to face the correct direction. One example implementation of this project is a self guided tours navigator.

How does it work?
The module uses GPS and a digital compass to determine at what angle the user hears the sound pulses. On initial start-up the user selects from a number of predefined locations through the use of an LCD screen. Once the GPS has a lock, the module determines the bearing (angle from true North) that the user must travel to get to the destination. This angle is compared with the compass output and a sound is made based on which direction the user must turn to face the final location. The sound consists of short pulses that are delayed between the right and left side and modulated in amplitude to give the effect of direction.

Download Free PCB Editor

2010-09-27T09:42:00.004+07:00

FreePCB is a free, open-source PCB editor software run under Microsoft Windows OS. It was designed to be easy to learn and easy to use, yet capable of professional-quality work. It The software features including : 1 to 16 copper layers; Board size up to 60 inches by 60 inches; Uses English or metric units (i.e. mils or mm) for most functions; Design rule checker and Autosave; Footprint libraries courtesy of Ivex Design International, PCB Matrix and the IPC; Footprint Wizard and Footprint Editor for creating or modifying footprints; Copper fill areas; Imports and exports PADS-PCB netlists; Exports extended Gerber files (RS274X) and Excellon drill files.

The minus from this software is that it doesn't have built-in auto router. But don't worry, you can try web-based autorouter at freerouting.net. You need to create a .dsn-file from FreePCB and then launch the router on freerouting.net. Do some interactive routing or start the auto router in the toolbar of the board editor. After you have finished choose "Export Specctra Session File" in the file menu.

Download FreePCB

Arduino Line Following Robot

2010-08-24T13:58:00.001+07:00

The project goal is to build a line follower robot that can follow a dark like, on a light background. It uses an Arduino Duemillanove with the AVR ATMega 328 as main processor. For driving force the project equipped with two Parallax Futaba Continuous Rotation Servos. The robot sensor uses Pololu QTR-6A IR Reflectance Sensor Array. The system powered by 4 rechargeable NiMH Duracell AA Batteries.

"It first calibrates itself for 5 seconds. You move it across the line a few times so it gets used to the difference in reflectance. After the calibration it begins moving forward", said DuFFxP93, the designer.

Arduino Based RFID Pet Feeder

2010-08-19T13:08:00.004+07:00

The project shows you how to build a RFID pet feeder based on Arduino and RDM630 RF-reader with a self-made circular antenna. The feeder will opens for the pet that wears a collar with an RFID tag.

Project feature including : timer-controlled open duration, proximity sensor (Sharp GP2D120) prevents door from closing while the cat is eating, sensors detect whether the door is fully opened/closed, automatic/manual mode switch (on manual it opens with a pushbutton), sliding door using old CD-rom player.

Heater Fan Controller, PIC12F675

2010-07-24T10:42:00.003+07:00

The Heater Fan Controller built around PIC12F675 microcontroller. It reads the (10k) linear potentiometer and generates appropriately timed pulses to control the DC motor running the fan. The extreme low position cuts the power entirely. This device work as a variable speed control for the heater blower in a car. The project is powered from the existing wiring and connects with just 2 wires. Or you can connect it to 12 volt device up to 10 amps.
"The circuit is relatively simple. The wire to the blower motor (either high or low side) is cut and connection is made to the circuit with the more positive side at the top connection. The diode and 100uf capacitor always provide full 12 volts because the Pulse Width Modulation scheme always provides a minimum 'off' time of the power cycle," said Mondo.

Download : Schematic, Source, HEX

Optical String Tuning Tool, AVR AtMega8

2010-06-15T10:57:00.004+07:00

Stimmmopped is AVR ATmega8-based project that will assists you in tuning your string instrument to a given tone. It utilizes the stroboscopic effect to give feedback about the adjustment of your instrument. When the frequency that you chose has tone then the two LEDs on the board blink. Two lines are projected at a fixed position on the string when the string vibrates with the correct frequency. If frequencies don't match, the lines appear to be blinking or moving to the observer's eye. The moving or blinking effect decreases with decreasing difference between the two frequencies.
"The project has two switches to choose the tone and instrument. Switch S1 toggles the current mode of the menu, which is either "choose instrument" or "choose tone". The 7-segment display displays the current selection. In the instrument selection mode, the display is lit up a bit brighter. Switch number two (S2) selects the tone or instrument in the given mode." said Madex (Martin), the designer.

Source Code And Layout

AVR Radio Frequency Keypad

2010-03-27T08:23:00.006+07:00

The AVR based RF Keypad is remote controller that emits an RF code every time you digit the correct combination on its keyboard. You can use this project to replaces remote controls based on MM53200, UM3750 and UM86409. There are three different combinations for three different actions can be entered at program-time. The keyboard layout also customizable. You can use any matrix up to 4 rows by 4 columns keyboard layout and assigning your own ASCII codes to each key.

Besides emits RF, you can use it as serial keyboard to PC (requires a polarity inversion) or Basic Stamps by drop off the RF part. Keypresses are available as ASCII codes at pin 3. AVR RF Keypad is designed by Alberto Ricci Bitti

Download : Schematic and Hex File

tags : AVR project, Keypad, Radio Frequency Pad, RF keypad

Project Detail

PIC Serial Port Servo Controller

2010-03-09T08:39:00.005+07:00

The PIC Based servo controller is a small project that allow you to control some robotics. The project uses a PIC16F84 microcontroller from Microchip to drive servo motors and digital outputs. It receives commands from a host computer via a standard RS232 serial interface.

To control the servos and outputs we need to send commands to the PIC. Some of the commands are single byte commands; some however require two bytes. The first byte always contains the command and the channel to which the command applies. We will call this the 'Command' byte. The second byte (when needed) will contain data for the command; we will call this the 'Data' byte and is used when we need to set the servo offset or position for example, said Ashley Roll, the designer.

The command byte is split into two nibbles (4 bits), the upper one defines the command to execute and the lower defines the channel (which servo or digital output) is to be affected.

PIC program | Schematic

MIDI-Controlled Digital Synthesizer

2010-02-17T05:34:00.004+07:00

4bitsynth is 4 bit MIDI-controlled digital synthesizer inspired by the NES. The project is built around Atmel AVR ATMega48 The digital output is put through an R-2R resistor ladder to get the analog waveform. It has three type output : Square wave, Triangle wave and noise.

Project Features Detail :

Triangle

One volume (uses up/down counter)

Pitch sweep (up/down, optional looping)

Standard pitch bend

Fine pitch bend

Square

Three duty cycles: 12.5%, 25%, 50%

Volume decay (optional looping)

Pitch sweep (up/down, optional looping)

Standard Pitch bend

Fine pitch bend

Noise

Two modes: 93-bit and 32k (think NES)

Volume decay (optional looping)

Pitch sweep (up/down, optional looping)

Standard pitch bend

Fine pitch bend

Mini PSU for Breadboard

2010-02-15T07:30:00.015+07:00

The purpose of the project is to create a 5V mini Power Supply Unit for breadboard. The project can be connected to 8-18 DC power source, or 9V battery. During construction, put the components in as tight as you can, while verifying that you can in fact complete the circuit on the underside of the board without adding any wires. The main component in this project is voltage regulator LM 7805.

To build this you need:

Some electronics skills. Soldering, knowing how to follow a circuit diagram etc..
1 voltage regulator LM 7805
1 10uF capacitor
1 1000uF capacitor (you can use any big electrolyte capacitor here, doesn't have to be exactly 1000uF)
1 100nF capacitor
1 LED for power on indication
1 resistor to take the voltage down from 5V to whatever your LED runs at
1 screw terminal for the input voltage
1 switch for input voltage on/off
1 perfboard, the type with copper eyes, not stripes
1 2-pin connector to plug the unit into the breadboard

RF and IR Remote Control

2010-02-08T10:56:00.004+07:00

This PIC based remote control allow you to control up to 8 devices by this easy constructable remote control. The project very flexible you can use it as radio remote control or infrared remote control, depending on the components. Each device output can be configured to be momentary (turned on while you press the button) or latched. Latched outputs can be toggled on/off by one button per channel, or turned on and off by two buttons per channel.

tag : IR remote control, RF remote control, wireless project control

AVR Wireless Streaming Radio

2010-01-26T09:27:00.004+07:00

The project allow you streaming your radio broadcast wirelessly over internet. The wifi radio built using an Asus WL-520gu wireless router, an old USB audio headset, AVR ATmega8 and other part. If you are interested to build Wireless Streaming Radio, here is the requirement you need to prepare : Wireless connectivity through existing Wifi network; Audio output (preferably 44kHz, 16 bit stereo); Shoutcast/MP3 streaming audio decode; A display to indicate the station and currently playing song; An integrated amplifier and speaker(s); Several built in station presets; and Simple user interface, using standard radio controls (volume, tune, etc).

