Recitation 2: Arduino Basics by Eleanor Wade

Arduino Basics

Circuit 1: Fade

In building this circuit I was rather familiar with the initial process, so it was fairly straight forward as to how to put it together.  The code was also simple, as it was one of the examples.  

Circuit 2: toneMelody

This circuit was also pretty easy to understand and build.  We enjoyed the melody itself.  

Circuit 3: Speed Game

Building this circuit was much more complicated than the first two.  It presented us with many new components, but still was not impossible to put together.  

We definitely had fun playing the game after we built it and learned about how to interact with the devices we have put together on much more engaging levels.  One question that was raised when we played the speed game over and over is, why is there a default of one player always winning even when neither player pushes a button? 

Question 1:

There are countless instances where I am using technology in my daily life.  Considering the circuits we just built, it is now even more clear to me that this level of both interactivity and technology can be combined to do not only exceptionally useful things in our daily lives, but also propose very innovative solutions to problems we may face.  For example, there are so many instances where both fading lights appear on buildings, or small chimes or jingles go off when people interact in some way. In regards to the text, Physical Computing demonstrates the significance of interactivity as it relates to the input and output of the computers.  This directly applies to the circuits we have built.  

Question 2:

The resistor lessens the flow of energy, so the 10k is necessary to ensure that there is not too much energy going directly to the push button.  

Question 3:

I would make a giant instillation art display with many different shades of green LEDs to create a plant looking design going on the side of some significant building somewhere.  I would especially like if I could somehow also incorporate real live plants into this display for an environmentally friendly effort.  Also a renewable energy source to light up the LEDs, as the goal is to conserve energy and resources overall.