The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed how we interact with one another and our environment. As devices become smarter and more connected, do-it-yourself (DIY) projects have become increasingly popular. One such project involves developing a distance meter using the ESP32, a versatile microcontroller with built-in Wi-FI, Bluetooth connectivity, and diverse capabilities. This project highlights…
How to create an RFID-based locker system using Arduino
Need somewhere to secure a few items? No problem! In this project, we’ll design an RFID-based locker system that offers a reliable and convenient solution for securing objects using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Working operation: The RFID locker system The RFID reader scans a unique tag, and if it matches a pre-registered one, the…
How to design an Arduino-based traffic light system
Traffic light systems are important signaling devices that regulate the flow of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections, crosswalks, and other critical areas. These systems use three primary lights — red, yellow (amber), and green — to manage traffic effectively and ensure safety. In this project, we’ll create a traffic light system for a four-way intersection…
How to capture images using ESP32-CAM and an SD card
The ESP32-CAM is a widely used development board for embedded vision applications. It combines the ESP32 microcontroller with an OV2620 camera module, and the ESP32 itself comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. Previously, we created a video streaming server using the ESP32-CAM to troubleshoot potential operational issues with the module. In this project, we’ll…
How to design an Arduino-based meditation device
Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind and cultivating awareness, often to achieve a state of mindfulness, mental clarity, inner peace, or spiritual connection. It’s used across cultures and traditions to reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and enhance self-awareness — making it a valuable tool for mental and physical health. There are several…
How ESP32 boards can communicate without a router or the Internet
ESP-NOW is a connectionless communication protocol developed by Espressif for wireless data communication between ESP boards. It allows ESP boards like ESP8266, ESP32, ESP32-C, and ESP32-S to communicate directly without a router or Internet connectivity. This enables a private wireless network among ESP devices, eliminating the need for a router, gateway, or Internet access for…
How to use a wireless joystick to remotely control two servo motors
A dc servo motor provides precise motion control, enabling accurate positioning and speed regulation in various applications. It consists of a rotary or linear actuator, which allows for such precise control of angular or linear position, velocity, and acceleration. It’s used in several sectors, including: Robotics Industrial automation Angular load positioning Avionics Automobiles A few…
How to set-up and build a project using Arduino IoT Cloud
Arduino IoT Cloud, also known as simply Arduino Cloud is a popular Internet-of-Things (IoT) platform for creating, deploying, and managing IoT projects. The platform was launched in 2019 as a Beta version similar to other platforms, such as Blynk. Since then, Arduino Cloud has undergone several upgrades, adding unique features. It’s best known for its…
How to set-up and use the Heltec LoRa 32 board
Heltec Lora-32 is a high-quality Wi-Fi LoRa (long-range) development board that competes with the Lilygo TTGO T-LoRa32, RAKwireless WisNode LoRaWAN RAK811, and STMicroelectronics Nucleo boards. What differentiates Heltec LoRa-32 is that it’s more than a LoRa-only device, offering Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. This allows Heltec to easily integrate into existing network infrastructure in an Internet-of-Things…
How to design pick-and-place robot using Arduino
In this project, we’ll design an omnidirectional, moving pick-and-place robot. First, let’s cover how the robot is built. The robot’s build As shown in Figure 1, the robot consists of two sections: An omnidirectional moving platform A robotic arm The omnidirectional platform The robot is built using one circular wooden plate, three dc gear motors,…
How to play MP3 files on Arduino using the DFPlayer Mini or the MP3-TF-16P
Including an audio option with an electronic or Internet-of-Things (IoT) project is often an ideal addition. However, microcontrollers cannot process MP3 files, which is the most common audio file format. Fortunately, there is a solution. It is possible to play MP3 audio files on Arduino using dedicated MP3 decoders like the DFPlayer Mini or MP3-TF-16P.…
How to design a weighing scale using Arduino
Weighing scales are frequently used to measure the weight of goods, such as bulk items and raw materials. We sometimes use them at grocery stores to weigh produce or at home to measure our weight. Building a weighing scale is no simple task. It involves a combination of load cells, amplifier circuits, and microcontrollers or…
How to design an OTP-based door lock
Today, mobile-based authentication to verify a person’s identity is common. Online service providers often use it for access to services, approval of transactions, or to change a user’s credentials. Imagine using a similar mobile-based authentication to enter your home, office, or any private space. It’s possible. In this project, we’ll design a mobile-based access system…
How to design a LoRa-based asset-tracking system for supply chain management
In this project, we’ll design a GPS-based location-tracking system using LoRa technology, offering versatile asset-tracking capabilities. LoRa-based asset tracking This system employs a GPS module, establishing a virtual circle roughly 20 meters from the initial location. The location data is transmitted to the Arduino Nano through UART communication. For location updates, the system follows a…
How to design a power supply for Raspberry Pi
In this do-it-yourself circuit, we’ll design a Raspberry Pi (RPi) power supply. First, we’ll create a list to follow as a blueprint for the circuit, ensuring we design it correctly. Let’s start with a list of our goals for the circuit. Goals 1. A steady power supply: Ensure RPi receives a consistent and stable…
How to design an automatic streetlight system using Arduino
In this project, we’ll design an automatic, energy-efficient streetlight system using Arduino. A streetlight will automatically turn on when the outside ambient light falls below a certain threshold, as evening turns to night. They turn off when sufficient light returns in the morning to conserve energy. So, these streetlights only power on when needed. The…
How to design an app-controlled irrigation system
In this project, we’ll design a mobile app-controlled watering system that drip irrigates a home garden or small farm. This system is developed on an ESP8266 microcontroller, which controls the water pump through a 3V relay or an electronic valve. The user can switch the water’s motor/electronic valve ON or OFF and even set a…
How to design an IoT-based digital watch using ESP32
In this project, we’ll design a digital watch as an Internet-of-Thing (IoT) device. It will connect to an online API through a Wi-Fi network. Based on the user’s location, it will display the local date, time, and weather conditions. The watch is built using an ESP32 microcontroller and an SSD1306 OLED display. The Weather API…
How to design an emergency rechargeable bulb circuit
In this article, we’ll explain how an inverter or emergency bulb operates. An inverter bulb is an emergency LED bulb. However, the term is confusing because there’s no conversion process (from dc to ac or vice versa) in the circuits where these bulbs are applied. The technology lets the bulbs automatically light during a power…
How to build a real-time vehicle tracking system
A vehicle tracking system is a technology that tracks and monitors a vehicle’s location in real time. It uses the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) — typically, the Global Positioning System (GPS) — to accurately determine a vehicle’s location. The GPS monitors and relays data to a server through a cellular or satellite network. In…