Arduino Adventures: Escape from Gemini Station

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

Introduction

Challenge #1: Potentiometer
1. Trouble at Gemini Station
2. Challenge 1: Fun Stuff to now
3. Challenge 1: Examining the Hardware
4. Challenge 1: Examining the Software

Challenge 2: LED Flashlight
5. Damage Assessment
6. Challenge 2: Fun Stuff to Know
7. Challenge 2: Gathering Hardware
8. Challenge 2: Examining Software

Challenge 3: Temperature
9. Feeling the Heat
10. Challenge 3: Fun Stuff to Know
11. Challenge 3: Examining the Hardware
12. Challenge 3: Examining the Software

Challenge 4: Bucket Mover
13. Uninvited Guest
14. Challenge 4: Fun Stuff to Know
15. Challenge 4: Gathering Hardware
16. Challenge 4: Examining the Software

Challenge 5: Motion Detector
17. Hide and Seek
18. Challenge 5: Fun Stuff to Know
19. Challenge 5: Examining the Hardware
20. Challenge 5: Examining the Software

Challenge 6: Servo Motor
21. Carousel Ride
22. Challenge 6: Fun Stuff to Know
23. Challenge 6: Gathering Hardware
24. Challenge 6: Examining Software

Challenge 7: Remote Control
25. Push the Button
26. Challenge 7: Fun Stuff to Know
27. Challenge 7: Gathering Hardware
28. Challenge 7: Examining Software

Challenge 8: Robot
29. Off the Station
30. Challenge 8: Fun Stuff to Know
31. Challenge 8: Gathering Hardware
32. Challenge 8: Examining Software

33. Epilogue

Appendix A: Parts List