Gary Dion said that the radio can be controlled over Ethernet and also IR transmitter. The firmware in the project is written in C. You can download the source code here and router shell script. The project inspiration come from Jeff Keyzer.

LED Psychedelic Lights

2010-01-15T09:34:00.005+07:00

This project aim is to reproduce the old style psychedelic lights system that was very popular in the 70s. Being in the "digital era", the technical solutions adopted are quite different from what was characterizing their predecessor system. Old style lamps have been replaced by three high power LEDs; all filters, previously implemented with analog components, have been realized with digital processing techniques; input stages have been replaced by one A/D converter and one digitally controlled variable amplifier, that is able to warranty the best signal amplitude for the system.

The project requirements are related to technologies adopted: high power LEDs need to be driven with a constant current; digital filters need a fast DSP engine, to be implemented, and an A/D converter is required to transform an audio signal in a numerical representation. Control data communications between central processing unit and external analog components require to have an SPI on board and, last but not least, the capability to link the system with a PC could be very useful for firmware debugging and for tuning some parameters in real time without needing expensive developing tools. The project is designed by Marco Signorini.

AVR Electronic Humidor

2010-01-13T11:33:00.004+07:00

This Humidor project was designed with a Peltier module and Sensirion SHT1X series sensors. The project built to keep cigars in perfect condition by maintain preferred level of moisture and keep the temperature around 70 degrees. The core of system is based on a microcontroller ATMEGA-16 programmed with BASCOM-AVR. The application is broken into two sections the Menu system that allows configuration of the desired humidity and temperature and what units for temperature you would like to use and display. The Hardware consists of an ATMEGA-16 controller, 7 Tip120 Transistors, 1 DPDT Relay, MC78T12 Regulator, LM7805 Regulator, a few passive components, a 16*2 lcd, and a few connectors.

Tag : Humidity Project, Temperature controller, AVR project

PIC based Animation Tile Display

2010-01-04T10:40:00.004+07:00

Puzzlemation is an expandable platform of light and animation based on PIC24FJ64GA002. It can be used to create things as diverse as modular animated signs that can be changed by rearranging its tiles, to a uniquely animated puzzle. This project’s display is made of a number of tiles, about 2 inch square with an 8 x 8 array of color LED pixels. Each tile is individually powered and animated, so user can freely pick them up and re-arrange them. To set up a display, the tiles are placed in a special tray. Animations are downloaded into the tray via Ethernet and stored locally on an EEPROM, or loaded via an SD card. The tray broadcasts the animation to each of the tiles, and then synchronizes them.

John Peterson, project designer, said that the display is completely reconfigurable. If the pieces are left in the tray, the animation can be updated continuously over the Ethernet connection. If the tiles are removed from the tray, they’ll display the animation for several hours with their own re-chargeable battery power. Once the animation is synchronized and running on the tiles, user can pick them up and place them anywhere.

Download:

Project Documentation, Source Code and Schematic(zip)

tag : Display, LED, project, PIC, PIC24FJ64GA002, animation, puzzle

PIC Mini GPS Logger

2010-01-02T12:00:00.003+07:00

This small PIC based GPS logger used San Jose Navigation FV-M8 GPS module. It allow you to stores coordinates, altitude, and speed into an EEPROM. Then a Delphi based windows software converts EEPROM stored data into .kml (Google Earth format). The system equipped with MCU PIC 16F876 to control FV-M8 GPS module, EEPROM, and interfacing to PC. You can use this project for snowboarding, FPV flights, trial bike and hiking logger.

Download : .hex (16F876), Windows GPS Logger, Schematic (eagle)

CAN-Servo Controller

2009-12-28T09:58:00.002+07:00

This dsPIC30F4011-based servo (position) controller receives commands via a CAN. If a DC motor does not have a rotary encoder, you can plug a contactless magnetic rotary encoder (CMRE) module into the board (via two SIL connectors) and provide (in a self-contained unit) rotary encoder and position control.

Mariano Lizarraga Fernandez, the designer, explains that the board in this project also fully configurable via a CAN network and no power-cycle is necessary for any change to take effect. The board has programmed PID controllers with selectable parameter from user. The controller gains, maximum and minimum pwm commands, and device ID are also configurable. All configuration values are stored in the dsPIC's EEPROM so once it is configured at the full contempt of the end-user, no more changes are required.

Download:
Project Documentation and Schematic (zip)

Automatic Plant Feeder

2009-12-16T08:31:00.006+07:00

This embedded automatic timed plant feeder system can regularly feed water to your plants for a specified amount of water and also be used as an alarm clock. The project contains the several major blocks: ATmega 323 based CPU system.

To display the time and system states, it use 24x2 LCD. A speaker is used for alarming and making sounds. While push buttons used to change the system states by user. A relay is used to control the AC of the water pump with a DC signal from the processor. For feed pattern, You can setting it up any time.

Tags: Plant feeder, Automatic, MCU project src

Arduino Door Lock with Keypad

2009-12-02T12:33:00.003+07:00

This is an electronically-controlled dead bolt lock project based on Arduino. It use old CD player second motor that provides a nice linear motion. To use this lock the user need to type in the correct code and presses the # key to open or close the lock. The green LED indicates the door is unlocked. Red indicates locked.

They keypad has 12 keys but only 10 wires. Reading the keypad is not as simple as checking to see which of the 12 switches is closed. The keys must be constantly scanned to see which if any keys are depressed. Scanning the keypad is done by multiplexing through 6 of the wires on the keypad, alternately setting them LOW and then checking the other 4 wires (blue, green, yellow, red) on the keypad to see if a button is pressed.

Watch the arduino lock in action

tag: door lock, linier motor, lock with keypad, arduino project src

dsPIC MiniTron Amplifier

2009-10-26T07:49:00.000+07:00

The MiniTron is a high end vacuum tube stereo amplifier with efficiency, distortion, and power output enhancements provided by some unique circuitry featuring a dsPIC30F2023 controller IC. The dsPIC is used in this project to create a tracking buck converter whose output voltage tracks the audio signal. The unique SMPS resources in these IC’s do most of the "hard stuff" usually required in an SMPS design, leaving ample processing power available for other activities.

These IC’s and the Avago galvanic isolators are truly the "enabling technology" for this project. The controller IC is also used to perform system health checks, and set the operating points of the individual vacuum tubes. This allows total system programmability, offering several possible preset operating modes.

© George Anderson

Download
Project Documentation

tag : Tube Stereo Amplifier, Audio, dsPIC projec

dsPIC 33F128MC706 NUE-PSK Digital Modem

2009-10-24T10:00:00.002+07:00

PSK31 is one of the latest communications modes to capture the interest of hams worldwide. Its inherent ability to dig out low, near-inaudible signals is ideally suited for low power QRP enthusiasts. The PSK31 digital modem engine, however, requires intense DSP processing that is only commonly available in PC sound card. Thus the PSK operator desiring portability for field operation is locked into using a laptop computer as a controller, which results in a cumbersome station.

This project shows you design and construction of a standalone, battery-operated digital modem using a Microchip dsPIC microcontroller. The project includes a character display for transmit and receive text data, and a graphic display showing band spectrum and tuning indicator. Using GPL open source software, the modem can be homebrewed for less than $50 parts cost. When coupled with an SSB-capable transceiver or with a popular PSK-xx transceiver board from Small Wonder Labs, you too can have an effective portable PSK31 station.

© George Heron and Milton Cram

Download
Project documentation

tag : Digital Modem, PSK, DSP, MCU dsPIC33F128MC706, Communication

H-1B or Outsourcing?

2009-10-23T09:43:00.001+07:00

H-1B is non-immigrant visa in US under the immigration & nationality act that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers that has specialized knowledge needed by US employer. Usually many foreign IT worker that apply for this kind of visa. Discussing about H-1B visa for IT worker there are pros and cons about this policies.

The pro said that hiring H-1B professionals allow U.S companies to maintaining the highest standards of IT work regardless of location. Hiring trained and expertise can reduce cost thousands of dollar and extensive time to train worker to meet their standard. Bill Gates ever said that it's better to have the world's smartest workers developing new technologies here in the US than to work overseas where the benefits of new technologies may come first to overseas firms.

On the other side, H-1B gives ethical issues. First, these overseas professionals will taking jobs that U.S IT workers need. It means more jobless IT worker in US. Secondly, if H-1B professionals hired under unethical companies they can end up with less than they bargained for salary, working hours, duties, etc. H-1B visa holder must have the intent to remain in the U.S. only temporarily, They should ready to return to his/her home country at the end of the authorized employment period.

During economic global crisis, there is slow movement for H-1B visa application. If last years the entire quota for visas for the year, both 20,000 Advanced and the 65,000 quota has been reached on April 8, 2008 but this years until September 18, 2009, approximately only 46,000 H-1B cap-subject petitions and approximately 20,000 petitions had been filed.

