Make your own Arduino Board- DIY instructions for Beginners (part 1)

Many people are interested in an Arduino box and doing exciting stuff with it. Some of you might be interested in preparing an Arduino board yourself. Well here are some DIY instructions for you so that you can work and create your own system. Some starter readers may wonder what the differences between Arduino Boards and Arduino Shields and what their respective uses are. In short, arduino board is the master chip, and the shield is an extended board. The former is responsible for the operation, and the latter is for some special functions. For example, the role of the music shield is to provide the function of playing music. There are other Expansion Boards that we will talk about in the following paragraph.

The cost of all the arduino starter kit is very less and easily available in the market. You can find all kinds of the arduino starter kits on the online store which are quite affordable and can basically meet all your entry demands with so many different parts and components to choose. There is no requirement of a board; you just need an Atmega chip as a main piece for the project unless you are interested in Arduino Nano (the arduino nano can be said as a prebuilt board). It is easy if you need to add more boards to your existing Arduino board. The serial connected to USB adapter chip can help the microcontroller to interface and connect to your computer. Let’s see how the process can be completed easily! Here is just an example of a basic starter arduino kit that I randomly found online, and you can choose whichever you like.

Materials available in a Starter arduino kit 

· A Prefboard

· 7805 V regulator (5V)

· LM1117T3.3 V Regulator (3.3V)

· 10uf electrolytic Capacitors - 2

· 10uf tantalum Capacitors - 2

· Green and red LED

· 150 ohm resistors - 2

· 10 K resistor

· Ceramics disk capacitors- 22pf - 2

· Ceramics disk capacitors - 0.1uf

· Crystal oscillator- 16 MHz

· Push Button Switch

· Jumper wires

· Female Headers

· Female wall wart power jack

· Male headers - 6

· Bootloader - Atmega328

· 28 pin DIC IC Socket

Make your own Arduino Board- DIY instructions for Beginners (part 2)

When you get your Arduino control panel, you first thing you need to do is to install the driver on your computer so that you can experiment with it. All kinds of practical operations and experiments should base on this. This will require you download the Arduino IDE to your computer (the IDE is Arduino's software development environment, whether Mac, Windows, or Linux). If you can not find the download address, you can comment below and I will offer you some guidance. Then, you need to purchase some Expansion Boards online, for rc drone controller, you might need the bluetooth module and the GPS module, for example.

Steps to prepare an Arduino Board:

1. Socket attachment

The first step would fix the socket seeing that it is fixed to the notch of the perf board. You can drill and create a larger notch on the board. You could also get an Amplifier Board or ICD Controller board. The Bluetooth power amplifier board is suitable for all small bluetooth speakers. The lcd controller board is compatible with Notebook, host computer, monitor, VGA, host DVI, Xbox/PS3/PS4, raspberry pie signal interface and so on.

2. Add a 5V and 3.3V Regulators

By holding the 7805 printed side down fix the 5 V and 3.3 V regulators using the decoupling capacitors. The 3.3V do not have the same pins as in 7805; hence make sure to keep the print sides towards you.

3. Indicator LED

Connect the LED to the output of 7805 regulators to indicate the power. Connect the anode to 150-ohm resistor and connect the resistor to the output of 7805. Plug in and make sure everything is fine.

4. Connect the power and ground pins

Connect the pins 7, 20 and of 5 volts; 8 and 22 to ground.

5. Reset Button

Take a pin to connect to 10k and then to 5v continuously connecting to the bush button to pin 1 along with other to ground.

6. Add on crystal oscillator

Connect 16 MHz oscillators to pins 9 and 10. After this connect the 22cp to pin 9 with other ends to ground. Repeat with pin 10.

7. LED on Pin 13

Connect red to pin 19 and cathode to 150-ohm resistor.

8. Female Headers

Label them all to avoid confusion and connect them to respective pins and make sure to be tedious.

9. Other headers

Connect the 6 male headers opposite to the power jack as given.

10. Use an Arduino Uno to program

You just need to prier the chip to Arduino board while off and you can replace the chip.

