Learning to use an Arduino is one of the best things you can do if you are interested in electronics. Arduino makes it easy to make very complex circuits so that you can build projects that would otherwise be almost impossible.
Even better, Arduinos are easy to learn how to use and there is a robust community online that is willing to help you if you get stuck. If you want to see what an Arduino can do, below are just 5 projects that you could make.
What is an Arduino?
But first, what exactly is an Arduino? Arduino refers to a single-board microcontroller and the software that goes along with it. With this programmable circuit board, you can build electronics projects much easier.
Arduino is the name of the company which produces both the hardware and the software, which are also known as Arduino (or an Arduino board).
What You Will Need
Before you can get started with one of the projects below, you will need a few things. First, and most obviously, you will need an Arduino board. You can order one of these online and it will come with the board and the software that you need. Once it arrives, you should install the software on your computer.
Besides the Arduino board, you’ll need a few other basic components. If this is your first time working with electronics projects, you need stuff like resistors, transistors, capacitors, BJTs, alligator clips, and some LED lights. Then you may need to get some extra parts depending on the type of project you’re working on.
1. Tiny Weather Station
A great project for first-time Arduino users is a tiny weather station. With this project, you’ll connect a tiny display to your Arduino, which will then check the internet for the weather in your area.
This information will then get displayed and update itself regularly. Even though most of us can quickly find the weather just by opening up our phones, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with getting an Arduino to do it, plus you get to learn a lot along the way. For more information on how to do this project, you can check out this guide.
2. Fingerprint Scanner
Want to improve security around your home? Consider building a finger-print scanner with your Arduino that connects to your garage door opener.
Once this project is done, you’ll be able to use your finger to open up your garage, no longer worrying about remembering a passcode or someone breaking in. More information on this project can be found here.
3. Motion Lights
Another simple Arduino project is setting up motion lights. With some motion detectors on your Arduino, you can trigger some lights connected to it whenever there is motion nearby. Of course, you may not want to keep your expensive electronic equipment outside in your yard, so you’ll likely want to use this one inside. Still, having motion lights under your bed or in a hallway is very handy when you get up in the middle of the night.
4. An Infinity Mirror
This project isn’t the most useful, but it looks pretty cool when it’s done. Infinity mirrors create an illusion that is pretty hard to describe, so you should check out some pictures of ones here. An Arduino is necessary to build this cool looking project, along with some LED lights and a mirror. Once you’re done, hang it up somewhere around your home and give your guests something to talk about and admire.
5. Digital Clock
Finally, consider building yourself a digital clock. With an Arduino and some LED boards, you can display the time and any other information you want. You could even connect it to the internet and have it retrieve the latest news headlines or sports scores. This is another great project for learning how Arduinos work while also building something fun and functional that you can continue to use.
Explore Your Possibilities
The projects mentioned above are just a few of the numerous options available to you. There are so many things you can do with an Arduino, that it’s really only your imagination that’s the limit. Start with one of the projects above to learn the basics, then explore more complex projects, like robots and computer control systems, based on your interests.
Once you get started, you’ll likely find that your home becomes littered with different Arduino sets as you continuously build new things. We hope that the suggestions above helped open your mind to the possibilities and that you enjoy your new hobby. Have fun!
