Week 5: Adventures in Making

This week we were challenged with finding our own project in order to expand our knowledge and capabilities. This week was full of frustration and pure excitement.  I chose to explore and expand on Circuit #9 which is the Buzzer from the Arduino/Prototyping book. The buzzer will produce a tone when the voltage is turned on and off. This can be used to create different tones and with the correct codes can play a tune. In this weeks blog I share my success with Circuit #9 and my adventures with the challenge I chose for myself.


Circuit #9: Buzzer

I built Circuit #9 without any problems. I loaded the code from Arduino IDE and the tune played perfectly. Wiring Circuit #9 was much easier than some of the previous circuits although the code would be difficult when trying to write your own tunes, but I plan to take on that challenge when I have time.

Screenshot of Code

Picture of the circuit including Arduino and Breadboard 

Circuit #9: Buzzer Video

Challenge: Christmas Tunes with LEDs

During the times I have explored ideas using the Arduino I came across different ideas to use for Christmas tunes and lights. I wanted to create Christmas tunes with LEDs flashing with the tunes. After an extensive search I found exactly what I was looking for. During my search I found a maker who had hooked his circuit to speakers and was playing Christmas tunes. I wanted to try that before trying to tackle the challenge. I found an extra Kicker 6x9 speaker and proceeded to hook it up. I don't what what I did wrong, but I do know I should have took my buzzer off my breadboard because somehow I managed to blow my buzzer! I was devastated!

I was determined to build meet the challenge I set for myself and thanks to Amazon Prime and fast shipping I succeeded. I might or might not have ordered more supplies for my Arduino so now I have invested and will continue as a maker well after this course is completed. :)

The circuit I was determined to build consist of four LEDs which would flash with the music. A button which is used to start and stop the music. I added a potentiometer which when turned I would be able to chose one of the four songs added to the circuit. The buzzer is the "speaker" on the circuit. Once again the code was the most challenging for me. After finding the code I made changes to have the finished project that I wanted.

Code used for Christmas Tunes with LEDs

Picture of the circuit including Arduino and Breadboard 

Diagram

Christmas Tunes with LEDs Video

Reflection:

I enjoyed exploring and making this week. Having the chance to play tunes and incorporate LEDs was an enjoyable adventure. The possible extension for this project that keeps coming to mind is programming Christmas lights with music. I have watched some amazing light shows and would love to research the extension more and hopefully someday create the musical light shows.