Why Arduino when you can Pi?

The greatest advantage to using the Arduino family of microcontrollers for DIY electronics projects, is that they are ubiquitous. Since they are so available, they are inexpensive and you can find open-source software to get started.

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to work with an Arduino Uno microcontroller board, then you’ve probably executed the flashing LED example. Going further, you might attach a button, or switch, to trigger the LED or to turn it off making the project interactive. There are many sensors that could be connected to the Arduino Uno and setup to trigger events, such as the LED flashing, using threshold values that we would need to experiment with in order to figure out what settings work best for creating the effect we want.

Why DIY when you could buy?

You value the project because you are able to customize and experience the process of its creation, both physically and mentally.

Using a Raspberry Pi and USB Camera

You have a Raspberry Pi, or are comfortable with the idea of using one, and you want to use it to capture video or images using a USB camera. Even though the Raspberry Pi has a port designed specifically for using a camera, it’s not as low-cost, nor as convenient as the USB corded camera.

How do I know if I need to ask for help?

How do I know if I need to ask for help? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-do-i-know-need-ask-help-cory-potter

Making Sound Effects with Arduino

Sound plays an important role in the user experience by adding another layer of depth; making for a more realistic experience.

Hot Stuff

Rather than use a cyanoacrylate or superglue, I use hot glue to keep the connections in place. I used to have a negative perception of using hot glue because it seemed amateur and trashy. After having dismantled many Furbies and Talking Elmos, I see it frequently makes it in the final product. I’ve since reconsidered, and now, I like hot glue because it is convenient and can be removed later if there is a need to check a connection or replace a part.

Arduino FastLED Library

Using an Arduino Uno to calibrate an RGB LED strip.
The purpose of running this example is to determine what settings are needed to use the FastLED library. For this example I’m using an Arduino Uno. The Uno has a ground pin next to pin 13, so for convenience, I’m using pin 13 as a low-current Vcc for the RGB LED lights strip:

Making a Lightshow with Arduino

They are in games, decorations, shadow boxes, sign borders, torches, spotlights, and so on…

Solar-Rechargeable Decorations

Phoenix Fire Lily: Solar rechargeable battery connected to a flickering LED inside an artificial lily flower residing in a hand-crafted wooden vase.

Keep Fingers Out of your Pi

In my previous article , I explain how to setup the Raspberry Pi to be a web server. I also demonstrate searching log files for “footprints” from the IP requests that have been made to your web server. Now, I would like to discuss protecting your web server from becoming a victim to a potentially malicious attack.