There are two possibilities about this condition. First, US company start to hire US worker than overseas professional. It's good for US worker and government. This will reduce unemployed worker in US. For company, this could be more money and time to invest for training new worker to meet their standard. But, if the US worker already has specialized skill and meet company standard that would no problem, no more cost for training.

Second possibilities is US company choose to outsourcing their project overseas. Company think that outsourcing will cut the cost for salary since many third country has cheap worker. It also reduce facility cost for worker too. But If this happen, there will be more jobless people in US and it's bad for US economy.

PIC Wireless Networks Wifi (Hotspot) Detector

2009-10-13T09:15:00.005+07:00

This wireless detector project allows you to sense the presence and relative signal strength of wireless hotspots. It is "always on" and communicates the presence and signal strength of an in-range hotspot by way of sequences of pulses - like a heartbeat you can feel. The stronger and faster the "heartbeat", the stronger the wireless signal detected.

This project consists of a microcontroller PIC 12F629, some custom interface electronics, a small vibe motor, and an off-the-shelf Wi-Fi detector from D-Link. The microcontroller periodically "presses" the button on the detector to initiate a reading. The microcontroller "reads" the output from the detector indicator LEDs and uses this as the basis for pulsing out a signal on the vibe motor, which the wearer can feel.

tag : wireless networks, hotspot detector, Wi-Fi strength signal indicator src

AVR Digital Clock with Roman Numerals

2009-10-06T11:50:00.005+07:00

This digital clock project will display a Roman number instead Hindu-Arabic numeral system (1,2,3... ). The project uses micro ATTINY2313 as main processor and LCD to display the clock. When you turn on the device, it will shows a screen flashes "Tempera tempus" as reminder to adjust the time.

The adjustment is done via the small button.

Press and hold the button for about 3 seconds -> hours appear on the screen -> release the button.
Press the button again and hold -> the hours advance from "I" to "XXIV" -> release the button on the time right.
Wait about 3 seconds -> minutes to appear on the screen.
Press the button and hold -> the minutes advance from "nothing" to "LIX" -> release on just minutes.

Unfortunately, you have to readjust the time after your turn off the power, because there is no RTC in this project.

Download schematic and source code here

Simple PIC RF/Microwave Frequency Counter

2009-09-18T08:48:00.001+07:00

This RF/Microwave Frequency Counter project built based on PIC 16F876A. The basic counter rate is extended to at least 180MHz using two 74Fxx devices. A divide-by-64 prescaler is used for higher frequencies up to at least 4.5GHz. All results of the measurement are shown on an inexpensive, 2x16 alphanumeric LCD module with large characters.

There are 3 inpust on this project a microwave (prescaled) input, an RF input and a TTL input. The microwave and RF inputs are AC coupled and terminated to a low impedance (around 50ohms). The TTL input is DC coupled and has a high input impedance. A progress-bar indicator is provided on the LCD for the gate timing.

Both the microwave and RF inputs have an additional feature : a simple signal-level detector driving yet another bar indicator on the LCD module. This is very useful to check for the correct input-signal level as well as an indicator for circuit tuning or absorption-wave-meter dip display (Lecher wires). This project designed by Matjaz Vidmar.

tag : RF counter, Microwave Frequency counter, PIC project source

Smartphone AVR DTMF Remote Control

2009-09-08T13:00:00.003+07:00

This project based on Microcontroller AVR ATtiny 2313 and SmartPhone as main part. The project can controls 3 relays by DTMF sounds emitted by a Smartphone. Emilio, the designer, said that this project useful for controlling, for example a rover, using relay as motor power switches.

The Smartphone (with Windows Mobile 6 OS) can run as web server with capture ability and send the picture to the client via internet. Other features of this circuit is the Smartphone can also moved and controlling motors with his speaker, emitting the correct dial tones in relation to GET requests from internet client. It's not necessary to make any connection from the phone to the circuit, because the phone connects "wireless" using the sound.

You can download test program written for smartphone WM6, schematic, and hex file here

Tag: DTMF Remote, Smartphone, Wireless Remote, Remote control, AVR project

AVR Shark Tag Project

2009-08-31T08:51:00.001+07:00

The goal of this project was to develop a shark tag working bench-top microcontroller platform. It is to be used for on-animal, in-situ data logging applications involving sharks and potentially other large pelagic.

The project used the Atmel Mega32 microcontroller to develop the core platform and functionality of a data archival tag. The project use temperature and pressure as sensor variable. The tasks ranged from logging sensor data to developing a simple user interface that requires only the addition of a laptop and a custom RS232 serial cable in the field.

It used an off-the-shelf SD (Secure Digital) card using flash memory for large capacity multi-read/write data storage. The microcontroller’s ADCs (analog to digital converters) were used to convert analog voltages produced by select sensors into digital format.

Tag: Animal Tag, shark, data logging, avr project src

AVR Rotating Led Display

2009-08-14T09:24:00.004+07:00

If you like Rotating LED Display project, check out Rotating Led Display project by Aki Korhonen. He made POV project using modified 8 cm fan and microcontroller AVR AT mega as main part. To control the led, the project use 74HC595D shift registers. Not only can display the text this Rotating Led display can also demonstrate drawing and playable Pong game. Check the video below,

tag: POV led display, rotating display, LED animation, AVR project (src)

PIC Cactus LED Display

2009-08-03T11:28:00.002+07:00

LEDactus is LED display project that resemble Cactus. It used PIC microcontroller 18F1320 as controller of the LED. LEDactus is immobile and attempts to survive by creating a pleasant display. It can produce more complex and mesmerizing displays. And in the latest generations, a sense of touch is added to allow the LEDactus to interact with passersby.

term : LED display, electronic cactus, PIC project (src)

One Motor Walker Robot Without uC

2009-07-14T10:43:00.004+07:00

Robot is interesting electronic project. We often see that robot project need a microcontroller as main processor. But if you don't have any programming skill yet, don't worry, you can build one motor walker robot by Jerome Demers. Yes the it's a walker robot without a microcontroller. The robot is base on the principal of B.E.A.M robotics! Building simple and elegant robot inspired by insect.

See the robot in action

via circuitlake

PIC LCD Oscilloscope for Spectrum Analyzers

2009-07-01T10:32:00.004+07:00

This is simple and inexpensive LCD oscilloscope for spectrum analyzer display. The project use PIC 16F876A as main processor. Although a small LCD screen is not as good as analog oscilloscope, a LCD oscilloscope may be very useful in field measurements, for battery operation or you need different measurement at the same time along with oscilloscope.

The 80dB scale of this LCD oscilloscope can be adjusted with the two trimmers providing the reference voltages to the A/D converter. The operation of the LCD oscilloscope is slightly different between the 80dB mode and the 40dB mode. In the 80dB mode, the trace is always visible and saturates on the bottom or top of screen. In the 40dB mode, the trace runs out of the screen and only the central part of the original 80dB scale is displayed. This project designed by Matjaz Vidmar.

Download
Source code, documentation and schematic

tags : LCD, Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer, PIC, microcontroller, project src

USB PIC Programmer

2009-06-25T11:31:00.002+07:00

If you start learning PIC microcontroller, you need PIC progrmmer to "fill" your PIC with compiled source code. You can build your own PIC programmer like USBPICprog project.

Usbpicprog is an USB in circuit programmer for Microchip PIC processors. The hardware is as simple. The latest version only contains one PIC18F2550, 3 mosfets, and besides the connectors a hand full of passive components.

download
Open source programmer

ARM USB Data Acquisition

2009-06-16T08:50:00.000+07:00

This project shows you how to build a simple data acquisition device around an LPC2138, ARM-based microcontroller. The system features a simple GUI that allows you to view graphed data instead of the streaming serial data in a terminal emulator session. In this project, Bruce gives example by collects temperature data from an analog temperature sensor and graphs it via a PC GUI.

Download
Source and PDF

tag : data acquisition, LPC2138, ARM microcontroller, project src

PIC Low Cost USB-CAN Distributed Motion Control System

2009-06-15T10:20:00.005+07:00

This project presents high performance distributed motion control system at extremely low cost. Rapid prototyping of multi-axis designs is often required during the development of automation equipment. One can use centralized controls with PC motion control cards, external amplifiers, and a tangle of wires, or utilize existing high cost distributed motion control system with RS485, Ethernet, or one of the fieldbuses (DeviceNet, CANOpen, Profibus, etc.). With the use of highly integrated microcontrollers, such as the PIC18FXX8, and power devices like the Allegro A3977/A3959, a very small and inexpensive system was developed.

