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Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 1: The Circuit

Embedded PID Temperature Control, Part 1: The Circuit

Invoke the power of the PID (proportional–integral–derivative controller)! The key components in this design are an EFM8 microcontroller, a DAC, and the MAX31855 thermocouple-to-digital converter.


Projects Feb 01, 2016 by Robert Keim
How to Eliminate Ground Loops with Signal Isolation

How to Eliminate Ground Loops with Signal Isolation

This project explains how to isolate signals to eliminate ground loops in electronic systems.


Projects Jan 29, 2016 by Orrin Bigelow
Using Scilab GUI for RGB and Lux Measurements

Using Scilab GUI for RGB and Lux Measurements

Gather data via USB from a BH1745NUC optical sensor and then display color characteristics and illuminance values.


Projects Jan 28, 2016 by Robert Keim
Design a Color Sensor with Measurements Displayed via an RGB LED Module, Part 2

Design a Color Sensor with Measurements Displayed via an RGB LED Module, Part 2

Learn how to collect and process RGB data generated by the BH1745NUC color sensor IC.


Projects Jan 23, 2016 by Robert Keim
Design a Color Sensor with Measurements Displayed via an RGB LED Module

Design a Color Sensor with Measurements Displayed via an RGB LED Module

Display colors by precisely controlling the intensity of red, green, and blue LEDs.


Projects Jan 22, 2016 by Robert Keim
Building Raspberry Pi Controllers: IR Remote Event Counter

Building Raspberry Pi Controllers: IR Remote Event Counter

In part 4 of this Build Raspberry Pi Controllers series, the reader will learn how to build an IR Remote Event counter using littleBits.


Projects Jan 19, 2016 by Don Wilcher
Measure Distance with a Sonar Sensor on an Arduino

Measure Distance with a Sonar Sensor on an Arduino

Learn how to measure distances up to 20 ft with a sonar sensor on an Arduino!


Measuring and Calculating Lux Values, Part 2

Measuring and Calculating Lux Values, Part 2

Use data from an RGB sensor to improve the accuracy of illuminance measurements.


Measure Thermocouple Temperature with the MAX31855 and a PICAXE

Measure Thermocouple Temperature with the MAX31855 and a PICAXE

Whether for cooking or reflow soldering, a thermocouple is often the best choice for a high temperature sensor. The MAX31855, a PICAXE-08M2, a serial LCD, and a few lines of code will do the trick.


Measuring and Calculating Lux Values

Measuring and Calculating Lux Values

Learn how to translate the output of a photosensor into an illuminance measurement.


Understanding Illuminance: What’s in a Lux?

Understanding Illuminance: What’s in a Lux?

A practical introduction to quantifying perceived light intensity.


Build a Motion Activated “Santa Cam”

Build a Motion Activated “Santa Cam”

This is a simple motion activated camera that will allow you to finally get photographic evidence of Santa Claus.


Make Your Switch Sound Activated

Make Your Switch Sound Activated

In this article, we'll build a sound-activated switch that can be opened and closed with a double clap.


Projects Dec 21, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Getting Started with the Bosch BMP180 Sensor

Getting Started with the Bosch BMP180 Sensor

Learn one of the ways to get started with the BMP180 sensor and learn a simple way to improve the data.


Projects Dec 20, 2015 by Alex Udanis
Make a GPS Clock With PICAXE

Make a GPS Clock With PICAXE

In this article, I'll show you one way to get the time and date from a GPS module, using a PICAXE 20m2.


Hack Your Toaster Oven to Become a Thermocouple Measurement System

Hack Your Toaster Oven to Become a Thermocouple Measurement System

The intuitive, step-by-step procedure presented in this article will help you to successfully perform reflow soldering in your toaster oven.


Projects Dec 18, 2015 by Robert Keim
Build a LaunchPad-Controlled Clock with Temperature and Humidity Meter

Build a LaunchPad-Controlled Clock with Temperature and Humidity Meter

If you're looking for a cool weekend project, you've found it. This is not only a digital clock: it also measures and displays the temperature and the relative humidity of your room periodically.


Projects Dec 18, 2015 by Tim Youngblood
Use Python’s Scientific Toolbox to Find the Natural Response of Thermal Systems

Use Python’s Scientific Toolbox to Find the Natural Response of Thermal Systems

Use Python's scientific toolbox to determine the natural response of a real thermal system and plot the results for visualization and further analysis.


Introduction to the Manually-Controlled Toaster Oven Reflow

Introduction to the Manually-Controlled Toaster Oven Reflow

With the help of a DIY thermocouple measurement system, you can use a cheap toaster oven to accurately reproduce a reflow-soldering temperature profile.


Make a GPS Clock With Arduino

Make a GPS Clock With Arduino

Do you need GPS time on your desk? This article will show you how to use a GPS module to get time, date and your location displayed on an LCD with an Arduino.