Lab #2 focused on learning how to control physical electronic components using the Arduino Mega through digital input and output signals. Across multiple circuits, I programmed the Arduino to turn LEDs and a DC motor ON and OFF, read button states, send messages to the Serial Monitor, and visualize voltage changes on an oscilloscope.

The first circuits demonstrated simple digital output behavior, blinking an LED at set time intervals using the digitalWrite() and delay() commands. Next, input control was introduced using a pushbutton connected to a digital input pin. By reading the button’s state with digitalRead(), the Arduino could make decisions in real time and print its logic to the Serial Monitor as proof of operation.

Later sections expanded from LEDs to a DC motor using a 2N2222 BJT transistor. The Arduino pin supplied a small control signal to the transistor’s base, and the transistor acted like a digital switch to power the motor from an external voltage source. A flyback diode was added across the motor terminals to protect the circuitry from voltage spikes. Additional wiring allowed the motor to reverse direction and respond correctly when the pushbutton was pressed or released.

The oscilloscope helped visualize electrical behavior by showing square waves, duty cycles, and voltage transitions when the Arduino switched the LED or motor. Serial Monitor messages confirmed every state change, making the results easy to verify.

Lab #2 focused on learning how to control physical electronic components using the Arduino Mega through digital input and output signals. Across multiple circuits, I programmed the Arduino to turn LEDs and a DC motor ON and OFF, read button states, send messages to the Serial Monitor, and visualize voltage changes on an oscilloscope.

The first circuits demonstrated simple digital output behavior, blinking an LED at set time intervals using the digitalWrite() and delay() commands. Next, input control was introduced using a pushbutton connected to a digital input pin. By reading the button’s state with digitalRead(), the Arduino could make decisions in real time and print its logic to the Serial Monitor as proof of operation.

Later sections expanded from LEDs to a DC motor using a 2N2222 BJT transistor. The Arduino pin supplied a small control signal to the transistor’s base, and the transistor acted like a digital switch to power the motor from an external voltage source. A flyback diode was added across the motor terminals to protect the circuitry from voltage spikes. Additional wiring allowed the motor to reverse direction and respond correctly when the pushbutton was pressed or released.

The oscilloscope helped visualize electrical behavior by showing square waves, duty cycles, and voltage transitions when the Arduino switched the LED or motor. Serial Monitor messages confirmed every state change, making the results easy to verify.