Arduino Adventures

Book Description:

Arduino Adventures: Escape from Gemini Station provides a fun introduction to the Arduino microcontroller by putting you (the reader) into the action of a science fiction adventure story. You’ll find yourself following along as Cade and Elle explore Gemini Station—an orbiting museum dedicated to preserving and sharing technology throughout the centuries.

Trouble ensues. The station is evacuated, including Cade and Elle’s class that was visiting the station on a field trip. Cade and Elle don’t make it aboard their shuttle and are trapped on the station along with a friendly artificial intelligence named Andrew who wants to help them get off the damaged station. Using some old hardware, a laptop, and some toolboxes full of electronics parts, you will follow along and build eight gizmos with Cade and Elle that will help them escape from Gemini Station.

The hardware is Arduino. Each new challenge opens a new area of Arduino and basic electronics knowledge. You’ll be taken incrementally from a simple task such as turning on a light through to a complex combination of microcontroller, electronic components, and software programming. By the end of the book you’ll be well on your way towards being able to create and implement any sort of electronically controlled device you can imagine, using the stunningly popular Arduino microcontroller.
Provides eight challenges, each challenge increasing in complexity
Builds around a fictional storyline that keeps the learning fun
Leaves you on a solid foundation of electronic skills and knowledge

What you’ll learn
Install and configure Arduino’s programming environment
Build understanding of LEDs, Resisters, and other basic components
Build and test electronic circuits involving breadboarding and basic wiring
Program behavior using the Arduino Programming Language
Interface and influence the physical world through motors and sensors

Who this book is for
Escape from Gemini Station: An Arduino Hands-On Adventure is suitable for ages 8 and up. No experience is required, and complete instructions are provided on using the Arduino microcontroller. Teachers will find the book useful for the downloadable teacher handouts available from the authors’ website. The book is perfect for anyone learning Arduino, or preparing to teach it to first-time users.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Trouble at Gemini Station
Chapter 2. Challenge 1: Fun Stuff to Know
Chapter 3. Challenge 1: Examining the Hardware
Chapter 4. Challenge 1: Examining the Software
Chapter 5. Damage Assessment
Chapter 6. Challenge 2: Fun Stuff to Know
Chapter 7. Challenge 2: Examining the Hardware
Chapter 8. Challenge 2: Examining the Software
Chapter 9. Feeling The Heat
Chapter 10. Challenge 3: Fun Stuff to Know
Chapter 11. Challenge 3: Examining the Hardware
Chapter 12. Challenge 3: Examining the Software
Chapter 13. Uninvited Guest
Chapter 14. Challenge 4: Fun Stuff to Know
Chapter 15. Challenge 4: Examining the Hardware
Chapter 16. Challenge 4: Examining the Software
Chapter 17. Hide and Seek
Chapter 18. Challenge 5: Fun Stuff to Know
Chapter 19. Challenge 5: Examining the Hardware
Chapter 20. Challenge 5: Examining the Software
Chapter 21. Carousel Ride
Chapter 22. Challenge 6: Fun Stuff to Know
Chapter 23. Challenge 6: Examining the Hardware
Chapter 24. Challenge 6: Examining the Software
Chapter 25. Push the Button
Chapter 26. Challenge 7: Fun Stuff to Know
Chapter 27. Challenge 7: Examining the Hardware
Chapter 28. Challenge 7: Examining Software
Chapter 29. Off the Station
Chapter 30. Challenge 8: Fun Stuff to Know
Chapter 31. Challenge 8: Examining the Hardware
Chapter 32. Challenge 8: Examining Software
Chapter 33. Epilogue