On 15 Oct, we spent the session figuring out the basics of programming and electronics with an Arduino micro-controller. We had a couple of Arduino Unos (pictured above) and a Genuino 101.

We downloaded the Arduino IDE (integrated development environment) software here: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software

We then built a simple circuit to turn on an LED, using a breadboard:

After connecting the 5V side of the circuit to Digital pin 2 on the Arduino, we started experimenting with writing code to control it, using the C-based language of the Arduino IDE:

After that, group members started experimenting with more complex programs and hardware, such as pressure and temperature sensors, which they had working by the end of the 2-hour session. I was very impressed with the speed with which they made progress!