Lab 3 - Digital Inputs on UNO R3 - January 18, 2023

Using push buttons with digital inputs to turn LED on/off

Prep

• I started by familiarizing myself with the materials listed in the lab pdf, learning about the mechanics of a push switch and copying the schematic for it.

• I also took note of VSC’s auto formatting shortcut; shift + option + F

Process

• Copying the code from the lab pdf, I made an effort to interpret each line, rather than blindly copy/pasting, making comments along the way. The effect was a code that, while borrowed, still makes structural sense to me.

• The function in setup uses the PULLUP command, which reads when there is nothing connected to the input and pulls it up to HIGH.

• The code is designed so that pressing the button will pull LOW using an if statement that calls on both of the buttons constantly.

• Next, I started working on building the breadboard circut with the help of the diagram, which came together quickly.

• Next, I thought, would be the seamless process of uploading the code and testing my circut. Unfortunately, I kept recieving an error message.

• Complicated as it seemed, this error was due to the simple fact that my arduino was not plugged in. Sigh.

• With that resolved, I was able to successfully upload my code to the controller.

Results

• Fortunately, my code and breadboard circut worked on the first try!

• Both of my buttons performed their intended task, the LED was turning on and off as was supposed to happen, and nothing blew up!

Conclusion

• At the end of this lab, I am still left with a few specific technical questions.
• Why don’t sides A/B have to be connected to anything for the push switch to work?

• Is there a specific process for selecting PWM pins for specific tasks?

• Overall, the most trouble I had completing this lab was when I failed to plug the controller in. Thanks, Craig!