Download
document and schematic

tag : motion control system, USB, PIC project src

Arduino Digital Thermometer

2009-05-26T08:25:00.001+07:00

This Digital Thermometer based on famous Arduino board and LM35DZ as temperature sensor. The sensor component has three pins, +5V, ground and a variable voltage output to indicate the temperature. This simple project wired the sensor output straight to the Arduino's analogue input 0. As display, it use two line LCD (a Displaytech 162B).

Tags : Temperature Measurement, Digital Thermometer, Arduino project src

AVR Project Wii Conductor

2009-05-25T09:37:00.003+07:00

This AVR project is a simplified implementation of Wii-Music, utilizing a Nintendo Wii Remote (“Wiimote”) to play a gesture-based music game with the player as a virtual music conductor. The project exploited two of the Wiimote’s features: its wand-like shape and the embedded 3-D accelerometers. By interfacing between Microcontroller AVR ATmega 644 and Wiimote, the project able wirelessly transmit motion gestures and button pushes to the MCU. The MCU uses these inputs to create sound by means of Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS).

Tags: Wii Conductor, Simplified Wii Music, Microcontroller AVR project src

AVR Electronic Combination Lock

2009-05-20T07:08:00.001+07:00

CodeLock AVR is electronic combination lock based on AVR microcontroller AT90S2313 or ATtiny2313. User code is consisted of 1 to 8 digits. If the code is entered in the correct sequence, then after 1 second the relay and the electric striker (in the door) switch on for 1 second and then switch off again. User code can be changed via 3x4 matrix keypad. Program in hex code is 2 kB long.

tag : electronic lock, combination keylock, Avr project src

AVR Electronic Lock with Key Generic RFID

2009-05-19T10:23:00.003+07:00

This is a generic 125KHz RFID tag reader and an electronic contactless lock. The project is based upon microcontroller AVR ATtiny2313 and generic 125KHz RFID. Here is the project work: the code of first tag that is read after chip programming, is stored in the micro Earom (non volatile) and it works as the "key". Every time that tag is read by the circuit, the relay pulses for about 1.5 seconds, a led lights for 3 seconds and the code is sent out on the serial port. Every other tag doesn't pulse the relay, but lights the led and sends its code on the serial port. So, this circuit will be a generic reader or an electronic lock with RFID key. This project designed by Emilio Ficara.

tag : RFID lock, electronic contactless key, AVR project (src)

PICTalker - Low Cost PIC Speech Synthesizer

2009-05-13T11:52:00.004+07:00

PICTalker is a low cost allophone-based system for synthesis speech. The system use PIC16F628 microcontroller as main processor. You need a PIC development system and programmer, and Microsoft QBasic to program the microcontroller and EEPROMs to build this poject.

Speech quality is somewhat inferior to that from an SPO256 system. Most people immediately understand most or all of the speech it produces provided sufficient care is taken when constructing words from the component allophones. The speech is significantly easier to understand if the loudspeaker used has poor base response.

Download
Documentation and source code

tag : low cost speech synthesizer, PIC project (src)

Simple AVR USB Temperature Probe

2009-05-12T10:59:00.008+07:00

This simple USB temperature probe uses the AVR USB library by Objective Development. The included ruby script reads the temperature and optionally logs it using RRDTool. The EasyLogger would send the data values over a keyboard interface. The project uses a custom device class and reads values using the ruby-usb library. The project primarily intended to be used in Linux, although it is possible to get it to work in XP with a bit of hassle involved.
Download
USB Temperature Probe Documentation

Term : AVR, USB, Temperature Project src

I2C Bus Analyzer with USB link to PC

2009-05-08T09:42:00.004+07:00

I2C-bus analyzer is a electronic project that has function to capture all transmissions via I2C/TWI bus, decode it and send to PC via virtual RS-232 port. Received data can be displayed by any terminal program on PC computer. The project use ATTiny2313 microcontroller with 20MHz crystal as main part. Link to PC are realized by FTDI FT245RL on UM245R module.

Download

Schematic
PCB bottom layer
PCB top layer (wire jumpers)
PCB top overlay
Firmware
link

Digital Clock using Classic LED 7 Segment Displays

2009-04-24T04:37:00.000+07:00

This is a simple digital clock project using PIC16F887 and classic LED 7-Segment from HP 5082-7414 created by punkky. The displays are bright red and sun light viewable. Each clock consumes about 0.25W (50mA, 5V) when the PIC16F887 operates at 250kHz (display refresh rate is about 61Hz).

Tag: digital clock, 7 segment display, PIC project src

PIC Debugging Tool

2009-04-22T11:08:00.004+07:00

In-Circuit-Debugger is handy and easy PIC debugging tool for PIC programmers that interface to the target PIC placed- board. The device comes with MPLAB plug-ins that provides a full rich set of commands and functions in order to debug your code in real time. The project created by Electrical Engineer Atanasios Melimopoulos.

After hours of using some brands of ICDs, ICD2, etc. on different projects, I faced some hardware situations where the two pin interface ICD <-> PIC becomes annoying and sometimes difficult to work around. Apart from the fact that your target PIC must run at selected clock frequencies that allows the ICD-Uart baudrate multiplier to fit. Also, some pics do not allow the same on-hook commands upon which ICDs are based. There is no electrical isolation between the pic-target board and the USB–Serial PC-GND interface.

Download
In-Circuit-debugger

tag : PIC debugger, PIC programmer tools, PIC project src

Arduino Autopilot Control

2009-04-16T09:02:00.003+07:00

ArduPilot is a full-featured autopilot based on the Arduino open-source hardware platform. It is a custom PCB with an embedded processor (ATMega168) combined with circuitry to switch between RC control and autopilot control (that's the multiplexer/failsafe, otherwise known as a "MUX"). This controls navigation (following GPS waypoints) and altitude by controlling the rudder and throttle. These components are all open source. This autopilot is fully programmable and can have any number of GPS waypoints (including altitude) and It uses infrared (thermopile) sensors for stabilization and GPS for navigation.

tag : Arduino project, Auto Pilot Control, Embedded project src

SPOT : AVR Wireless Flash Trigger

2009-04-15T11:34:00.003+07:00

The SPOT (strobist-project-opensource-trigger)is a remote flash trigger radio transceiver. It lets you adjust and trigger off-camera flashes remotely. It has two modes of operation: First, As a transmitter it sits on the hot shoe of a camera and forwards electrical flash trigger signals from the camera to slave flashes via radio. Secondly, As a receiver it is connected to a small hot shoe ("system") flash. The project use microcontroller AVR ATmega 8L as main controller.

Download :
Documentation and source

tag : microcontroller project, avr ATmega 8L, wireless flash triger

AVR Nikon Camera Remote Control

2009-04-08T01:13:00.000+07:00

This is an IR remote control for Nikon cameras. The circuit project is very simple: an ATtiny13V, button, transistor, resistor, IR diode and 3V battery. You can also connect the IR diode directly to the ATtiny13V, but that will limit the LED current and therefore the range. The project is compatible with the Nikon ML-L3 remote control. Supported cameras include: D40, D40X, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80, and Coolpix 8400 8800. This project created by Dick Streefland

Download:
Schematic and source code

Tag: Remote control, Camera RC, AVR project (src)

AVR Based Diode Temperature Meter

2009-04-06T12:10:00.002+07:00

This is Multi channel diode temperature meter project with Microcontroller AVR AT90S2333 as main controller. It can be use to replace thermister temperature meter.

Front end of the temperature sensor and amplifier circuit consists of constant current. Approximately a constant current of 63µA sensor (diode) in the sink, a diode voltage drop of 3-fold amplification and A / D converter (10bit, 3.3V/fs) type. Drift in this block is the main cause of measurement error, the components must be selected as the low temperature drift.

Where an adjustment is not analog, EEPROM calibration parameters are calculated from the temperature to make sure that you store in it. The calibration process is required for proper equipment such as computer terminals instead of the driver. Some cases, ISP via cable (N81, 38.4kbps) has been to enter the calibration mode is turned on and connected.

Download:
Schematic and source code

Tag: Temperature Meter, Microcontroller AVR project, electronic project (src)

Small USB Device Charger

2009-04-03T07:15:00.000+07:00

This advance tiny USB battery powered charger is handy tools for your need. You can use it to charge almost all devices which are charged via USB, like iPods or mobile phones, with only two AA-Cells. The Most important compenent of the cicuit LT1301. This is a small step up converter for to build switching mode power supplys with only a few external components.

Download :
Schematic and document

tag : USB Charger, Battery Powered Charger, Small Charger (src)

Parallel Interface AVR Programmer

2009-04-01T10:57:00.004+07:00

With this project you can program an AVR microcontroler ATMEL (ATmega8, ATMega32, ...) from a parallel printer LPT1 using ISP functionality In System Programming. This programming type can program and/or configure microcontroler directly on the target board without removing device and put it on a separate programmer. This board is compatible with programming software "PonyProg".

