18
MARCH 2012
This weekend, Medical Section committee conducted Arduino workshop. It is open for any course, but targeted especially for FYP student. There is lots of things that we get from this workshop as it is conducted for the beginners ; from Introduction to Arduio, how to install the software, run simple program such as running LED and switches, be guided line-by-line and the important command that should have in the programming and many more. we also being provided with CD that consists of Arduino e-book, example of program, power point notes, support program such as Fritzing and Toolduino software.
Here is some interesting point that can be highlighted through out these workshop:
ABOUT ARDUINO:
Arduino is great because it can give you results
right away, and quickly build your confidence and understanding. Confidence is
the only real currency of innovation after all. Once you have that, you can
move on to more sophisticated projects. But without an easy-to-understand entry
point, you’ll never get there at all.
- It's an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple micro-controller board, and a development environment for writing software for the board.
- Arduino projects can be stand-alone, or they can be communicate with software running on your computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, Max MSP.)
- The boards can be assembled by hand or purchased pre-assembled; the open-source IDE can be downloaded for free.
- Microcontroller: ATmega328
- Operating Voltage: 5V
- Input Voltage (recommended): 7-12V
- Input Voltage (limits): 6-20V
- Digital I/O Pins: 14 (of which 6 provide PWM output)
- Analog Input Pins: 6
- DC Current per I/O Pin: 40 mA
- DC Current for 3.3V Pin: 50 mA
- Flash Memory: 32 KB (ATmega328) of which 0.5 KB used by bootloader
- SRAM: 2 KB (ATmega328)
- EEPROM: 1 KB (ATmega328)
- Clock Speed: 16 MHz
Runs
on: Windows, Mac OS X,
Linux
Languages:
Wiring/Arduino, C/C++
Getting
Started guides: Clear
step-by-step instructions, from download to blinking LED.
Knowledge
base:
• Many simple
examples included with download
• Good reference
guide to the commands
• Large knowledge
base on Arduino site and elsewhere
Advantage:
• Can be run as I/O
board, using Firmata firmware
• Very large
knowledge base
• Simple language,
but expandable using C/C++
• Multiple models,
for shields, breadboards, wearable, extra I/O pins
• Many shield modules
• Large number of
open source derivative boards
Disadvantage:
• C language
constructs (semicolons, brackets, case sensitivity) are confusing
:: Arduino also can be stand alone. it is impossible for FYP student to attach Arduino board in their project. so, to make it stand alone, it just requires two capacitors, and oscillator; connected Atmega 328P and 5V supply.
NOTE: I can try applying Aduino in my project to add function such as alarm if the tube disconnect from the mattress, or add LCD display; for example, to display amount of pressure delivered into or sucked out of the mattress.
