How to Set Up a Hardware Project on an Arduino: 12 Steps

How to Set Up a Hardware Project on an Arduino: 12 Steps

So, you've just learned that your brilliant product idea can be brought to life with simple components you can order online. You've got your Arduino and other components--now where do you begin?



Steps


1. Go to the pages you ordered each part from on Sparkfun. Click "Tutorial" on each page. You want to find the schematic, or drawing of how the component should be plugged into the Arduino.

2. If you didn't order the component from Sparkfun, look for the specific part name, then Google it. Click on results until you find a tutorial with an image. You could also search Google Images.

3. From each part page, click on "Github."

4. Copy the code.

5. Download the Arduino IDE from the Arduino website.

6. Open a new Arduino file.

7. Paste in the code.

8. Click verify.

9. If there are no errors, click compile.

10. If your component returns data (e.g. accelerometers, flex or pressure sensors) you can click "Tools" then "Serial Monitor" to see the data.

11. If there are errors, Google the error messages in quotes.

12. Keep trying new things (even if you have to do it 15 times) until you have solved the problem.



Tips

• If you have an issue, chances are, you aren't the only one. Google is your friend.
• Expect issues. These are delicate parts. They may break. Code may not work immediately. Errors mean you're doing it right. Most programming time is spent on debugging things that don't work.