Mike Szczys has written a tutorial on driving shift registers with SPI (AVR). He writes: The thing is, the sample code in the datasheet won’t work by itself. Atmel didn’t address the fact that you must drive SS low (the latch pin) to start the SPI transfer. I wrote this post to help get folks […]
Category Archives: how-to
Soldering the 8bit PIC SchmartBOARD
Here is a video showing how to solder a PIC16F88 and a few discrete components on a 8bit PIC SchmartBoard. The 8bit PIC SchmartBoard is a development board that supports many of Microchip’s 8bit microcontrollers in SOIC packages. It has a on-board crystal, 5v voltage regulator and 28 breakout pins for the PIC. It also […]
Eclipse hardware debugging guide
Brian made a tutorial on using eclipse for JTAG debugging LM3S based boards: I have published in the docs section a guide on how to use Eclipse to do JTAG based hardware debugging for the LM3S development boards (Cygni, Eridani, Procyon).Eclipse is complex software which has a lot of power and settings, not all of […]
Programming the STM32F4 DISCOVERY with the Bus Blaster
Nabil wrote to say, “I’ve had success programming and debugging using the Bus Blaster. In this post I will show you how to program and debug the Discovery board using open source hardware and software.” Via the contact form.
Irongeek’s Teensy based SD keylogger
Adrian Crenshaw (“Irongeek”) has released the project details and code for his latest hardware keylogger. If you have a Teensy board and ever thought about experimenting with keyloggers you’ll find everything you need in Adrian’s project description. You simple connect the Teensy between a female PS/2 connector and an SD card adapter and grab the […]
Openschemes homebrew SVF player
Openschemes has a tutorial describing their project for bit bang JTAG programming of Xilinx CPLDs using their homebrew SVF player. They describe: Today’s lesson consists of the development of a bit-banged JTAG SVF player in order to program a device such as a CPLD. It’s quite likely that the SVF player we develop today could […]
Arduino controlled flamethrowing Jack-O’-Lantern
Randofo published the details on this flamethrowing Jack-O’-Lantern on Instructables. This bad boy is designed for remote control via Squidbee RF modules so you can shoot a one-second burst of flame on command. (As randofo observes, you should be able to substitute any Arduino/XBee combo for the SquidBee.) This definitely qualifies as a Dangerous (Halloween) […]
CSR bluetooth tutorials
Implementing bluetooth into your project, amongst other things, allows you to get wireless interface for your design. We think it’s really cool to built devices that have the ability to talk to mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc. Byron is blogging about his experiences interfacing with CSR bluecore4 chips. There are instructions on how to build […]
A guide to Seeed Studio’s Fusion PCB service
Luca wrote a step-by-step guide to Seeed Studio’s Fusion PCB service. It covers how to export files from Eagle and get your PCB built. It’s available both in English and Italian. We like Fusion PCB service, it’s cheap and pretty fast. It starts at $10 for 10 PCBs ($1 per board), plus a few bucks […]
8-bit CPLD graphics card using XC9572
Ulrich Radig from Germany has developed an 8-bit graphics card based on the XC9572 CPLD. In addition to the CPLD chip (the same one used in our CPLD dev board), he added two cache blocks from an old motherboard. (He reports that the SRAM chip CY7C199-15 could be used instead.) He states, “[t]he graphics card […]
Shrinkify your Arduino project
If your Arduino project has minimal IO needs, you may want to consider shrinkifying it. This video demonstrates High Low Tech’s method for programming an ATTiny with Arduino code. Maker Randy Sarafan has designed an 8-pin Arduino programming shield to make the task easier. Via Make.
Voice controlled robotic arm tutorial
Algorhythmic has posted a multi-part tutorial at aonsquared describing how to build a voice controlled robotic arm. While recovering from a wrist injury he decided to assemble and experiment with a robotic arm controlled by USB using notbrainsurgery’s protocol. After getting accustomed to the interface he decided to take it one step further and add […]
Is soldermask required for fine pitch IC soldering?
Intrigued about a discussion on the forum about whether soldermask is needed between fine pitch pads, Brian decided to test it. In the video of the test he placed solder paste on both the FR4 board material, and the soldermask, as well as some on a tined pad. Once done reflowing his results were in. Both the FR4 and the soldermask acted the […]
Surface mount soldering tutorial
EEVblog made a SMD hand soldering tutorial. In the video Dave explains how to solder small SMD capacitors and resistors, all the standard size pitches for ICs up to a 0.5mm pitch, as well as some tips how to use large thermal pads, like adding thermal paste or preheating the board and the IC.
What are the topics you need to know to master microcontrollers?
Chuckt asked what goals important to master microcontrollers. There’s been some good suggestions so far, which are consolidated on the wiki: Basic Pins/port/direction (LED flashing) PWM (LED intensity) Advanced UART communication (when and how to use max232 chip) SPI communication I2C communication CAN communication Interrupts (pin – detect button press, UART – communication) Hardware timers Interfacing an […]
Tutorial: Arduino and numeric keypads
Tronixstuff has posted the first part of a tutorial explaining how to interface numeric keypads with the Arduino. This segment is the latest in a series of Arduino tutorials posted by Tronixstuff.
LCD-MCU interface tutorial
Rickey’s World has an interesting collection of information on interfacing LCDs to MCUs. Beginners will find a lot of information here on the use of standard HD44780 LCD displays, including the basics as well as the generation of custom characters. If you’re already familiar with LCD interfacing this can serve as a handy reference.
A beginner’s guide to the MOSFET
An introduction to the MOSFET: If you need to switch high current and or high voltage loads with a micro controller you’ll need to use some type of transistor. I’m going to be covering how to use a MOSFET since it’s a better option for high power loads. This guide will be just a brief […]
A guide to reflow soldering
Arup shares his soldering technique: The below FM radio module is dismantled and re soldered by my method, and looks exactly as it was new product. Thanks Arup! Via the forum.
RS-485 and Arduino
As seen in the above illustration from National Instruments, RS-485 ports are identical in appearance to RS-232 but with different pin assignments. You will not find them on contemporary home computer hardware, and they are only rarely seen on legacy machines. They are, however, found on various types of commercial computer and telecom equipment and […]