This workshop will introduce you to the basics of the Arduino microcontroller system. The goal is to introduce you to its open source development platform and get you started with the creation of your own interactive object(s). No previous programming or electronics experience necessary.
4 weeks, Tuesdays in May, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
May 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
Instructor: Lutz Hamel
Workshop cost: $100 + $100 materials fee = $200
Materials fee includes an Arduino and all components needed for the class. In the AS220 Labs space, 2nd floor, 115 Empire Street, Providence
Arduino is a microcontroller platform broadly used in the fields of art and design. It is used in creating all kinds of interactive artifacts, art installations, and prototypes. Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments.
Arduino can sense the environment by receiving input from a variety of sensors and can affect its surroundings by controlling lights, motors, and other actuators. The microcontroller on the board is programmed using the Arduino programming language (based on Wiring) and the Arduino development environment (based on Processing). Arduino projects can be stand-alone or they can communicate with software on running on a computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP).
This workshop is geared towards anybody who is interested in creating interactive artifacts using sensors, motors, and other electronic devices. No previous electronics or programming experience is necessary, we will take you through the basics and work on some advanced projects such as controlling a motor and interfacing to your computer. As part of the four week workshop we give you the opportunity to design an interactive object either on your own or as part of a group.
Some of the topics we will be discussing:
Arduino: About the tool, how it works, project's philosophy and community orientation.
Basic Sensor Technology: Sensors are devices that map physical properties into digital devices.
Actuators: motors, electromagnets, piezo elements...
Communicating with Computers: Send information from Arduino to a computer and vice versa.
No programming or electronics experience necessary. All materials, including an Arduino kit are included in the materials fee. Participants are
encouraged to bring their own computers if they want to develop
their exercises and projects on their own systems.
Outline
Week 1
Intro to Arduino.
The Development Environment
Building Circuits
Schematics, Programs, Transducers
Basic Input/Output
Digital vs. Analog
Week 2
Interactive Design
Sensing and Acting
Advanced Sensors
Driving Larger Loads
Week 3
Generating Sound, Amplification
MIDI
Communication between Arduino and Computer
Multimedia Applications
"Processing" - A Programming Language geared towards Multimedia Applications
Week 4
Auxiliary Circuits and Components
Device Communication using different Media
Participants' Project Review/Construction
