Introduction This guide is designed to help you understand basic concepts and quickly get hands-on with projects using the Nano microcontroller. Each lesson introduces a specific component, building up your skills. Important: We recommend going through the lessons before beginning the assembly, as they provide crucial insights into each component’s functionality and wiring.
Software Installation Download the latest version of Arduino IDE here: https://www.arduino.cc/en/software After starting the Arduino IDE installation file “arduino-ide_2.0.0_Windows_64bit.exe” the licence conditions of the software must be read and accepted.
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In the next step, different options can be selected for installation. Finally, the destination folder must be specified. The installation requires approx. 500MB of free disk space. Click on "Install" to start the installation.
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After successful installation, the installation programme can be terminated via the "Finish" button.
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Library Installation You need to install the libraries for the LED module and the LCD display. In the Arduino IDE go to Sketch > Include library > Add .ZIP Library… and select the zip files you downloaded with the example codes. Uploading code To upload code you need to connect the Nano V3 microcontroller board to your PC via a USB cable...
Lesson 1: RGB Light Objective In this lesson, you’ll learn to control a WS2812B RGB light module with the Nano microcontroller, allowing you to program the light to switch between various colors. Nano expansion board The Nano Multifunction Expansion Board is specifically designed for the Nano V3 board to simplify wiring when connecting multiple sensors, making it a versatile tool for Arduino projects.
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external power supply, ensuring stable operation for more demanding devices. This board enhances functionality, reduces wiring complexity, and supports stable connections for a variety of projects. WS2812B RGB light The WS2812B is a smart, externally controlled LED that integrates both the control and light-emitting circuits within each LED unit, known as a pixel.
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Connection diagram Connect the RGB light module to the expansion board like shown in the picture and install the Nano V3 microcontroller board. Open the “1_WS2812B_RGB.ino” Arduino code file. Upload the code to the Nano V3. The RGB light should now cycle through colors.
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How the code works: Library and Setup: The code begins by including the “Adafruit_NeoPixel” library, which provides functions for controlling WS2812 RGB LED strips. “NUMPIXELS” defines the number of LEDs in the strip (4 in this case), and “RGB_PIN” specifies the connection pin (A0). “strip.begin()”...
Lesson 2: LCD Display Objective In this lesson, you’ll connect and program an LCD screen to display text and learn to adjust its contrast. The 1602 LCD, a common character-type display, is named for its ability to show 16 characters across 2 rows. Typically, the 1602 LCD includes an integrated font chip, allowing easy display of English letters and symbols via the LiquidCrystal library API.
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The LCD’s contrast can be adjusted using the potentiometer on the module. This silver-white potentiometer, located on the back, allows you to adjust the display contrast by rotating it with a screwdriver. If the contrast is set too high, text may not be visible. The wiring pins on the back of the module are labeled GND, VCC, SDA, and SCL, where SDA and SCL serve as data and clock lines for IIC communication.
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Connection diagram Open the “2_LCD_screen.ino” Arduino code file. Upload the code to the Nano Check your display, it should look like this: When no characters are displayed you need to adjust the contrast.
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How the code works: Library and Setup: The code includes the “Wire” and “LiquidCrystal_I2C” libraries, essential for communicating with the LCD using the I2C protocol. The line “LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 20, 4);” initializes the LCD with the address “0x27” and specifies that it’s a 20x4 display (20 characters per line, 4 lines).
Lesson 3: Photoresistor Objective Learn how to use a photoresistor (light sensor) to detect light levels. This component will eventually control the lighting system in the final project. The light intensity detection module, commonly known as a photoresistor, operates by utilizing the photoconductive effect of semiconductors. A photoresistor’s resistance value changes in response to the intensity of incoming light, allowing it to act as a photoconductivity detector.
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Connection diagram Open the “3_Photosensitive_resistor.ino” Arduino code file. Upload the code to the Nano V3 and open the Serial Monitor in the upper right corner of the IDE with 9600 baudrate When the light intensity is low or obstructed by objects, the output sensorValue1 reading is high, reaching up to 1023.
Project: Intelligent Lighting System Objective Combine the components from the lessons into a complete intelligent lighting system that responds to light conditions. This project will use the photoresistor to control RGB lighting based on ambient light levels and will display status messages on the LCD.
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Connection diagram Open the “4_Smart_house_with_garden.ino” Arduino code file. Upload the code to the Nano V3.
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Library Inclusions and Pin Definitions: We include the libraries for I2C, NeoPixel, and the LCD. Define pins for the NeoPixel data, button, and photoresistor. Adjust the pin definitions and “NUMPIXELS” to match your setup. Global Variables: Track the button state, debounce timing, light mode, color mode, and other status flags for managing LED behavior and input handling.
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