Tinker Thoughts Blog
TTB #7: Can a 3.3V Signal Reliably Switch a 5V Relay Module?
Wondering if the PTSolns ESP32 microWatt can control a 5 V relay module with its 3.3 V logic? This post dives into real-world testing, current draw, and includes a detailed schematic to show it works—reliably and safely.
TTB #7: Can a 3.3V Signal Reliably Switch a 5V Relay Module?
Wondering if the PTSolns ESP32 microWatt can control a 5 V relay module with its 3.3 V logic? This post dives into real-world testing, current draw, and includes a detailed schematic to show it works—reliably and safely.
TTB #6: [Guest Post] How to Verify the Clock Source on a Nano
This tutorial shows how to verify the frequency of the clock source on a microcontroller development board. The process is similar for a range of boards, but we will use the popular Nano. This is a good exercise to do as it helps the user get a more in-depth understanding of the Nano microcontroller development board.
TTB #6: [Guest Post] How to Verify the Clock Source on a Nano
This tutorial shows how to verify the frequency of the clock source on a microcontroller development board. The process is similar for a range of boards, but we will use the popular Nano. This is a good exercise to do as it helps the user get a more in-depth understanding of the Nano microcontroller development board.
TTB #5: [Guest Post] Changing Bootloader on a Nano using a Custom Shield
This tutorial demonstrates how to switch between the old and new bootloader on a Nano. The Uno is used to burn the bootloader to the Nano, and a Proto-Shield is used to connect the Uno to the Nano during the burning process. This is a great introductory project for beginners who want to learn about microcontrollers and how to use a shield for prototyping projects.
TTB #5: [Guest Post] Changing Bootloader on a Nano using a Custom Shield
This tutorial demonstrates how to switch between the old and new bootloader on a Nano. The Uno is used to burn the bootloader to the Nano, and a Proto-Shield is used to connect the Uno to the Nano during the burning process. This is a great introductory project for beginners who want to learn about microcontrollers and how to use a shield for prototyping projects.
TTB #4: [Guest Post] Making a Simple RF Network
In this project, we will be making a simple communication network using the Nordic nRF24L01+ set of RF modules. We will be making two nodes: a transmitter node (TxN), and a receiver node (RxN). The TxN consists of an Uno (more on that below), with the NRF-Shield. Also connected to it is the Sparkfun BME280 module via QWIIC to gather temperature data. The RxN also consists of an Uno with an NRF-Shield. However, it has an LCD connected to print out the transmitted temperature data.
TTB #4: [Guest Post] Making a Simple RF Network
In this project, we will be making a simple communication network using the Nordic nRF24L01+ set of RF modules. We will be making two nodes: a transmitter node (TxN), and a receiver node (RxN). The TxN consists of an Uno (more on that below), with the NRF-Shield. Also connected to it is the Sparkfun BME280 module via QWIIC to gather temperature data. The RxN also consists of an Uno with an NRF-Shield. However, it has an LCD connected to print out the transmitted temperature data.
TTB #3: [Guest Post] Custom 24-Hour Single Revolution Clock
Have you ever wondered why the hour arm on a standard clock rotates twice per day? Why is that ... Why not make it so that the hour arm rotates once per day?... it is these questions that keep us up at night.Well, no more! We've designed a clock whose hour arm rotates once per day. Although this is not a new concept, the approach we took somewhat is. Along with the development of this project, we encountered some interesting issues for which we found unique solutions. One of these issues was solved via software, and the other via hardware.
TTB #3: [Guest Post] Custom 24-Hour Single Revolution Clock
Have you ever wondered why the hour arm on a standard clock rotates twice per day? Why is that ... Why not make it so that the hour arm rotates once per day?... it is these questions that keep us up at night.Well, no more! We've designed a clock whose hour arm rotates once per day. Although this is not a new concept, the approach we took somewhat is. Along with the development of this project, we encountered some interesting issues for which we found unique solutions. One of these issues was solved via software, and the other via hardware.
TTB #2: [Guest Post] The Nano That Wanted to Be an Uno
This project is just for fun, really. It is easy and affordable to just get an Uno R3. However, going through this project will help with soldering skills as well as test your patience when trying to neatly route all these jumper wires. It's fun nonetheless! At the end of the project, you'll get a Nano that has the footprint of an Uno. It works with all the standard Uno Shields and we've even added a reset button, although not at the same location.
TTB #2: [Guest Post] The Nano That Wanted to Be an Uno
This project is just for fun, really. It is easy and affordable to just get an Uno R3. However, going through this project will help with soldering skills as well as test your patience when trying to neatly route all these jumper wires. It's fun nonetheless! At the end of the project, you'll get a Nano that has the footprint of an Uno. It works with all the standard Uno Shields and we've even added a reset button, although not at the same location.