Your First Circuit
In this guide, we'll show you how to build the circuit for the code you created in the coding tool.
If you have an Arduino and the components we're using in this example, then feel free to build the and test out the prototype. If you don't have one, that's also perfectly fine, you can just use an online emulator like TinkerCAD for example.
Before going further, If you're unaware of what a is, we recommend clicking the hyperlink and checking out our description of it.
How to do it
To succeed it's important to be accurate and make sure everything is in its place. And remember not to add power before you are sure that it is!
A thing that often challenges people is turning the LED the right way.
Often people use the "The long leg is positive, you can remember that because size ... (you can imagine the rest)". I wouldn't tell you differently. It's true that simple LEDs work this way. Well... at least until someone cuts the legs to fit it into a prototype. Therefore I recommend using the flat side of the LED to navigate instead. Does an LED have a flat side, you may ask? Yes, and it's the negative side, and you can remember that by the classic: "If you feel it being flat, it's negative".
Now that you know how to turn LEDs the right way, you should be able to build the circuit with no problem. Just follow the slides below.
Uploading the Code
You now have the three crucial components: Your code, your confidence and your circuit.
Now you just need to get it uploaded. You do that in your Arduino IDE. We recommend that you download it from the Arduino website. Both the 1.8 version and the 2.0 BETA are fine.
To help you upload code and find your board, see the picture below.Code
It works!
You just completed your first prototype! Good job! Be happy, celebrate!
Now, let me bring you down to earth again, there is more work to be done. First, it's important to understand what you just did. Therefore, We've created some slides for you to read, so that you can learn a little bit about some of the basic principles of Arduino coding.
Breaking down the code and more challenges
Now, you need to practice a little on your own.
And remember, when we write "your own words" - we mean it. Write down your thoughts in a way that helps you understand the challenges at hand. It doesn't have to be code!