Arduino Adventures - Escape from Gemini Station (Paperback, 1st ed.)

Arduino Adventures: Escape from Gemini Station provides a fun introduction to the Arduino microcontroller by putting you (the reader) into the action of a science fiction adventure story. You'll find yourself following along as Cade and Elle explore Gemini Station--an orbiting museum dedicated to preserving and sharing technology throughout the centuries. Trouble ensues. The station is evacuated, including Cade and Elle's class that was visiting the station on a field trip. Cade and Elle don't make it aboard their shuttle and are trapped on the station along with a friendly artificial intelligence named Andrew who wants to help them get off the damaged station. Using some old hardware, a laptop, and some toolboxes full of electronics parts, you will follow along and build eight gizmos with Cade and Elle that will help them escape from Gemini Station. The hardware is Arduino. Each new challenge opens a new area of Arduino and basic electronics knowledge. You'll be taken incrementally from a simple task such as turning on a light through to a complex combination of microcontroller, electronic components, and software programming.By the end of the book you'll be well on your way towards being able to create and implement any sort of electronically controlled device you can imagine, using the stunningly popular Arduino microcontroller. * Provides eight challenges, each challenge increasing in complexity * Builds around a fictional storyline that keeps the learning fun * Leaves you on a solid foundation of electronic skills and knowledge What you'll learn * Install and configure Arduino's programming environment * Build understanding of LEDs, Resisters, and other basic components * Build and test electronic circuits involving breadboarding and basic wiring * Program behavior using the Arduino Programming Language * Interface and influence the physical world through motors and sensors Who this book is for Escape from Gemini Station: An Arduino Hands-On Adventure is suitable for ages 8 and up. No experience is required, and complete instructions are provided on using the Arduino microcontroller. Teachers will find the book useful for the downloadable teacher handouts available from the authors' website. The book is perfect for anyone learning Arduino, or preparing to teach it to first-time users.Table of ContentsIntroduction Challenge #1: Potentiometer 1. Trouble at Gemini Station 2. Challenge 1: Fun Stuff to now 3. Challenge 1: Examining the Hardware 4. Challenge 1: Examining the Software Challenge 2: LED Flashlight 5. Damage Assessment 6. Challenge 2: Fun Stuff to Know 7. Challenge 2: Gathering Hardware 8. Challenge 2: Examining Software Challenge 3: Temperature 9. Feeling the Heat 10. Challenge 3: Fun Stuff to Know 11. Challenge 3: Examining the Hardware 12. Challenge 3: Examining the Software Challenge 4: Bucket Mover 13. Uninvited Guest 14. Challenge 4: Fun Stuff to Know 15. Challenge 4: Gathering Hardware 16. Challenge 4: Examining the Software Challenge 5: Motion Detector 17. Hide and Seek 18. Challenge 5: Fun Stuff to Know 19. Challenge 5: Examining the Hardware 20. Challenge 5: Examining the Software Challenge 6: Servo Motor 21. Carousel Ride 22. Challenge 6: Fun Stuff to Know 23. Challenge 6: Gathering Hardware 24. Challenge 6: Examining Software Challenge 7: Remote Control 25. Push the Button 26. Challenge 7: Fun Stuff to Know 27. Challenge 7: Gathering Hardware 28. Challenge 7: Examining Software Challenge 8: Robot 29.Off the Station 30. Challenge 8: Fun Stuff to Know 31. Challenge 8: Gathering Hardware 32. Challenge 8: Examining Software 33. Epilogue Appendix A: Parts List