Batteries, their chargers, and specifications

With the modern technology, most household items use different types of battery-powered devices to make them function effectively. Batteries classified as 18650 have many uses on different types of devices ranging from flashlights to laptops. Although they usually have the same shape as AA batteries, these lithium-ion batteries are larger and have a wide range of uses, the most common being their use to power up flashlights. These batteries can also be used to power up window solar systems that can charge household gadgets, as well as mini cameras and Li-ion chainsaws, which uses a pack of these batteries. Lithium-ion polymer batteries, on the other hand, are rechargeable and use polymer electrolytes rather than liquids ones. Some of their uses include use in household gadgets like mobile phones and tablets, powering hybrid vehicles and used in aircrafts as well as trains.

The 18650 battery charger

The 18650 battery charger has many features that ensure it functions as it should. Some of them include ease of use and compatibility with a variety of products. It works as a power bank for devices like iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, Motorola phones and Sony phones among others. It can also charge the 18650 battery that power it. All these give users different types of uses making it a valuable product to have. These batteries also come in different colors and have an input of up to DC 5V.

The lipo battery charger

The lipo battery charger also has its share of features that users can benefit from. They have individual cell balancing, a wide range of charge currents and delta peak sensitivity. These microprocessor-controlled chargers can also store data and monitor their voltage. However, their functionality has a time constraint. With a maximum of 50W charge capacity and current ranging between 1-5.0A, this is a product that will meet all your needs. The battery strap from Eachine, for example, is a high-quality product as attested by customers who have used it. It has a strap capacity of up to 5 batteries and comes in a length of 22.3cm. This gives makes it spacious enough to function as it should without any problem.

All these products are amazing and can help you save a lot of money since you can use each of them in a variety of devices. They don’t consume a lot of power, helping save the energy and are very affordable. Customers who have used them have given positive reviews with most using terms such as amazing, awesome and quality products. All these show that purchasing any of them will give you value for your money.

Tools That Satisfies DIY Lover’s Requirements

Knowing how to do things yourself is an incredible approach to spare cash and it implies you less dependent on repairmen and purchasing costly substitutions. The increment in your DIY learning for nothing with these convenient assets. Expanding your DIY aptitudes is an extraordinary approach to diminish the measure of cash, you spend paying other individuals to assemble and repair things for you. You don't need to submit yourself to a profession as a jack of all trades or join an exchange association to get long lasting DIY abilities. You can locate an assorted and wide pool of learning openings in your nearby group and a considerable lot of them are accessible for nothing or efficiently. Peruse the accompanying rundown to discover a strategy that works for your calendar and spending plan.

There are some tools that can assist you in your DIY activities:

3D Printer

The 3D Printer development is engaging individuals around the globe to make things for themselves. Practical things, lovely things, or whatever you like just make the best use of your imagination. That is the delight of 3D printing. You can customize, modify and change any piece of anything to fit your needs by using some 3d printer parts and materials.

• Be an innovator. Transform your thoughts into usable parts and instruments in a matter of hours.

• Solve your own particular issues by making one of a kind physical outlines.

• You can print whatever structure you wish, however, unpredictable.

• It's naturally cordial utilizing 90% of the crude material, making beside no loss by any means.

Leather Craft Tools

Leather craft tool is an amazing and high power machine that is just made to produce maximum benefits in a brief timeframe. People can utilize all kinds different sizes of the leather craft tools for gift purpose also. It is awesome if you make your own gift. It is also less expensive than purchasing everything independently, as we all know. Leather made products on the market are not cheap. This leathercraft tool is a phenomenal approach to begin any DIY craft. This tool has all you have to make for proficient leather items at the art level.

Soldering Iron

The utilization of electric soldering iron is regular in the market for gadgets and gems making. Soldering iron tends to discover use in pipes. Utilizing the previous welding iron sort requires little as expertise, and basic guidelines do the trick to kick a great many people off. Soldering irons can easily keep up consistent warmth levels, guaranteeing that clients don't wind up consuming surfaces they work with, and the soldering station will also protect your work table. The accessibility of various types of solder tips guarantees more exactness because commonplace gas-controlled irons offer little as artfulness. Furthermore, when you search for soldering iron options, the accessibility of various wattage and warmth setting choices is a clear in addition, given that this offer expanded flexibility.

