In this project, we’ll design a unique door lock that can be operated without a keycard, input password, or biometric ID. A smartphone is the key to locking and unlocking the door via Bluetooth. This door uses a solenoid lock, which relies on a latch for electrical locking and unlocking. It also has LEDs to…
How to install OpenCV 4.5 & QT5 on Raspberry Pi & NVIDIA Jetson Nano for computer vision
OpenCV is one of the best computer vision tools available out there. It is the most popular machine vision library among developers and makers. Due to being open-source, the library has enjoyed vast community support and evolved as one of the most mature software packages. OpenCV itself stands for “Open-source Computer Vision.” The latest version…
DC motor controller using rotary encoder
Controlling a DC motor means: Start and stop the motor Change the running direction of the motor as forward (CW) or reverse (CCW) Vary motor speed (RPM) All different types of DC motor controllers control the speed and direction of the motor. They use different types of input devices like Two push-buttons (or maybe a…
Internet Controlled Robotic Car
There are many models for wireless controlled robotic vehicles. Usually such robots are connected to a remote control through RF module, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Mobile phones. All these wireless technologies have their own limitations and are restricted to specific ranges. Like if the robotic vehicle is connected with the remote control via Bluetooth module (Like HC-05 Bluetooth Module), it can have maximum operational range up to a distance of 10 metre.If the robotic vehicle is connected with the remote control via RF module, it can have maximum operational range up to a distance of 50 to 60 metre. In this project, an internet controlled robotic vehicle is designed which will be controlled by a webpage. The webpage could be opened on any desktop, laptop or mobile.
How to build 100W 2.1-channel home theater system
In this mini DIY project, we will build a 2.1-channel home theater system of 100 W with a deep base and crystal-clear sound output at a very low cost of 1200/- to 1500/- Rupees only. Big speaker systems like 2.1 / 4.1 / 5.1-channel, home theater systems with Bluetooth connectivity and excellent quality sound (crystal…
How to play tune for any song or music on Arduino
When it comes to general-purpose microcontrollers, nobody expects them to perform heavy-duty software operations. Microcontrollers are simple devices that control binary devices and talk over serial interfaces. Building audio/video or multimedia applications on microcontrollers is never attempted. It is challenging and infeasible in most situations to handle any kind of multimedia through microcontrollers. Microcontrollers are…
Rechargeable toy car with push-to-start/hold-to-stop functionality
This article describes how to create a rechargeable toy car with push-to-start / hold-to-stop (Figure 1) using HVPAK™ SLG47105. The following design provides constant voltage on the motor, regardless of the battery charge and Push-to-Start / Hold-to-Stop capability. Thanks to the Hold-to-Stop functionality, the car automatically turns off when it’s stuck. So, if the child…
What are the different types of EV charging connectors?
Battery electric vehicles (EVs) have showcased rapidly growing sales figures over the last several years. There are several reasons to consider an EV aside from saving on gasoline. The prominent one, of course, is the environment. EVs have no tailpipe emissions, and research shows that they’re responsible for lower levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) than…
What is Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging System (WEVCS)?
Electric vehicles are shaping the future of mobility and, as nearly all electric vehicles are turning out to be more economical compared to any gasoline car, there has been a shift in the buying trend of automobiles. It is expected that there will be more electric cars on the road than fossil fuel cars by…
How to play musical notes on Arduino
Adding sound to Arduino is fun, and interfacing speakers with Arduino is relatively straightforward. You can directly attach a speaker to Arduino or connect a speaker through an amplifier circuit. In both cases, Arduino can output digital audio from any GPIO. Whether or not one needs an amplifier circuit depends entirely on the selected speaker.…
How to build a portable WiFi repeater using ESP32 or ESP8266
Typically, a WiFi network has a range that’s above 45 meters. The signals are strongest near the router. The further away you move, the weaker the signal. The same is true of thick walls or additional floors in a home or building. The WiFi signals could be completely lost on other floors of a premise. …
How to make a decorative coconut tree using a digital RGB LED strip
In this project, we’ll demonstrate how to make a colorful, king-sized coconut tree (5 feet) decorative showpiece using a digital RGB LED strip. The RGB LED strip is cut and arranged to form the shape of a coconut tree. The ATMega328 microcontroller is used to control the LED strip, generating several flashing, fading, and blinking…
RGB LED decorative, tabletop coconut tree
In this mini-DIY project, we will make a color-flashing coconut tree. It has two 3W RGB LEDs using, which generate multicolor flashing effects. Also, a tiny 8-pin microcontroller ATtiny85 generates eye-catching colorful LED-chasing effects. It is battery-operated, and the battery is rechargeable so it does not require a power connection through wires. It can be…
How to build a WhatsApp-notifying home security system
A security alarm detects unauthorized entry into a home or building. In the past, these security devices simply triggered a loud siren when an intrusion was detected. As technology advanced, the systems were equipped with GSM modems to send an SMS alert to the home or building owner whenever an intrusion was detected. One drawback…
What are the top tools for developing embedded software?
The embedded software or firmware is the brain of an embedded device. However, this type of software works differently than the conventional ones on PCs or mobile devices — which are generic and work identically on such operating systems. PC software runs without directly accessing the underlying hardware. The purpose of embedded software works in…
What are the top development boards for AI and ML?
Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are no longer limited to high-end servers or cloud platforms. Thanks to new developments in integrated circuits (IC) and software technology, it’s possible to implement ML algorithms and deep learning neural networks on tiny controllers and microcomputers. And these embedded devices installed at edges must no longer rely…
How to build an Arduino lie detector based on electrodermal activity
A polygraph is an instrument that records physiological indicators like pulse rate, blood pressure, and electrodermal activity of a human subject under questioning by an operator. It’s commonly referred to as a lie-detector test because it’s designed to assess whether a person is telling the truth. Industry-standard polygraph equipment is said to be 80 to…
What to expect from microcontrollers in 2023
Microcontrollers are the workhorse behind most embedded systems. They serve as a compact integrated circuit (IC) designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system. The programmable firmware used in these tiny computers is ideal for and fits well into several applications. Microcontrollers are neither too specific, like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), nor too…
How to build a MicroPython-based sensorless, weather station
Is it possible to update the weather on an embedded device or a wearable without interfacing with any temperature or humidity sensor? With Internet of Things (IoT) access, devices can connect to a variety of web services with the help of APIs and extract several useful insights and information through simple HTTP requests. In response,…
How to use a buck-boost converter to regulate a Li-ion battery
Nearly every electronic device today relies on a battery as a power source. The dc-dc converter plays a significant role in maintaining the working time of the battery. A buck-boost dc-dc converter is an ideal choice for the most efficient and reliable battery range. The buck-boost converter provides the regulated voltage in the Lithium (Li-ion)…