You can check USB AVR Microcontroller Programmer and Simple ISP AVR Programmer for another AVR Programmer project.

Download :
Schematic and Source Code

tag : AVR programmer, Microcontroller Project, Parallel Interface (src)

Robot Project : Nickel-O-Matic

2009-03-25T11:16:00.002+07:00

Nickel-O-Matic was designed to entertain and provides gratuitous mechanical motion rather than efficient production. Nickel-O-Matic uses inkjet technology to print a custom message on both sides of 1-1/2" diameter blank wooden nickels. The robot uses a BASIC Stamp 2 to control much of the mechanical movement and a Propeller Chip to control the Inkjet system. The two controllers run a total of four hobby servos, three stepper motors, one DC motor, one DC vacuum pump, one inkjet head, and five IR sensors.

Mike Davey, the designer, said that the system was built as a number of modules to make design and trouble shooting simpler. The most complex of the modules is the inkjet system. At the center of the inkjet module is a spindle that rotates the wooden nickel under the inkjet head. This spindle is turned with a stepper motor and allows for repeatable placement of the nickel under the inkjet head. The spindle is also moved horizontally under the inkjet head by a second stepper motor coupled to a lead screw and slide mechanism. A Propeller Chip controls all the elements of the inkjet module. The Propeller Chip was chosen for the inkjet system for two reasons. The first is that the inkjet required fast and accurate timing. The Propeller Chip has direct control over the inkjet head through a simple Darlington transistor array. Each of the inkjet's 12 nozzles needs pulsed on for no more than 6 microseconds. The second reason the Propeller Chip was chosen is that the module needed at least 24 IO pins to control the inkjet module. The inkjet head needs 12 pins, the two steppers need 4 pins each, there are three IR sensors, and I needed at least one pin to communicate with the BASIC Stamp 2.

Download :

Source code

tags : robotic, propeller, project, electronic src

Cheap AVR I2C Tiny Usb

2009-03-16T09:24:00.004+07:00

I2c-tiny-usb made to provide a cheap generic i2c interface to be attached to the usb. It could be as simple and cheap printer port to i2c adapters. A USB solution has several advantages such as the built-in power supply and no cpu intense bitbanging is required on the host side. This USB solution even requires less parts than some printer port solutions. Although i2c-tiny-usb was developed under and for Linux but it also works under Windows and MacOS X.

The hardware the i2c-tiny-usb interface which is designed by Till Harbaumof consists of the Atmel AVR ATtiny45 CPU, a cheap and easy to obtain microcontroller with 4 KBytes flash (of which ~2k are used in this application) and 256 Bytes RAM. And few other parts surrounded the processor.

Download :
Source code, schematic and documentation

tag : USB project, i2c adapter, printer port adapter, avr project (src)

AVR Acceleration Sensing Device

2009-03-06T09:13:00.002+07:00

The TiltStick is a small acceleration sensing device in form of a USB stick with microcontroller AVR Mega 8 as main processor . To measure acceleration (caused e.g. by motion and tilt), the device using a two axis acceleration sensor. The device is emulating a USB joystick and it can be used in conjunction with any USB equipped host (e.g. a standard PC or the Nokia N8XX family) without any special drivers.

Till Harbaum as designer has made two versions of the TiltStick on different 2D accelerometer chips. The smaller one is based on the Analog Devices XL203 (the XL202 may also be used) while the bigger version is based on the Freescale MMA7261. The advantage of the freescale version is that a pin 3D chip exists. The hardware of the TiltStick is prepared to support the third axis.

Download :
Souce Code and Documentation

tag : Acceleration Sensing, microcontroller AVR project, USB project (src)

RC Pulse to PWM Converter Project

2009-02-27T12:28:00.000+07:00

This Project describes an AVR chip and software that converts two easily formed R/C pulse signals and converts them into a PWM signal suit for driving small motors. This will be good solution for common problem for hobby robotics when controlling the drive level to a motor. As many hacked R/C servo's are used have poor control range. And many micro-controllers don't have built in PWM or the PWM is very slow and makes for lots of motor buzz.

The value of this AVR software application is that one can interface the output signals of the AVR chip to a wide variety of H-Bridge driver chips with a current capacity from 600ma to 5+ amps. Or, it could drive a discrete FET bridge for even higher capacities. The software runs on an Atmel AT90S1200 chip with a 16mhz clock. The project designe by Larry Barello.

Download :

User Guide (doc), schematic and source code

tag : RC, PWM, Converter, AVR project (src)

LED Fader Project

2009-02-23T12:00:00.001+07:00

If you like make a LED project? LED Fader 2 could be interesting electronic project to build up. LED Fader 2 is a program that can control up to 16 outputs for driving LED's. All 16 outputs are pulse width modulated, giving 256 levels of brightness at a refresh rate of 100 Hz. A script language, designed for controlling the outputs, is provided as well. The program is written in AVR assembler for the AT Mega8 and Mega16 microcontrollers.

Download :

Source Code and Documentation

tag : LED, AVR Microcontroller Project (src)

Compact Variable Power Supply

2009-02-19T12:36:00.001+07:00

This is a handy little power supply that can provide a voltage range of 1.25 to 13 volts and current up to 500 mA. The supply, created by Don Wilschefski, is housed in a small plastic enclosure 90 x 55 x 32 mm.

Download

schematic

search term : Power Supply, Handy supply, Variable PSU, analog project (src)

Battery Charger for Hand Held Radio

2009-02-15T12:30:00.001+07:00

This is a handy little charger that can provide a charging current of up to 120 mA continuously for batteries in the range up to 12 volts. This project inspired by 12 volt 500 mA plug pack at an amateur auction. Two potentially useful projects resulted from this plug pack. The other is a variable power supply. The supply is housed in a small plastic enclosure 90 x 55 x 32 mm.

Download :

Schematic

search term : Battery Charger, Hand held Radio charger, Analog Project (src )

PS to USB Joystick Converter

2009-02-10T12:20:00.000+07:00

If you have PS 1 or PS 2 joystick and you want use it for USB. Well this microcontroller project could resolve your problem now. PS2USB converts two Playstation 1 or Playstation 2 converter into usb josysticks. It also features the Dance Pad Code (Up+START+SELECT), so that it can be used in DDR games (tested with Stepmania). Works under Linux, Mac OSX, Windows. Take a look at another joystick project

note : no picture for the project, i just replace it with analog PS 1 joystick

Download :

source code and schematic

search term : PS to USB, Converter, Microcontroller Project (src)

AVR Remote control for TV (Salora)

2009-02-06T08:16:00.000+07:00

This is a AT90S2313 microcontroller project based which has function to turns ON the TV-channel 5 - at programmed time (triggered by alarm clock without buzzer). This electronic project use Infrared remote control with fixed code to turn on a TV Salora to a set timetable. The project designed by Emilio Pietro Giovanni.

Download

source code and schematic

search term : Remote Control, TV, AVR microcontroller project (src)

PIC MIDI expander with old ISA-BUS Soundcard

2009-02-02T13:04:00.001+07:00

The circuit makes possible to realize a small MIDI expander using an old ISA-BUS soundcard. This microcontroller project based on micro PIC18F4320. Emilio, project designer, has tested on 2 different cards, and it should work for any card ADLIB OPL3 compatible (the I/O address MUST be 0x388).

The software responds to MIDI commands on Channel 1. The sounds are generated by the FM synthesizer built in the soundcard. The power is derived from two low-cost wall transformers (see picture) with variable output, set to 9V (the output is close to 12V).

Download :

Source code and schematic

search term : Midi expander, ISA BUS, Microcontroller PIC project (src)

PC Rs232 interface for Hygro-Thermo 433 MHz remote sensor

2009-01-26T11:30:00.003+07:00

How to build electronic project that receive data from weather sensor? this Telemetering Project could help you. By using Serial interface on the PC, it could receive the data sent in a 433 MHz RF sensor weather of Thermo-Hygro Oregon Scientific shown in the picture. This project build by Ficara emilio.

Download

Source code and schematic

search term : Telemetering, Data Logger, Remote Sensor, AVR Microcontroller Projec (src)

Atmel's XMEGA MCU Awarded Product of the Year

2009-01-18T22:57:00.003+07:00

Atmel announced its industry leading XMEGA microcontroller was awarded the 2008 Product of the Year by Electronic Products' Magazine. Since its introduction in early 2008, there have been over 400 design wins to validate this award.

The editors of Electronic Products—a leading trade publication for electronic design engineers— evaluated thousands of products launched in 2008. The winning products were selected on the basis of innovative design, significant advancement in technology or application and substantial achievement in price and performance. The XMEGA was awarded this prestigious honor due to its unique design features that provide unmatched high performance at very low power. This is accomplished through its proprietary event management circuitry that provides the highest speed-power ratio for today's 8/16-bit microcontrollers.

