Evolution of a Blog

This blog has evolved as I have as a maker. It starts at the beginning of my journey where I began to re-tread my tires in the useful lore of micro electronics and the open-source software that can drive them. While building solutions around micro-electronics are still an occasional topic my more recent focus has been on the 3D Printing side of making.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Arduino Nano / LCD Projects Platform - Overview

The "Arduino Nano / 1.8" TFT LCD Projects Platform" consists of a 3D printed case that wraps a custom designed PCB on which is mounted an Arduino Nano, a 1.8" TFT LCD with an SD Card Reader, and three push buttons which are exposed to the front of the enclosure.

This kit is intended for someone that already has an Arduino based project in mind or underway that can benefit from a compact and flexible package that provides a small LCD, a user input capability, an SD Card Reader, and access to the Arduino's pins (of course).   It could also serve as a platform for a new Arduino user to experiment with the LCD display and SD functionality.
 
The PCB is designed such that headers can be used to access all of the pins of the Arduino Nano for jumpers.  Alternatively the solder points for the header can be used to directly connect leads.   The enclosure is designed to allow for either a six pin header through the case or the void for that header can be used for a ribbon cable.  There is also a port for a power connector.
 
The Nano shipped with the kit comes loaded with a program demonstrates the use of the TFT LCD, the SD Card Reader, the three buttons connected to a single analog pin, and a Temperature Sensor that is provided with the kit for purposes of this example (as well as to illustrate general capabilities of the enclosure).

More about this project can be found in these posts:

Parts List
Assembly
Demo Software

There is also a video overview on You Tube:






Another Project Example

Here is a picture of another project in the platform.  This one leverages the configuration shown above, but with the addition of a voltage divider and thermistor, to monitor operating termperatures of a 3D printer.

The first photo shows the wiring inside the case with the second showing it connected to the thermistor inside the 3D printer.  At this point in the experiment the DHT-11 was not needed.

The sketch that is running has been modified from the one that comes with the kit and displays, and records, the voltage generated from the voltage divider that includes the thermistor as one leg.
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7 comments:

  1. UnknownJuly 9, 2015 at 6:41 PM

    Hi! Excellent project. Prompt as connected button. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. RaymondAugust 8, 2016 at 3:08 AM

    I have wanted to take up a similar project for a while now and have never been quite sure on how to manage the task but this video you posted has given me some courage that a normal man like be could handle it even though my wife thinks different! Thanks for the great post.

    Raymond @ CKS Global Solutions LTD

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WisarAugust 8, 2016 at 9:22 AM

      Thanks for the comment. Let me know if you need any help proving your wife wrong!

      Delete
  3. JafleuJuly 19, 2017 at 1:46 PM

    Hi Wisar,

    thanks for this nice project of yours.
    I would like to know how did you wire the 3 buttons to use 1 arduino pin.
    could you send me a diagram, please or where can I find it.
    thank you in advance

    ReplyDelete
  4. WisarJuly 20, 2017 at 7:34 AM

    Here is an instructable that someone else did on the topic:

    http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-access-5-buttons-through-1-Arduino-input/

    You should also research voltage dividers if you do not know what they are already.

    The circuit for multiple buttons on a single Arduino input is basically three different levels of voltage divider. A different resistance activated by the push of each button. Measure the voltage and you know what button was pressed.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownDecember 9, 2018 at 5:16 AM

    Hi Wisar,

    I really inspired by your project and want to make one to. Can I know the fully circuitry of this project please.. it very pleasure if you can reply to my message. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownDecember 9, 2018 at 5:16 AM

    Hi Wisar,

    I really inspired by your project and want to make one to. Can I know the fully circuitry of this project please.. it very pleasure if you can reply to my message. Thank you

    ReplyDelete

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