Week 6- Journal

Electronics I used in the Assignment

Components Kit

• input Devices : IR sensor

• Output Devices : Servo Motors 

• brain : the Arduino UNO board

• Power Management : from the Arduino

BUILDING MY CIRCUT 

Start coding Arduino on Thinker CAD using blocks 

Add Arduino and Circuit Components

• Drag an Arduino Uno from the components list.

• Drag an IR Sensor (Infrared sensor).

• Drag a Servo Motor.

• Connect the IR sensor to Pin 5 on the Arduino.

• Connect the Servo Motor to Pin 9.

Enter Coding Mode (Code Blocks)

• Click on Code at the top of the screen.

• Choose Blocks + Text mode.

Add an "if" Condition Block

• From the Control section, drag an if-else block.

Read the Sensor Input

• From the Input section, drag read digital pin.

• Change the number to 5 (because the sensor is connected to Pin 5).

• Set it to check if the value is HIGH (meaning an object is detected).

Move the Servo Motor Based on Sensor Reading

• From the Output section, drag rotate servo on pin.

• Set the pin to 9 (because the motor is connected to Pin 9).

• Set the angle to 180 degrees when an object is detected.

Add the Reverse Movement

• In the else section, add another rotate servo on pin block.

• Set the angle to 0 degrees when no object is detected.

Run and Test

• Click Start Simulation to test the circuit.

• Place an object in front of the sensor, and the servo will move to 180 degrees.

• Remove the object, and the servo will return to 0 degrees.

Final Result

When I faced difficulties in writing and organizing the code on ThinkerCAD, I turned to an instructor for guidance in understanding and fixing errors. At times, I had to pause and research how to structure the code more efficiently within the platform, as well as ensure the correct connections between different components in the circuit.

One of the challenges I encountered was identifying the main error in the code, as it was not always immediately clear. Additionally, organizing the code in a way that made it easy to read and modify was another hurdle. However, I learned the importance of adding comments within the code and breaking tasks into smaller parts.

For anyone working on a similar assignment, I recommend avoiding trial and error alone. Instead, start by researching the fundamental concepts of ThinkerCAD and the relevant programming principles. Consulting someone with experience can save a lot of time, especially when dealing with unclear errors. Lastly, keeping notes during the process can help prevent repeating mistakes in the future.

I can use ThinkerCAD to design initial electronic circuits for the project before implementing them practically.
Arduino programming will help me add smart features like automatic lighting, sensors, or even remote control in the product.

The coolest thing I’ve learned this week is how ThinkerCAD can be used to simulate circuits before actually building them, making prototyping much easier and error-free.

Something I’ll never forget from this week is how Arduino programming can turn simple components into interactive, smart systems. Seeing how a few lines of code can control lights, sensors, or even small robots was truly fascinating!