"We thought the AVR® XMEGA processor was very innovative and, for many applications, brought the performance level of the 8-bit CPU up to an entirely new level," said Jim Harrison, editor of Electronic Products. "In some cases, it raises system performance of the 8/16-bit microcontroller up to, or even superior to, 32-bit processors."

The 2008 Product of the Year Awards were announced in the January 2009 issue of Electronic Products with a cover feature and a brief description of each product. Additionally, the winning products appear on Electronic Products' website (http://www2.electronicproducts.com/productyear.aspx). 2008 marked the 33rd annual Electronic Products' "Product of the Year" Awards, which began recognizing the best products in the industry in 1977. source

Electronic Tools : Weller WLC100 Soldering Station

2009-01-15T11:09:00.000+07:00

Soldering Iron is a must have tool for electronic engineer or Hobbyist. Choosing good soldering iron can make your electronic project designing process faster and have good result in circuit connection.

The Weller WLC100 Soldering Station includes everything you need to start using solder to join metals and create efficient, electrical connections. Designed with the hobbyist and the do-it-yourself enthusiast in mind, this kit features a high-quality, lightweight pencil iron with variable power control, a cushioned foam grip with a replaceable heating element, and a safety guard iron holder. And it’s from Weller, the world leader in soldering since 1945.

Microcontroller Based Remote Sensing System

2009-01-11T01:58:00.000+07:00

PageAlert is a flexible remote sensing platform connected to a data recording and alarm system. It is based on an MC13192 SARD board. This electronic project well designed by William Wittig. An MPXM2010 pressure sensor effectively senses the water level in a sump pump hole. The limited transmission range of ZigBee technology makes this wireless system ideal for home use.

Download
Project and Abstract

related search : Remote, Microcontroller Project, MPXM2010, ZigBee src

Microcontroller Based Motorcycle

2009-01-05T14:52:00.003+07:00

A 13192-EVB serves as the basis to test a piezoelectric vibrating gyroscope-based balancing system. Replacing the original radio controller in a toy motorcycle, the board now drives the remote-controlled unit. The steering control mechanism was replaced with a more precise RC servo. The piezoelectric vibrating gyroscope provides fast turn rate indication for use in stabilizing the cycle while the motorcycle is running. This MC9S08GT60 microcontroller-based project designed by Jay Schroff.

Download :
Prject and Abstract

related search : Microcontroller Project, MC9S08GT60, Motorcycle Toy Src

Home Security System Alarm

2009-01-01T19:44:00.000+07:00

Another home security system ensures peace of mind. Based on the MC13192 SARD board, the system uses wireless sensors to monitor the garage door, indoor and outdoor temperatures (for maintaining heat/air conditioning systems and water pipes), and the water level in the sump pump hole. The user can call home and enter a security code to receive a status report about the conditions in his house. The project builded by Carl Smith

Download :
Project and Abstract

related search : Alarm, MC13192, Security system, Microcontroler Project src

MC9S08GT60 MCU Musical Gloves

2008-12-26T08:42:00.000+07:00

The wearable Musical Gloves enable you to play various forms of music on virtually any surface. This exciting wireless system is built around an MC13192 SARD board’s MC9S08GT60 MCU, MC13192 transceiver, and MMA6261Q (x- and y-axis) and MMA1260D (z-axis) accelerometers. The gloves are instrumented with fingertip switches and the three axis accelerometers. The system tracks finger presses, which start and stop notes, and hand motion, which determines the loudness and octave of each note. The Musical Gloves are connected via a wireless RF connection to a host PC, which processes the finger presses and accelerometer readings in order to control the musical output. This project created and build by Steve Kranish.

Download :

Project, Abstract

Tags : Virtul Music Instrument, MC9S08GT60 MCU, Microcontroller Project

MC9S08GT60 Virtual Interactive Boxing

2008-12-22T13:28:00.000+07:00

The creative Virtual Interactive Boxing system makes shadow boxing more interesting by providing a virtual opponent with whom to spar. Designed around an MC9S08GT60 microcontroller and an MC13192 RF transmitter, the system monitors the user’s performance. Enhancements include digitized audio and speech that provide motivational cues and feedback about the user’s performance to help him improve his technique.

Download :

Download Project View Abstract

Tags : MC9S08GT60 microcontroller, MC13192 RF transmitter, Microcontroller Project

Stick Your Application With Magnet Tab

2008-12-18T12:42:00.003+07:00

What you do to stick your note or announcement? I believe many people will use glue to do it. But it will leave a glue spot when you remove it. I'm sure you will not convenient with this because you have to clean it. It's no problem if you use it for once. But if you use it for repeatedly task like stick note to refrigerator door. I think this is not good idea, right?

There is good solution to resolve this issue. Use a magnet tab to stick you paper or announcement. It is not a magnet that you found on the speaker. But, this is a self adhesive magnet tabs which lay on sheets. It will allow you to easily peel away the magnet, remove the backing and stick it to your applications. The magnet tab can also apply to leaflets, invitations, calendars, menus etc. So no more spot, and no more glue anymore.

Where to get it? You can buy magnet tab on AMF Magnetics, a leading supplier of permanent magnets from Australia. Beside magnet tab they also provide promotional fridge magnets, car door magnets, and flexible magnet material. For special application they also provide customize magnet, like ferrite for your electronic project.

Spinning POV Text Project

2008-12-17T03:04:00.000+07:00

Another Spinning POV Project. This Spinning POV Circuit generates the words "Congratulations" matrix LED. One row led output shows text while spinning. To see the text, you must holding it and spin out. If you want to customize the text you have to change the values written in the memory data. The Project use microcontroller AVR ATtiny2313.

Download : Schematic, Source Code

tag : POV, Spinning Text, AVR, Microcontroller Projec (src)

PIC16F84 based Hexapod Robot

2008-12-15T03:01:00.001+07:00

This Hexapod Robot created by Mike Smyth. It uses 12 R/C servos for actuators. The 6 that raise and lower the legs are Hobbico CS-72 1/4 scale and the 6 that move the legs forward and backward are several brands of standard 1/10 scale servos (all are similar the Futaba S3003). The total robot weight is a little over 5lbs and the payload capacity is around 5lbs additional. The vertical travel of the legs is 1 7/8". Overall length and width is 13" X 11". When crouching, it's 5.5" tall. When standing up there is 3.5" of ground clearance under the body.

There are actually two PIC16F84's on the hexapod. The main processor contains all of the walking code and generates positioning pulses for all 12 servos. Twelve of the 13 I/O lines are used for switch inputs - one on the bottom of each foot and a contact sensor in the front of each leg. The servo pulses are output sequentially on the last I/O line. All the second processor does is de-multiplex the pulses from the main processor and send them to the appropriate servo

tag : Robotic, PIC16F84 Project, Electronic Design, Microcontroller Project (src)

LCD2USB : Connect LCD to PC via USB

2008-12-13T02:59:00.001+07:00

LCD2USB is a open source/open hardware project created by Till Harbaum. The goal of LCD2USB is to connect HD44780 based text LCD displays to various PCs via USB. LCD2USB was meant to be cheap and to be made of easily available parts. It is therefore based on the Atmel AVR Mega8 CPU and does not require any difficult to obtain parts like separate USB controllers and the like. The total cost (without display and pcb) are about 5 to 10 Euros. LCD2USB currently comes with a simple demo application that works under Linux, MacOS X and Windows.

Download : Schematic, Souce Code

tags : LCD, USB, AVR, Microcontroller, Interfacing (src)

Ethernet Interface for LED Matrix Display

2008-12-11T02:55:00.000+07:00

LEDMATRIX are 16x16 LED matrix units with a green and a red LED per pixel allowing each pixel to be switched to either green, red, amber or off. The goal of this LEDMATRIX project was to build a 80x32 pixel display by arranging the displays in two rows with 5 displays each giving a total of 16*16*2*2*5 = 5120 LEDs to be controlled individually.

This displays come with interated controllers and the data can be shifted into a single display using as few as 6 digital signals. By multiplexing some of the select signals all 10 displays can be controlled with a total of ten wires. Using a cheap ATmega32 microcontroller all ten displays can easily be controlled and updated in real time.

This kind of display is usually controlled via RS232. This has the disadvantage of being very slow and the display data is limited to simple text messages only with the microcontroller of the display doing the actual text drawing. Instead of doing it the same way i decided to use an ethernet interface for the LEDMATRIX display. Even the most simple ethernet interface i am using is fast enough to transfer graphics data in realtime from a PC to the display allowing to update the entire screen 50 times a second. The ethernet support of LEDMATRIX is based on the cirrus logic cs8900 chip which is e.g. supported by the free Procyon AVRlib which has been used for this project.