Future Home: smarter and smarter

Have you ever dreamed of your future home? How is it like? Will it be just like the home from the fiction movie that is full of smart devices like AI or RC controller? In fact, it might not be just a dream. Technology is developing every day rapidly and more and more smart gadgets like the smart remote controller or wireless smart plug have been invented to improve our life convenience. Let’s have a look at some smart gadgets that might achieve your dreamlike smart home.

1. Smart remote controller

The xiaomi smart remote controller is an 'universal' remote control that it can replace the remote control of an ordinary home appliance, such as air conditioning, TV, set-top boxes, amplifier, and speakers. Besides, it can also replace the infrared transmission remote control and also supports remote control and remote operation APP. Simply put, that is the one can put all of the remote control of your family appliances into one, using this remote control can remote control all home appliances so easily.

2. Mini Intelligent Wifi Router

The xiaomi pocket router is the mainstream of dual-band AC intelligent routers and has been praised in the industry as the cost-effective champion. 3 times faster! Support for the latest 802.11ac protocol, transmission rate up to 1167Mbps. A key switch, the metamorphosis of universal relay let home WiFi coverage without a dead angle. It is also a dual-band AC 2.4GHz/5GHz router which can be an intelligent home controller center to operate all the smart home appliances.

3. WiFi Wireless Remote Control Smart Socket

The xiaomi wifi plug can be controlled by the xiaomi APP and can be said as the world’s smallest smart socket with 3C certification. The xiaomi smart wifi plug with standard 5V/1A USB interface supports timer function.

4. Smart 4 Antennas WiFi Router

The xiaomi mi router is the mainstream of dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz AC intelligent routers offering 3 times faster speed than traditional wireless routers, supporting the latest 802.11ac protocol, up to 1167Mbps total bandwidth, 300Mbps in 2.4G and 867Mbps in 5G. The 4 pcs real 2X2 dual-band AC antennas, cover wilder, and as an intelligent home controller center to operate all the smart home appliances. 7 sets of protection, more secure to protect your exclusive WiFi zone and etc. Creative, direct and swift connection give you the best experience.

YG-300 review: 2017 best cost-effective projector

Many of our readers have asked me to recommend an affordable projector for them since the projector at home does not have to be that expensive and professional and what they need just to satisfy their watching needs. In most of this kind of situation, I will always recommend the YG-300 LCD Mini Portable LED Projector which can be said the highest cost-effective projector these years. What is also amazing is that all the feedbacks about this portable led projector are 9/10 or 10/10 good reviews.

Let’s go check it out why can this portable led projector satisfy its customers so well.

Description:

YG-300 LCD Projector is a multimedia player with 320 x 240 pixels, visible 400 - 600 lumens and 800:1 contrast ratio. With this small but high-performance projector, you can enjoy the high-quality images and videos in a very comfortable position.

Features:

High performance

With 400 - 600 lumens and 800:1 contrast ratio, this mini portable led projector will provide you the clear, razor-sharp images and as comfortable visual experience as the cinema.

Full high-definition

With the native resolution 320 x 240 pixels for clear and bright images, this mini portable led projector provides exceptional display quality which is perfectly designed for home theater.

User-friendly

Support AV / CVBS / High Definition Multimedia Interface / USB multimedia interfaces for DVD player, laptop computer, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, etc.. You don’t need to worry about any installment or compatibility problem since it’s very easy to use and compatible with most of the devices.

Durable and trustworthy

LED lamp life is over 30000 hours by many tests which can be said that it never needs to replace. The wifi led projector will be your lifetime trusty companion giving you the happy and satisfied enjoyment of watching photos and videos. Infrared remote control lets you enjoy your wonderful life which the wireless brings to you.

Kindly notice: According to our testing, the projection distance of the led projector hd 1080p preferably within 1.5 meters. If this distance is exceeded, the projector may not be able to focus, thank you.

