OG13
New Member
OK, I've had several requests on doing an arduino based room controller. I have been playing around for a few months now and have been bench testing one for a while. This tutorial will try to show you how I went about getting it all working. My controller is setup to monitor and log five different temperature probes, one humidity probe and a light sensor. It will operate two outputs based on these inputs (fans, pumps, dehumidifiers or whatever). I can view any of these inputs in realtime on a LCD display. I turn a knob to select which input I wish to view. I use the real time clock on the data logger to control relays for two different light systems (veg and grow).
What is an arduino? An arduino is a microcontroller (think mini computer) with analog and digital inputs and outputs, onboard memory and integrated communications protocol. You connect it to your computer (Mac, PC or Linux) and upload code. Once uploaded, the arduino can run autonomously.
I suggest you visit the authorized webpage.....Arduino - HomePage
What can you do with an arduino? Almost anything you can imagine. You can use it to monitor (analog or digital inputs), control (using external relays), log (onto a SD card), display (via LCD or touchscreen) and host (a webpage). Arduino - Introduction for more info.
You are wondering what you need to get started, right? Well at a minimum, you need an arduino (or clone), a cable to connect it to your computer, a breadboard, jumper wires and some LEDs and appropriate sensors. You can get all this and more in most arduino experimenter's kits. Check out these vendors (US based) for all you need.
Sparkfun https://ww.sparkfun.com/categories/103
Adafruit Arduino : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits
I started with Adafruit's $65 kit, but the $50 kit is just as good. You get the $30 arduino and all the parts you need to get learning. If you have some of the components, you may just be able to piecemeal it. Both vendors have great tutorials which detail the products they offer, as well as basic arduino and electronic concepts. There are some great sites just for arduino tutorials as well, try Arduino Tutorials « t r o n i x s t u f f
As you get more advanced, you will need some wire, electrical tape, wire cutters and soldering stuff. I just use a cheap soldering iron. We will get to that later. If you want to do more than I listed above, you will need a "bigger" arduino–a Mega. It has more inputs and outputs and twice the memory for bigger code (longer program). The basic arduino has about 32K of memory, which is pretty small. About what the Apple II had when if first came out in '78 or whenever–yeah we had one with 48K of memory and a 5.25" floppy drive. There are some other controllers like the Teensy that are faster/better, but not quite so easy to work with. I will start with those some other thread......down the road so to speak (may integrate CO2 control later, although the sensor is the expensive part).
I will do this tutorial step by step, so you can follow along if you desire. It is easier to debug programming work if you add new code in bit by bit to test it out. I will detail the parts needed, how to connect them up, give you the program(called a sketch), and run it to show the output. It will be in the form of lessons–looks like there will be eight at this time. It will take me a day or two for each lesson, so this won't be instant gratification.
What is an arduino? An arduino is a microcontroller (think mini computer) with analog and digital inputs and outputs, onboard memory and integrated communications protocol. You connect it to your computer (Mac, PC or Linux) and upload code. Once uploaded, the arduino can run autonomously.
I suggest you visit the authorized webpage.....Arduino - HomePage
What can you do with an arduino? Almost anything you can imagine. You can use it to monitor (analog or digital inputs), control (using external relays), log (onto a SD card), display (via LCD or touchscreen) and host (a webpage). Arduino - Introduction for more info.
You are wondering what you need to get started, right? Well at a minimum, you need an arduino (or clone), a cable to connect it to your computer, a breadboard, jumper wires and some LEDs and appropriate sensors. You can get all this and more in most arduino experimenter's kits. Check out these vendors (US based) for all you need.
Sparkfun https://ww.sparkfun.com/categories/103
Adafruit Arduino : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits
I started with Adafruit's $65 kit, but the $50 kit is just as good. You get the $30 arduino and all the parts you need to get learning. If you have some of the components, you may just be able to piecemeal it. Both vendors have great tutorials which detail the products they offer, as well as basic arduino and electronic concepts. There are some great sites just for arduino tutorials as well, try Arduino Tutorials « t r o n i x s t u f f
As you get more advanced, you will need some wire, electrical tape, wire cutters and soldering stuff. I just use a cheap soldering iron. We will get to that later. If you want to do more than I listed above, you will need a "bigger" arduino–a Mega. It has more inputs and outputs and twice the memory for bigger code (longer program). The basic arduino has about 32K of memory, which is pretty small. About what the Apple II had when if first came out in '78 or whenever–yeah we had one with 48K of memory and a 5.25" floppy drive. There are some other controllers like the Teensy that are faster/better, but not quite so easy to work with. I will start with those some other thread......down the road so to speak (may integrate CO2 control later, although the sensor is the expensive part).
I will do this tutorial step by step, so you can follow along if you desire. It is easier to debug programming work if you add new code in bit by bit to test it out. I will detail the parts needed, how to connect them up, give you the program(called a sketch), and run it to show the output. It will be in the form of lessons–looks like there will be eight at this time. It will take me a day or two for each lesson, so this won't be instant gratification.