Download : Schematic, Source Code

Tag : LED Matrix Display, Ethernet Interface, AVR Project (src)

Minimechadon : PIC16F819 Based Walking Robotic

2008-12-09T01:52:00.000+07:00

Minimechadon is a great walking robot design by Mike Smyth. He creates Minimechadon to experiment with learning algorithms for walking. This walking robot weighs 12oz and has 4 degrees-of-freedom.

The sensor array consists of 4 touch sensors on the bottom of each foot, Left and right IR obstacle detection, and 4 CdS photo detectors located on all four sides of the robot. The heart of the control system is a Microchip PIC16F819 micro-controller and a separate 8 channel A-D converter.

The mechanical structure is built from brass tubing (which all the wiring runs through, UHMW (a high density plastic material), and PCBs. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the robot is the use of PCBs to create a 3D structure and mount all of the circuits/electronics.

tag : robotic design,PIC, Microcontroller, Electronic (src)

AVR Project : SPI2CF - WLan For AVR

2008-12-07T07:44:00.005+07:00

Till Harbaum has build a WLAN system, SPI2CF, which is small, simple and cheap. Using SPI2CF WLAN System you can leave much of the AVR functionality for other use and allowing fast and reliable WLAN data transfers. The final design was based on a prism chipset based compact flash WLAN card which is connected to the AVR CPU using a programmable logic chip (CPLD) made by Xilinx. Since the CF card is attached to the AVR using the SPI interface the entire system is named the SPI2CF project. You can get the complete compact flash specification from the Compact Flash Association.

The pros and cons of this solution presented here are:

Pros:

Reliable CF data transfers
Simple and easy SPI AVR interfacing
Fast transfers with low cpu impact
Homebrew friendly hard and software (all required tools are free of charge)
Can be used for other compact flash cards as well
Support for uip TCP/IP stack

Cons:

Requires the ability to flash a CPLD
Uses outdated WLAN hardware

Download : schematic, verilog source code, uip port

tag : AVR, Project, WLAN, Data Transfer, Wireless Project, Microcontroller Design (src)

New AVR Microcontroller for Smart Card Reader Applications

2008-12-04T06:09:00.005+07:00

Atmel introduce its new AVR microcontroller designed for smart card reader applications. Based on the AVR 8-/16-bit RISC core allowing single cycle instruction execution, the AT90SCR100 embeds 4 Kbytes of EEPROM for data, 4 Kbytes of SRAM and 64 Kbytes of programmable FLASH providing all the flexibility required for fast software upgrade and customization reducing significantly time to market and development costs both during development phase and product life.

The AT90SCR100 offers a comprehensive set of interfaces such as ISO7816 (Class A,B,C supported), USB full Speed 2.0 device and host, USART and TWI to address any applications that interface to synchronous, asynchronous and USB smart cards. In addition, a SPI serial interface plus a dedicated High Speed SPI interface (up to 20Mbps at 20MHz) have been implemented. Respectively combined with an RF front end and/or with a fingerprint sensor, the AT90SCR100 is ideally suited to contactless and/or Biometric reader applications. With its 38 GPIOs in its high pin count configuration (64 pin package), it can also address all USB Keyboards integrating the smart card reader functionality.

Availability and Pricing
Samples for the AT90SCR100 are available now. Packages are available in 32-pin QFN, 64-pin QFN and 64-pin QFP. Volume production will start in May 2009. Prices start at US$ 3.00 for the 64 pin count version and at US$ 1.90 for the 32 pin package in 10,000 quantities.

related search : news, atmel, microcontroller, smart card reader, avr (src)

AVR 1-Key-Keyboard Project

2008-11-30T05:52:00.000+07:00

This simple microcontroller project build to create a keyboard hack that is smaller and cheaper and better reproducible than what one would get when hacking a keyboard circuit. a perfect solution for when you only want to use one switch in your prototype. The project utilize ATTiny45 as main controller.

This 1-Key-Keyboard Project can be plugged into any computer and will be recognised as a standard USB keyboard. When closing the switch, the keystroke ‘]’ will be sent. When opening the switch, the keystoke ‘[’ will be sent.

Download : Source Code and schematic

related search : AVR microcontroller project, Simple Keyboard project, USB Interfacing (src)

The Ethernet Shield For Arduino

2008-11-28T05:50:00.000+07:00

Here is an ethernet shield for Arduino. This module gives Arduino the ability to open connections to other Internet hosts or behave like a server, for example a simple web server. The design uses the w5100 chip from WizNet that implements the whole IP stack in itself providing up to 4 sockets simultaneously.

Download : Documentation and guide

related search : Arduino project, ethernet shield, electroonic project (src)

AVR General Purpose Infrared Remote Control Receiver with RS232 Output

2008-11-26T05:45:00.000+07:00

This Infrared Remote Control Receiver can receive signals transmitted by an infrared remote control that uses the NEC protocol, or similar, with 32 bits of data. The received signal is converted to ASCII and sent on the RS232 protocol 19200bps, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit. The power is drawn directly from the serial port of your PC, as long as you activate the RTS and DTR lines, to test the circuit you can use the HyperTerminal program standard on Windows.

Download : Source Code and schematic

related search : AVR microcontroller project, Infrared Remote Control Receiver (src)

AVR Clock Output on Oscilloscope

2008-11-24T17:37:00.003+07:00

Usually we see Digital clock on LCD or 7 segmen. But, this AVR Digital Clock which is designed by Ficara Emilio displayed on Oscilloscope. The project use ATtiny 2313 as the main controller. What an interesting microcontroller project.

Download : Source code and schematic

related search : AVR microcntroller project, Digital Clock Circuit, Oscilloscope as Display (src)

AVR Based Direct Digital Synthesis

2008-11-21T13:32:00.001+07:00

Sometimes you need signal generator for your electronic project. You could build your own Direct Digital Synthesis based on microcontroller. It uses AVR ATtiny 2313 as the main microprocessor. This project design by jesper.

What you get from this DDS? This circuit can generate Sinewave, Sawtooth, Trangle and Sqare-waves ranging from 0.07 Hz to about 200-300 kHz in 0.07 Hz steps (depending on microcontroller crystal).

The circuit contain Just 4 major parts. A voltage regulator/switch, a RS232 interface chip, the 2313 and the R2R resistor network. The R2R network that connected to PORTB ( AT tiny 2313 ) making a simple D/A converter and makes it possible to output 256 voltage levels. Neither the resistor network or port drivers of the 2313 is of perfect linearity, but it works pretty well anyway. But you'll probably need a buffer stage as the output impedance is rather high (tens of kOhms in my case). The MAX603 handles the voltage regulation as well as the powerup/shutdown function, and is controlled by the DTR signal on the serial interface. So when you shut down the control program on the PC, the miniDDS will be shutdown, saving battery.

Download : Schematic, ASM code, Windows Control Program

related search : AVR project, Direct Digital Synthesis, Microcntroller Signal Generator (src)

Burning the Bootloader without external AVR-Writer

2008-11-17T09:13:00.002+07:00

When we burn the bootloader of Arduino Diecimila, we connected external AVR-Writer to ICSP of Diecimila. But Kimio found the method to burn the bootloader by Diecimila itself without external AVR-writer. It is able to do by FT232RL BitBang Mode AVR-Writer software. And, this method is usable in Arduino NG and Arduino Duemilanove too.

tags : Arduino Diecimila, AVR, Digital Electronic (src)

MAX3420 - USB Peripheral Controller

2008-11-09T09:47:00.000+07:00

The MAX3420 provides a very simple approach to adding a USB interface to a circuit. It uses a SPI bus to connect to your system. It does require a reasonable amount of configuration and control, so you'll need to connect it to some form of microprocessor/microcontroller.

Download PCB and Circuit in Eagle

related search : Digital Electronic Project, USB Controller (src)

DS1820 and PIC based Thermometer

2008-11-07T01:45:00.000+07:00

The project will show you how to build Digital Thermometer based on PIC 16F84A and DS1820 as the censor

Download : schematic and source code

related search : PIC microcontroller project, Digital Thermometer, DS1820, Electronic Circuit (src)

PIC-Based Temperature Alarm

2008-11-05T01:41:00.000+07:00

Another PIC microcontroller project by professor mark. This is a simple temperature alarm which uses a PIC16C84 microcontroller and a 2-line LCD display. The alarm displays current temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit degrees and features a 3-key keypad which allows the user to set independent high and low termperature alarm points. The alarm also records the minimum and maximum temperatures encountered.

