Week 8- Journal

Electronics I used in the Assignment

BUILDING MY CIRCUT 

• Add voltage regulator 5v to Bread board.

• connect vcc pin from voltage regulator to 5v pin in arduino .

• connect Ground  pin from voltage regulator to Ground pin in arduino .

• Connect the last pin from voltage regulator to Vcc in Blutooth Moduler.

• Connect the vcc from  servo  to 5V row in Bread Board.

• Connect the Ground from  servo  to Ground row in Bread Board.

• Connect the Signal from  servo  to 9 pin   in arduino .

• Connect the vcc from Buzzer  to 8 pin   in arduino .

• Connect the Ground from Buzzer  to Ground row in Bread Board.

• Connect the Ground from Blutooth modular  to Ground pin in arduino .

• RX  from Blutooth modular to pin 0 in arduino .

• RT  from Blutooth modular to pin 1 in arduino .

Programming

Define the Components

• The Arduino needs to know which components are connected.

• We’ll define the buzzer (the beeping sound maker) and servo motor (a motor that rotates).

Write this at the beginning of your code:

Set Up the Arduino (setup() function)

• The setup() function runs once when the Arduino is powered on.

• Here, we tell the Arduino which pins will send signals (Output).

Write this inside setup():

Control the Buzzer and Servo Motor

• The loop() function runs forever.

• We want the Arduino to listen for commands from the computer:

  • If we send '1' → The buzzer beeps.

  • If we send '2' → The servo moves to 90° and then returns back to 0°.

Write this inside loop():

Challenges and Lessons Learned

While working on the project, I faced an issue where the Bluetooth module wasn’t working. At first, I thought the problem was the protective cover, so I tried to remove it, but I got injured in the process.

Who/What Did I Turn To for Help?

• After unsuccessful attempts, I asked the instructor during the last lecture of the week for guidance.

• I also checked the wiring diagrams to ensure my connections were correct.

Key Lessons and Mistakes to Avoid:

• Do not forcefully remove any parts without confirming they are causing the issue.

• Double-check all connections and wires before assuming a component is faulty.

• If a module isn’t working, first try reconnecting it, ensuring it has power, and testing it on another board before making physical modifications.

• Safety first Handle electronic components carefully to avoid injuries.

Bluetooth Communication: Since I learned how to send and receive data via Bluetooth, I can integrate this feature into my final project to allow wireless control and interaction. 

Troubleshooting & Debugging: The challenges I faced taught me how to systematically diagnose and fix issues, which will help me avoid delays in the final project. 

The Coolest Thing I Learned This Week

The coolest thing I learned this week was how to control a servo motor and a buzzer using Bluetooth communication with an Arduino. Being able to send a simple command and see the motor move or hear the buzzer beep felt like magic!

Something I Will Never Forget

One thing I will never forget from this week is when I tried to remove the cover from the Bluetooth module, thinking it was the reason it wasn’t working and I ended up getting hurt! It was a painful but valuable lesson: always troubleshoot systematically before making assumptions.