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The Kilo Lamp: An Interactive Lamp Controller

The Kilo Lamp: An Interactive Lamp Controller

This project brief provides the instructions for building a weight-sensitive LED lamp with an Arduino Uno and a handful of commercially available parts.


Constructing a Solar-Powered Snake Robot

Constructing a Solar-Powered Snake Robot

Learn how to create a batteryless crawling robot using basic electronic components and a 3D-printed chassis.


Build Your Own Clock With Analog Dials, Part 3

Build Your Own Clock With Analog Dials, Part 3

To complete this project, we add backlight control and temperature-sensing functionality to the clock we built in the previous installments.


Building a Push-Pull Level Shifter to Connect an MCU and a Low-Voltage Display

Building a Push-Pull Level Shifter to Connect an MCU and a Low-Voltage Display

In this project, we'll build and demonstrate a discrete analog solution to the incompatible logic levels of an Arduino Uno and an Elecrow e-paper HMI display.


Projects Nov 23, 2025 by Don Wilcher
The BBC Micro:bit Adjustable Brightness Alarm: A Radio Shack Remix

The BBC Micro:bit Adjustable Brightness Alarm: A Radio Shack Remix

In this project article, we’ll create a programmable device that alerts users to changes in ambient light levels. Along the way, we’ll learn about astable multivibrators and the Darlington pair.


Projects Nov 20, 2024 by Don Wilcher
The Wireless Alphabet Flasher: A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

The Wireless Alphabet Flasher: A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

In this project, we mix the old and the new by integrating present-day BLE technology with a vintage Science Fair computer kit.


Projects Jul 21, 2024 by Don Wilcher
Building a Handheld Retro Gaming Console With Local Wireless Connectivity

Building a Handheld Retro Gaming Console With Local Wireless Connectivity

In this project article, we design a handheld gaming console with wireless multiplayer functionality using ESP8266 microcontrollers. We then program a game for it with the Arduino IDE.


Building a One-Shot Multivibrator with an ESP32 Terminal Display:  A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

Building a One-Shot Multivibrator with an ESP32 Terminal Display:  A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

In this hands-on project, we will update a 1980s version of a one-shot (monostable multivibrator) circuit by giving it a modern, colorful output while also examining the circuit's operation.


Projects Sep 17, 2023 by Don Wilcher
Controlling a Potentiometer-based Servo Motor Using a M5Stack Core

Controlling a Potentiometer-based Servo Motor Using a M5Stack Core

In this project, learn how to use a potentiometer's reading on the M5Stack core to control a servo motor.


Projects Jun 04, 2023 by Don Wilcher
Learn to Build a Photoelectric Sensor System Using an Arduino Uno and OpenPLC

Learn to Build a Photoelectric Sensor System Using an Arduino Uno and OpenPLC

Since photoelectric sensing can be achieved with electrical, electromechanical, and electronic components, learn to build, test, and implement a prototype photoelectric switch using off-the-shelf components with Arduino OpenPLC.


Projects Mar 12, 2023 by Don Wilcher
Hardware Assessment: OPB9000 Reflective Light Sensor from TTElectronics

Hardware Assessment: OPB9000 Reflective Light Sensor from TTElectronics

The OPB9000 is a reflective light sensor from TTElectronics with programmable output and sensitivity levels.


Projects Jul 27, 2018 by Mark Hughes
Hardware Assessment: LightCrafter Evaluation Kit for BeagleBoard Black from Texas Instruments

Hardware Assessment: LightCrafter Evaluation Kit for BeagleBoard Black from Texas Instruments

The Texas Instruments DLPDLCR2000EVM is a demonstration cape designed to plug into a BeagleBone Black (BBB) and provide instant-on projection capabilities using a digital micromirror device and a relatively high-power RGB LED.


Projects Jul 09, 2018 by Mark Hughes
How to Build a Particulate Matter Detector for Air Quality Measurement

How to Build a Particulate Matter Detector for Air Quality Measurement

Use a Honeywell particle sensor to measure 2.5 µm PM and 10.0 µm PM concentrations in your environment.


The MIT-i Color Blender! RGB LED Color Blending

The MIT-i Color Blender! RGB LED Color Blending

Blending colors may sound elementary but it is vital in drawing attention to your project with RGB LEDs!


Projects Nov 08, 2017 by Ryan Jones
How to Interface an Ultrasonic Sensor with an LCD Using a Microcontroller Dev Kit

How to Interface an Ultrasonic Sensor with an LCD Using a Microcontroller Dev Kit

Let's interface an ultrasonic sensor and a lighting system! In this project, we'll design a sensor subsystem and then use it in a parking sensor application.


Projects Nov 02, 2017 by Nick Davis
How to Build a Weighing Scale Using a Load Cell and a Microcontroller

How to Build a Weighing Scale Using a Load Cell and a Microcontroller

In this project, we're making a weighing scale using a C8051 microcontroller development kit, a load cell, and the Simplicity Studio IDE. The measured weight will be displayed on an LCD screen.


Projects Oct 10, 2017 by Nick Davis
Adding an LCD and Keypad to a Tachometer and Speedometer

Adding an LCD and Keypad to a Tachometer and Speedometer

In part two of the tachometer/speedometer project, we'll add a keypad and LCD for easier user interaction.


Projects Sep 18, 2017 by Nick Davis
How to Build a Tachometer/Speedometer with an Optoelectronic Sensor, a Microcontroller, and a Disc

How to Build a Tachometer/Speedometer with an Optoelectronic Sensor, a Microcontroller, and a Disc

Learn how to make a tachometer and speedometer using a C8051 microcontroller, an optoelectronic sensor, and a spinning disc.


Projects Sep 06, 2017 by Nick Davis
Build an Arduino 101 Data Logger with the TI SensorTag

Build an Arduino 101 Data Logger with the TI SensorTag

Use an Arduino/Genuino 101, a TI SensorTag, and an SD shield to build a BLE multi-sensor data logger that records temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, ambient light and more.


Build an Arduino Multi-Node BLE Humidity and Temperature Sensor Monitor

Build an Arduino Multi-Node BLE Humidity and Temperature Sensor Monitor

Use Cypress Solar-Powered BLE Sensors, an Arduino UNO, and an HM10 BLE module to make your own multi-node temperature and humidity monitor and display.