BlitzWolf BW-MP1 Portable WIFI Led Projector Review

There are many brands and models of home theater projectors in the market now since the concept of home cinema is becoming increasingly popular, and sometimes it’s hard for customers to choose a right mini projector. For most of the people, they hope the projector can be easy to install and operate, besides, they also hope it to be small in size and wireless so it will not need much space. All in all, we compared so many projectors from different brands and this BlitzWolf BW-MP1 projector got the highest score from cost and quality.

Description:

Immerse the MP1 in darkness and bring your movies to life on the big screen. With our unique BW link technology, you can wirelessly connect your computer, iPhone and Android smartphone to the wifi wireless projector. Once paired, anything you play on your device will be shown on the projector screen. Get the popcorn, dim the lights and get the show started!

Features:

1. Enhanced LED Technology, 20% Brighter than ordinary LED.

This wireless led projector adopts the lasted upgraded LED technology and provides more brightness per watt than ordinary LED projector systems. The long-lasting lamp can operate for more than 20000 Hours.

2. WiFi Connectivity.

Connect your iPhone/iPad/Android device/Mac/PC with the wifi projector via Miracast/Air-Play without any cable. 

3. Large Screen Experience.

With a native resolution of 800*480, you can create a screen with an image size of 34-130 Inches(Recommend Distance 8.0 ft), and this wireless projector can project an aspect ratio of 4:3 and 16:9.

4. Keystone Function +-15 degrees.

Adjust the image manually with keystone to create a perfectly square distortion free screen.

5. Multiple Input Interfaces.

You can watch your favorite programs with bigger screen via VGA/HDMI/USB/SD card;connect an external speaker via the 3.5 mm headphone jack, or via the AV port, connect PC / Laptop via VGA or HDMI, connect chrome cast / fire stick via HDMI & USB 5V ports, connect DVD / cable box via AV cable, connect PlayStation PS3 PS4 or X-Box ONE Wii via HDMI cable to enjoy games on such  big screen wireless video projector.

6. Amazingly high definition

The high quality LED will offer you 1200 lumens brightness, 16 million colors and 800：1 contrast, so you will enjoy incredible real immerse.

Get these intelligent cool gadgets and upgrade your life

Xiaomi is a well-known company across the globe. It is a company with a high reputation as it produces superior quality products. Have you ever used a product from Xiaomi? Have you ever wondered why many people go for Xiaomi products? Some people say that it is because of the brand reputation, others claim that it is because of the products durability and so on. But we are going to find out by looking at the review of some of its products below.

Xiaomi pm2.5 detector

Has your search for the best air detector always ended in vain? If it has, then the solution is here with you. The xiaomi pm2.5 detector is one of the most results-oriented air detectors that you can ever come across. Unlike the ordinary, this detector is made of a high-quality ABS material which enhances its durability. This means that you can use the product for decades without it breaking apart. How accurate do you ever wish your activities to be? I am sure that you always need them 100% accurate. Well, just like what you desire, the Xiaomi pm2.5 detector detects the air quality very quickly and accurately.

Xiaomi ai speaker

The type of speaker you use has a big impact on the quality of the music output. If you want high-quality sound, then use a superior quality speaker. Have you been struggling with sound quality? If you have, then the solution lies in xiaomi ai speaker. The ai speaker features a Bluetooth system which enables you to connect your device from a distance. Unlike the ordinary speakers, the AI speaker can select your favorite song upon request. The xiaomi ai speaker can be your perfect assistant as it can act as an alarm, can update you on weather and help you find your phone.

Xiaomi water purifier

A water purifier is one of the most important gadgets that you need not miss. The xiaomi water purifier is the most reliable water purifiers that you can ever get. It is a gadget that makes tap water drinkable instantly. The purifier releases 1 liter of water per minute. It has a multichannel filter path which improves filtration efficiency. It is made of a high-quality material that makes it durable.

The above products will change your life for the better. The Xiaomi pm2.5 detector will help you detect any abnormalities in your surroundings. The Xiaomi ai speaker will enhance your sound system and the mi water purifier will ensure that your water is always clean.

