Build a NeoPixel Timer with Arduino
Ready to build something fun with Arduino?
In this project walk-through you'll be guided by 11 videos lessons in planning, creating an algorithm and pseudo-coding, evaluating an Arduino library, writing your own functions, and developing Arduino code to control multiple modes of a push button timer.
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Programming Electronics Academy Reveiws
"The design and implementation of your coursework was just great. I learned so much."
-Peter Call, NJ, USA
"I thought the course was great, very well put together and easy to understand."
-Charles Monogan, NJ, USA
"No programming background, zip-zero-nada. I’m a 58 year old tradesman/contractor.
Had an idea I was kicking around and needed to utilize a microprocessor.
Couldn’t afford a an electrical engineer.
Completed your basic courses.
1st breadboard working prototype shortly after the course(s)."
-Mike Palmer, FL, USA
"You have an outstanding program here. I’ve learned Much and have applied much, thank you. You are an excellent teacher."
-Anibal Rodriguez, NY, USA
What will I learn?
- Prototyping Process
- Drawing out a rough design
- Putting it to words
- Creating specifications
- Code Planning
- Thinking through code flow
- Pseudo-coding
- Algorithm development
- Arduino Library Evaluation
- How to choose an Arduino library
- How to learn a new Arduino library
- FastLED library basics (for controlling NeoPixels)
- Arduino Coding
- Incremental coding design
- When to use user defined functions
- Ternary operator
- Using code to define different modes of operation
Prerequisites
This project walk-through assumes you have some of the Arduino “know how” you would gain from the Arduino Course for Absolute Beginners.
Required Hardware
As part of this project walk-through, you'll be deciding which components are best for your specific prototype. Here is the Bill of Materials.
- Arduino compatible microcontroller
- Arcade style push button
- Protoboard
- USB cable
- hook-up wire
- LiPo battery
- NeoPixel strip
- On/Off switch
Course Description
- Do you know where to start when you’re programming a new project?
- Do you know how to evaluate and learn a new Arduino library?
- Do you ever wonder if you're coding things the right way?
If you can relate to any of these questions, then this timer project walk-through is for you.
You'll be going step-by-step through developing the code for this timer that uses a NeoPixel LED strip and an arcade style button as the user interface.
There are 11 video lessons in total, and we’ll be covering:
- Project Planning
- Bill of Materials
- Algorithm/Pseudocode Design
- FastLED Library Evaluation
- Code Development
Our goal at Programming Electronics Academy is that you have the skills to build your own projects, and I think a great way to help your towards that goal is giving you some examples about how to tackle a project.
The bonus to this walk-through is when you’re down you’ll have a cool timer that you can use for counting down seconds and minutes.
Course includes: Code repositories for button and rotary encoder versions, optional CAD files for 3D printing the enclosure
Course Outline
- Prototyping Process
- Bill of Materials
- Algorithm
- Library Evaluation
- Adding a Button
- Turn Mode
- Overtime Mode
- Set Time Mode
- Compute Time
- Overview
- Build
- Follow on Challenge
Get instant access to this and all our other courses PLUS a cutting edge AI tool & private community forum for help and support from our team!