The Arduino is actually a specification for a series of small controller boards and the software that allows us to control them. Among the first examples were the Arduino Mega, Arduino UNO, and the Arduino Nano. These are still available, but many more varieties also exist. Of these three, more tutorials have been created for the Arduino UNO; it is still the best one to learn as a beginner.
The best way to learn, is to buy a kit that comes with a variety of parts and a good tutorial. I purchased “The Most Complete Starter Kit (UNO R3)” from Elegoo (on Amazon) and was not disappointed. Just bored…
There are thirty-three lessons in the tutorial, but only a few are directly related to rocketry applications. Eventually, you should do all of the lessons, but for now let’s build our own course with the lessons that lead towards our goal.
I’ve picked lessons from the Elegoo tutorial, version V1.0.18.11.22, but any version is fine. Later versions have the same content, but the lesson numbers may be different so you need to look for similar titles.
1. Get Arduino Running
These lessons get you up-and-running. Don’t be intimidated; the tutorials are excellent and it is not likely that you will break anything! Most tutorials explain the code required to run the specific lesson experiment. Don’t understand it? No problem, just use it, see the results, then move on to the next lesson.
Lesson 0: Installing IDE
Lesson 1: Add Libraries and Open Serial Monitor
Lesson 2: Blink
2. Connect to Stuff
Now it is time to connect various simple devices to your Arduino. Each one hooks up a little differently, so pay attention to the circuit schematics. The what? Here’s a nice and easy intro to get you started: https://www.circuitbasics.com/how-to-read-schematics/
Lesson 3: LED
Lesson 4: RGB LED
Lesson 5: Digital Inputs
Lesson 6: Active Buzzer
3. Connect to Good Stuff
You’ve learned to operate simple stuff that might be used in a rocket or in ground support, but mostly in a trivial way. Now you move up to more exciting things, after which you will be ready for more specialized devices.
Lesson 12: DHT11 Temperature and Humidity Sensor
Lesson 16: GY-521 Module
Lesson 19: Real Time Clock Module
Lesson 22: LCD Display
Lesson 23: Thermometer
Lesson 24: Eight LED with 74HC595
Lesson 25: The Serial Monitor
Lesson 26: Photocell
Lesson 27: 74HC595 and Segment Display
Lesson 29: DC Motors
Lesson 30: Relay
4. Optional Stuff
Although you are now ready to build “real” rocket stuff, you will need to buy special components not included in this kit. While you are waiting for delivery (or your next paycheck), these lessons might provide you with more options for your ground support projects.
Lesson 8: Tilt Ball Switch
Lesson 9: Servo
Lesson 11: Membrane Switch Module
Lesson 15: MAX7219 LED Dot Matrix Module
Lesson 28: Four Digital Seven Segment Display
Lesson 31: Stepper Motor
Lesson 33: Controlling Stepper Motor with Rotary Encoder
5. Stuff You Skipped
Suffering the “rainy-day blues”? Try these lessons – you paid for them!
Lesson 7: Passive Buzzer
Lesson 10: Ultrasonic Sensor Module
Lesson 13: Analog Joystick Module
Lesson 14: IR Receiver Module
Lesson 17: HC-SR501 PIR Sensor
Lesson 18: Water Level Detection Sensor Module
Lesson 20: Sound Sensor Module
Lesson 21: RC522 RFID Module
Lesson 32: Controlling Stepper Motor with Remote
6. Stuff You Don’t Need
Elegoo also sells a “37 Sensor Kit” that has each device installed on a mounting board, similar to the way Sparkfun markets their stuff. You would still need a breadboard to connect things, so what’s the point? Most of the devices in this kit are included in the Arduino UNO kit that you already own. Save your money for the really good stuff that can go into your projects!
7. Stuff You Might Need, if You Stretch the Truth…
It might be convenient to use a plug-in board that attaches to the top of the Arduino. These allow you to assemble a few components and/or include new items. I have a DS1307 Data Logger/Recorder and also a Multi-Function Expansion Shield, both from DiyBox Electronic, on eBay. DO NOT visit their storefront unless you “possess an iron will.”
8. Where to Go
The short answer – anywhere on the Internet! Everybody (and their dog) has posted Arduino projects online. Quite a few don’t work. Many require really good stuff you haven’t bought yet, while others require really expensive stuff that you shouldn’t buy until your mortgage is paid off and your children have all graduated from university and left home.
But wait – here’s a countdown timer you can build using only some things from the UNO R3 kit you have been using: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/arduino-countdown-timer
Here’s another countdown timer, but with no interface: https://www.circuitspecialists.com/blog/arduino-prototyping-countdown-timer/
Enhance Lesson 28 by adding the RTC: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/arduino-7-segment-display-clock
Combine Lessons 22, 23, and 30 as shown here: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/temperature-controlled-home-appliances-using-arduino-thermistor
Stay tuned for Part 2…