Small things you have never thought that necessary they will be (part 2)

In today's society, there are too many products on the market to choose from. For some popular products, we often tangle whether or not to buy. Unless it is bought by friends and strongly recommended to you. Otherwise, in most cases, people have always had an optional attitude to some non-essential goods. In fact, for some items that help to improve the quality of life and family well-being, even if they are not essential items, they can have a great impact on people's attitudes and attitudes toward life.

The following are some of the small items we have collected extensively from society. These small items are generally acclaimed and are considered absolutely not regrettable to buy:

4. smart alarm clock

Nowadays, the technology has developed so rapidly that you might never think an alarm clock can be this smart. Except for beautiful LED night light and alarm ring, the smart alarm clock will also show the weather, temperature, humidity and it can also be used as a radio, wireless music player, and a phone speaker so that you don’t need to go grab your phone at the time you wake up. What’s better, you can also set your snooze time by the smart alarm clock, no need to worry falling to sleep again.

5. Waterproof Electric Toothbrush

Are you still using a normal toothbrush instead of an electric toothbrush? Personally, I will recommend you to try the Waterproof Electric Toothbrush as it will really make your teeth brushing so much easier but you can actually feel that your whole oral cavity will be much cleaner. You will brush your teeth twice a day basically, so this is not something insignificant. To make your teeth and oral healthier, the Waterproof Electric Toothbrush with the soft brush will protect the gums from harm which is suitable for children and adults. The Electric Toothbrush doesn’t have to be very expensive but still of good quality.

6. smart thermometer

Honestly, every family should at least has a smart thermometer so that when you are having a fever, you can know it immediately instead of rushing to the hospital especially during Flu season. Except for the smart thermometer, other smart home health management gadgets will also be very helpful such as the Pregnancy Ovulation Test Strip Predicting Paper, Injury Ice Bag Aid Muscle Aches, Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Blood Oxygen SpO2 PR Heart Rate Monitor, Massager Full Body Handheld Electric and so on. If there are children or elderly at your home, consider if you need to prepare some of these.

Small things you have never thought that necessary they will be (part 1)

In today's society, there are too many products on the market to choose from. For some popular products, we often tangle whether or not to buy. Unless it is bought by friends and strongly recommended to you. Otherwise, in most cases, people have always had an optional attitude to some non-essential goods. In fact, for some items that help to improve the quality of life and family well-being, even if they are not essential items, they can have a great impact on people's attitudes and attitudes toward life.

The following are some of the small items we have collected extensively from society. These small items are generally acclaimed and are considered absolutely not regrettable to buy:

1. Smart Flower Pot

Yes, even a flower pot can be so intelligent. The Xiaomi Flora Smart Flower Pot can automatically monitor the water and fertilizer and show it clearly to you. Different colors of the led light on behalf of the plant different abnormal states. The HHCC Smart Flower Pot can also access to Mijia APP which including 3200+ plant information to help you better understand your plants. If you try to know more about your plants but you don’t know their names, you can use the APP to have a search according to the leaves.

2. rechargeable table lamp

The Portable Folding LED rechargeable table lamp has some advantages that it can’t be replaced by the normal desk lamp as you can take it anywhere you go without worrying if there is any plug. So you can use it indoor and also outdoor. It can’t also be replaced by a flashlight since this LED rechargeable table lamp gives bright and soft light without flash, so it’s good to protect your eyes. However, it’s not recommended to read under the flashlight light.

3. universal phone holder

Phone holder is of great use especially for those who love to stare at the cell phone for hours. If you are not sure which phone holder size will be perfect for your cell phone, what about a universal phone holder? The Universal Phone Stand Portable Lazy Mount is made by high-quality ABS+ Silicon and can be compatible with all phones and tablets. Compact, lightweight but sturdy enough folding flat with adjustable angles, this universal phone holder is perfect for travel too.

Getting Started the Arduino (part 3)

We talked a lot about the basics of Arduino, and for most beginners, the first step in getting started is to choose the right arduino learning kit. So, in the following, we will discuss in detail about what an arduino starter kit will contain and their usefulness.

