Week #7- Journal

This week, was very enjoyable as we delved deeper into learning how to use components and sensors with Arduino. It was a week full of excitement and challenges.

Ideation

Tell us about your assignment's idea for this week. Why do you care about this idea? What inspired you? (Please include images or links to sources of inspiration)

Arduino Calculator

My mini KASIO Calculator

After researching on Google and Instructables, the project that caught my attention was a calculator, so I decided to create it.

Tool Chain

Which software/machines/materials did you use in the assignment? Why?

FOR Simulation Circuit

To simulate the circuit and ensure it works with the correct connections.

Electronics Tools

Breadboard

Buzzer

Jumpers Wires

crocodiles Wires

On/ Off Switch

KeyPad

Arduino Uno

LCD

Crafting Tools

Cutter

Cardboard

Ruler

Tape

Design/Preparation Process

Explain the design and/or preparation process of your assignment. How did you use the tool or software to design and/or prepare your assignment before fabrication/implementation?

Design Circuit on TinkerCad

Circuit Inputs:

On/Off Switch
Keypad

Circuit Actions:

Sound (via Buzzer)
LCD Display

Steps Taken:

Connected the On/Off switch to Arduino .
Connected the 4x4 Keypad for number and operator input.
Attached the LCD display to show the calculation results.
Connected a buzzer to sound upon pressing the button or completing a calculation.
Wired the circuit in parallel to ensure stable power distribution.

Code Development on Arduino IDE

Steps Taken:

This Arduino code implements a simple calculator using a 16x2 LCD display, a 4x4 keypad, a buzzer, and a switch. Here's a brief explanation of how it works:

Hardware Initialization:
- The LCD is initialized to display messages(I Used GPT )
- The buzzer is set up for audio feedback.
- The switch (connected to A0) must be turned ON to start the calculator.
User Input via Keypad:
- Numbers are entered and displayed on the LCD.
- The first number (num1) is stored until an operator (+ , - , * , /) is pressed.
- The second number (num2) is stored after the operator.
Performing the Calculation:
- The corresponding arithmetic operation is performed when the "=" key is pressed.
- The result is displayed on the LCD.
- A buzzer sound is triggered to indicate the result is ready.
Reset Functionality:
- Pressing "C" clears the LCD and resets all values.

Arduino.ino code

Development/Implementation Process

Explain the development/implementation process of your assignment. How did you use the machine/tool to manufacture or implement the design of your assignment?

Build Circuit on Breadbord

WhatsApp Video 2025-02-11 at 02.47.38_9377ccb0.mp4

Cardboard

I cut the cardboard to a suitable size, then measured the LCD and switch and made cutouts for them.

Community of Learning

Did you ask for feedback? What are the ideas that others have contributed or suggested? What was someone else’s idea that you built upon? How did you help your peers? How did your peers help you?

Title of Media

Overcoming Challenges

When you got stuck, what/who did you turn to? At what point did you have to pause to research or learn more before moving on? What are some mistakes, pitfalls, or challenges that others can avoid if they were doing this assignment?

I connected the LCD using a 16-pin connection, because I used GPT to wire and coding LCD. With the additional wiring for the keypad, the setup required many connections, occupying all the digital pins on the Arduino. For on/off switch and buzzer I connected Them to the analog pins, configuring them as digital inputs/outputs in the code.

Final Project

How can you use the skills and knowledge that you've acquired this week in your final project?