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This is the first in a series of posts that will cover the topic of embedding an Arduino into your project. Is this technically an arduino? Well, maybe not, but this project will show you how to take the core pieces from an Arduino circuit and create a breadboard prototype that can be incorporated as …

“Tinkering is what happens when you try something you don’t quite know how to do, guided by whim, imagination, and curiosity. When you tinker, there are no instructions – but there are also no failures, no right or wrong ways of doing things. It’s about figuring out how things work and reworking them. Contraptions, machines, …

Part 8: Wiring Diagram A couple of readers have asked for a little more detail on how this is wired together. I put together this quick wiring diagram: This diagram assumes you’ll be using the Radio Shack PCB 276-168. It has power and ground connections distributed across the board instead of just in the middle …

Part 7: Conclusion The unit will mount just above my garage door opener. The spade lugs connect to the left and center terminals below. This is the same place my wall mounted switch connects. The door sensor was taped to the door rail and a small magnet was hot glued to the door release mechanism. …

Part 6: Putting it all Together Drilled a few holes in the case to mount the external connectors (power, door sensor, door opener) and the ad hoc mode switch. A couple more solder joints (use heatshrink!!! important)… …and the project is ready to go. For the external door cables, I used standard headphone cables. Below, …

Part 5: The Build Ready to commit this to a board. I decided to go with a RadioShack PCB: I know the community is not fond of RadioShack, but they are getting better and this little board gives me the flexibility and connections I need to fit the project. Plus, it sits nicely in my …

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Part 4: The Web Interface Well, now I need a nifty web interface to control the opener. A few guidelines for the design: Must not be ugly (plain Jane is OK) Must not accidentally trigger the opener Should provide visual clues Should notify me upon activation Should fit an iPhone So, with a little tinkering, …

PART 3 – Prototype Did the math for the circuit prototype. I realized that a few of the GPIOs on the WiFly can source 24mA. Hmm, that changes things. If I use one of the higher-current GPIOs, I don’t need the transistor to amplify the current. Found a relay from RadioShack that runs on 5v. …

PART 2 – The Microcontroller Like most electronics hobbyists, I’m a big fan of the Arduino. Power, flexibility, expandability all in an easy to use form. The first time I ever used one, it was like I had discovered a whole new way of making my electronics interface with the real world. But, it’s easy …