Related search : PIC microcontroller project, Temperature Alarm Circuit, Digital Electronic Project (src)

PIC-Based Laser Light Show Controller

2008-11-03T09:38:00.001+07:00

Here is a laser light show utilizing a ds-PIC controller as an arbitrary waveform generator (ARB) created by professor mark. The controller allows vector patterns to be either stored in flash (program) memory or uploaded from a PC in a vector format. Analog output, via two 14-bit DACs, is fed to a commercial analog driver board and two high-speed galvo scanners.

tags : Microcontroller Project Circuit, Laser Light Show, Pic Project (src)

PIC Based GPS to SD-Card Data Logger

2008-10-30T01:23:00.000+07:00

This project combines a GPS receiver module, a Microchip PIC microcontroller and a Secure Digital memory card to make a GPS data logger. With a large capacity and reasonably long battery life it is a very useful device for logging GPS position for example for mapping with OpenStreetMap.

The data from the GPS is logged every second with the raw NMEA sentences being written to the SD card. The data written to the card is the GSA, GGA, RMC and GSV sentences which by excluding the carriage returns this should never exceed 512 bytes per second. The data contains:

GGA - 78 bytes - time, fix, lat, long, altitude, horizontal dilution of precision.
GSA - 69 bytes - fix (none, 2D, 3D), satellites used, dilution of precision.
RMC - 78 bytes - time, lat, long, speed, course, date.
GSV - 74 bytes - satellite information (4 messages).

The total active power consumption is about 40mA to 45mA when active which in theory should give 48 hours on rechargeable batteries with 2000mAh capacity. In practice I have measured a time of 40 hours.

Download : schematic and source code

related serch : Microcontroller Circuit Project, GPS, SD Card, Data Logger, PIC (src)

PIC Based RS232 - Infra Red Interface

2008-10-28T03:20:00.001+07:00

This project is a Microchip PIC microcontroller with an RS232 serial interface on one side and an Infra-Red receive and transmit interface on the other. All mention of RS232 on this page actually refers to RS232 waveforms operating at 5V TTL levels not +/-12V levels which would destroy the PIC device. An appropriate converter between the two must be used.

By sending commands on the RS232 interface it is possible to receive or transmit a sequence of bits modulated as a series of on/off states in a 38 kHz infra-red carrier signal. Infra-Red remote controls use a carrier signal (typically around 38 kHz) so that there is no confusion with sunlight etc. The carrier is turned on and off to represent the bit sequences at a lower rate, for example 500 Hz).

Download : Schematic

related search : Microcontroller Circuit Project, PIC, RS 232, Infrred, Interface (src)

USB 8 bit Interface Board

2008-10-26T04:17:00.000+07:00

This is a USB (universal serial bus) interface board which can be used to connect 8 (parallel) data lines to the USB. The interface comes with a small internal FIFO (384 byte Tx, 128 bytes Rx) and 4 handshake lines which make it suitable for interfacing microcontroller designs to the USB.

It can, also be used as simple 8bit IO when the so-called "bitbang mode" is enabled. Note. however, that in this mode, the bits will not come out in a constant bitrate but in chunks of 64 bytes with specified baud rate followed by a delay.

Download : schematic, source code 1, and source code 2

related search : Electronic Circuit Project, USB Board, Interfaceing (src)

Microcontroller based Photoplotter

2008-10-24T04:14:00.000+07:00

A photoplotter is a printing device that exposes light to a photo sensitive film to produce output. The film is then developed like traditional photos to get the result. There are 2 types of photoplotter, vector type and raster type. Vector plotters move the exposure light anywhere in 2D space to create the image. Need a line from point A to B? No problem, just move from A to B. These are similar to old style pen plotters. Raster plotters, are more like a dot matrix printer, sending out one line of dots, then moving to the next to create an image.

related search : Elelctronic circuit, Photo plotter, Microcontroller project (src)

LM35 and TL431 Automatic Temperature Control

2008-10-22T04:11:00.001+07:00

This is an electronic circuit that can be used as automatic temperature control aapplication. The circuit switches a miniature relay ON or OFF according to the temperature detected by the one-chip temperature sensor LM35. When the LM35 detects a temperature higher than the preset level (set by VR1), the relay is actuated. When the temperature falls below the preset temperature, relay is de-energized. The circuit can be powered by any AC or DC 12V supply or battery (100mA min.)

Download : schematic, layout and PCB (pdf)

related search : Electronic circuit project, automatic application, temperauter controller, LM 35 (src)

Arduino Duemilanove Project Board

2008-10-20T13:09:00.000+07:00

The Arduino Duemilanove ("2009") is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega168 (datasheet). It has 14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz crystal oscillator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button. It contains everything needed to support the microcontroller; simply connect it to a computer with a USB cable or power it with a AC-to-DC adapter or battery to get started.

Download : Eagle Files (zip) and Schematic (PDF)

related search : Microcontroller Board, Arduino, ATmega168 (src)

Infrared Thermometer Module

2008-10-16T21:33:00.001+07:00

If you want to build non Contact Thermometer, you can try to use MLX90614. It will reduce your electronic project complexity. Outputs of this module is continuous data flow with an active alarm running in the background, 16-bit digital temperature output data that ranging from -70 °C to 380 °C and Serial data (Auto-baud detection (2400, 4800, 9600, 19.2K, 38.4K)) for microcontroller-to-MLX90614 communications.

The MLX90614 Infrared Thermometer Module is an intelligent non-contact temperature sensor with a single pin serial interface for connection to most microcontrollers. The MLX90614 sensor is designed for non-contact temperature measurements of objects placed within the sensor’s cone of detection. The sensor is comprised of an integrated ASIC and infrared sensitive thermopile detector.

tags: Electonic Module, Infrared Thermometer (src)

AVR USB Game Controller

2008-10-14T21:30:00.000+07:00

If you want build your own (DIY) game controller it thing you can try this electronic project. This project uses an ATmega8 microcontroller from Atmel. The firmware implements a standard USB joystick with 4 directional buttons and 8 general purpose buttons. Some application from this project are :

Home-made Arcade style controller and small arcade cabinets
Simple controller (1 wire per button) to USB. Eg: Neo-Geo, Atari...
Using appropriate software on the PC side, the inputs can be used for other purposes. Eg: Switches, limit-switches, alarms... A cleaner solution than modifying an existing game controller

No drivers required!
That's right, since the USB standard defines device classes. By using the human input device (HID) it will tell the computer that the connected USB device is a joystick and has 2 axis and 4 or 8 buttons. Another nice thing about this is that the adapter should work with all operating systems supporting HID devices.

Download : Schematic, Wiring Connection

tags : Microcontroller AVR project, USB Game Controller (src)

PIC High Voltage Flyback Transformer Driver

2008-10-12T21:28:00.001+07:00

Oliver creates a high voltage flyback transformer driver for a computer CRT flyback transformer. While the schematic and code for driving the transformer are extremely straightforward and simple, finding and obtaining a high quality solid state flyback transformer can be difficult. Please note that the voltages generated by the flyback transformer are potentially very dangerous, so extreme care must be exercised when building and/or using the schematic presented in this project. Diode split flyback transformers (like the one used in this project) can output 25kV or more.

Download : schematic and Source Code

tags : Microcontroller PIC 12F683 Project, Flyback Transformer Driver, High Voltage (src)

AVR-USB Project

2008-10-10T21:24:00.001+07:00

AVR-USB implements a USB device entirely in software, making it possible to build USB hardware with almost any AVR microcontroller, not requiring any additional chip.

Features :

Fully USB 1.1 compliant low-speed device, except handling of communication errors and electrical specifications.
Example projects demonstrate device and host driver implementations on Linux, Mac OS X and Windows.
Supports multiple endpoints: one control endpoint, two interrupt/bulk-in endpoints and up to 7 interrupt/bulk-out endpoints. (Bulk endpoints are forbidden for low speed devices by the USB standard.)
Transfer sizes up to 254 bytes by default, more as configuration option.
Comes with freely usable USB identifiers (Vendor-ID and Product-ID pairs).
Runs on any AVR microcontroller with at least 2 kB of Flash memory, 128 bytes RAM and a clock rate of at least 12 MHz.
No UART, timer, input capture unit or other special hardware is required (except one edge triggered interrupt).
Can be clocked with 12 Mhz, 15 MHz, 16 MHz or 20 MHz crystal or from a 16.5 MHz internal RC oscillator.
High level functionality is written in C and is well commented.
Only about 1200 to 1400 bytes code size.

Download

tags : Microcontroller Project, AVR, USB (src)

Programming Arduino Wirelessly

2008-10-08T21:19:00.001+07:00

The Arduino system offers an easy and open-source method for programming microcontrollers. Normally this means using a serial cable or USB cable attached directly to the microcontroller project. But what if your project is floating in a weather balloon, glued to the bottom of a swimming pool or baked into a loaf of bread? It would be great to upload code changes wirelessly, and even greater if you could do it from several kilometers away.

The following example demonstrates how to build a complete wireless solution for uploading code to a remote Arduino microcontroller using a couple of XBee radios, and a handy function for accomplishing wireless resets.

Download : Schematic and Code

tags : Microcontroller Project, Wireless Programming, Arduino, XBee radios (src)