Of course, except for the main Arduino compatible development board, the Basic Starter Learning Kit will basically include:

1. Prototype extension board: with the Double Sided PCB Board Prototype Panel Universal Circuit Glass

2. Breadboard: The original intention of the birth of breadboard, is to provide a temporary build circuit board, try to adjust the circuit connection without welding work abutment.

3. Motor and motor driver board

4. LEDs

5. Different sensors：Vibration Sensor, Flame sensor, temperature sensor, light sensor and so on

6. Infrared receiver

7. Photoresistor

8. Passive buzzer (piezo buzzer) and Active buzzer (tone generator)

9. Remote Control: the Wireless Remote Control Switch is a learning code wireless remote control switch (receiver), the output way /working way can be changed as you like, it is easy to match the transmitter. It has 4 Relays which can make the equipment turn or reverse, on/off and so on come true. The volume is small and the performance is stable and reliable, high receive sensitivity.

10. Heating module: The higher the voltage, the greater the heating current and the effect is better.

11. Radio Receiver: the Radio Receiver Module adopt the advanced technology of DSP and FM modulation PLL to make the sound more realistic, more stable performance, long working hours without frequency offset.

12. Other things like the Key cap, Key switch, Adjustable potentiometer, Jumper cap, Screen, servos, Component box, DuPont line, Breadboard line, 8*8 dot matrix, eight-segment tube, IC 74HC595, Battery, resistor plug, pin header, USB cable and so on.

Except for the Basic Starter Learning Kit, there are other more Arduino Compatible Kits like the diy arduino kit, the DIY Digital Kit for Digital Oscilloscope, DIY LED Kit and so on. The diy electronics kit can be used in alarm clock, festival decoration, LED lights and so on.

Getting Started the Arduino (part 2)

What is a microcontroller

Before we know more about Arduino, we need to seriously teach the concept of "microcontroller."

Single-Chip Microcomputer, also known as Microcontroller, is a Microcontroller Chips that integrates a central processing unit, memory, Timer / Counter, various input / output interfaces and so on. Compared with general-purpose microprocessors used in personal computers, it emphasizes self-provisioning (without external hardware) and cost savings. Its biggest advantage is small size, can be placed inside the instrument, but the storage capacity is small, the input and output interface is simple, low function with the arduino ic chips.

The type of control system

1. I / O board

For example PicoBoard, Phidget. Although these devices can not be programmed directly, you can control their Input and Output through a desktop programming environment such as Scratch, Processing, or Flash.

2. Programmable module

Such as Arduino, BASIC Stamp. These devices, once programmed, can operate independently of the computer. There are many electronic Arduino Components on the programmable module: communication, power management(Power Supply Module), connectors... They have more scalable content than I / O boards and are more convenient than bare-chip processors. For most people, learning from this level is the best.

3. Bare-chip processor

For example, Propeller, PICAXE. You have to get all your support circuits and connections yourself, but they're cheaper. In general, they are more suitable for the more experienced hobbyist.

4. Single-board computer

Experienced programmers might feel excited about boards like the Beagle Board and the Raspberry Pi. Actually, I will not recommend for beginners with no programming foundation to get started. For programming beginners, direct access to the Linux command line is difficult.

Arduino's software development platform

Arduino Development Board has a major feature that is different from the I / O board - it is programmable, which means that Arduino specific functions on the microcontroller can be repeatedly changed. The program written by Arduino is called "sketch."

Arduino Extension Module Board 

In summary, Arduino Development Board is only the core control module can be programmed, so it needs the cooperation of other expansion modules. There are countless expansion modules available on the market for Arduino: Common sensor modules are similar to Heating Module, Power Supply Module, Radio Receiver Module, Wireless Remote Control Switch, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, etc., common actuator modules are servo motors, buzzers, LEDs and so on.

Arduino Control Board usually provides enough digital/analog input and output PIN, used to connect these expansion modules. So, a great part of learning to use Arduino is to pick the right extension module and diy electronics kit for your project, connect it to the Arduino module board correctly, write the correct driver using the Arduino IDE, and continue debugging until it succeeds.