5 Simple Arduino Projects for Beginners (With Code & Schematics)
Looking to dive into electronics and programming? Here are five easy and practical Arduino projects that are perfect for beginners. Each project includes a schematic diagram, a detailed description, and example code.
Recommended Starter Kits and Accessories
These are some helpful components and kits compatible with Arduino. (Note: These are affiliate links. You won't pay extra, but I may earn a small commission.)
1. LED Brightness Control Using a Potentiometer
This simple Arduino project lets you control LED brightness using a potentiometer and PWM output.
Arduino Code:
int led_pin = 6;
int pot_pin = A0;
int output;
int led_value;
void setup() {
pinMode(led_pin, OUTPUT);
}
void loop() {
output = analogRead(pot_pin);
led_value = map(output, 0, 1023, 0, 255);
analogWrite(led_pin, led_value);
delay(1);
}2. Motion Detection Using a PIR Sensor
Detect motion and trigger an LED or buzzer using a PIR sensor. This project introduces digital input and serial debugging.
Arduino Code:
int led = 13;
int sensor = 2;
int state = LOW;
int val = 0;
void setup() {
pinMode(led, OUTPUT);
pinMode(sensor, INPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);
}
void loop() {
val = digitalRead(sensor);
if (val == HIGH) {
digitalWrite(led, HIGH);
delay(500);
if (state == LOW) {
Serial.println("Motion detected!");
state = HIGH;
}
} else {
digitalWrite(led, LOW);
delay(500);
if (state == HIGH) {
Serial.println("Motion stopped!");
state = LOW;
}
}
}3. Build an Arduino Voltmeter with LCD Display
This project reads voltage through an analog input and displays the value on an I2C 1602 LCD display.
Arduino Code:
#include <Wire.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27,16,2);
int Vpin = A3;
float voltage;
float volts;
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
lcd.init();
lcd.backlight();
}
void loop() {
voltage = analogRead(Vpin);
volts = voltage / 1023 * 5.0;
Serial.println(volts);
lcd.print("Voltage = ");
lcd.print(volts);
delay(500);
lcd.clear();
}4. Ultrasonic Distance Sensor with LED Indicator
Use an ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04) to detect objects. Turn on an LED if something gets too close.
Arduino Code:
const int trigPin = 9;
const int echoPin = 10;
const int ledPin = 8;
const int movementThreshold = 50;
void setup() {
pinMode(trigPin, OUTPUT);
pinMode(echoPin, INPUT);
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);
Serial.println("Starting distance sensor...");
}
void loop() {
digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
delayMicroseconds(2);
digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH);
delayMicroseconds(10);
digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
long duration = pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);
int distance = duration * 0.034 / 2;
Serial.print("Distance: ");
Serial.print(distance);
Serial.println(" cm");
if (distance > 0 && distance <= movementThreshold) {
Serial.println("Object detected. Turning LED on.");
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
} else {
Serial.println("No object detected. Turning LED off.");
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
}
delay(200);
}5. Button-Controlled 7-Segment Display Counter
Display numbers 0 to 9 on a 7-segment display by pressing a button. Great intro to multiplexing and digital output.
Arduino Code:
int segmentPins[] = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8};
int buttonPins = A0;
byte numbers[10] = {
0x3F, 0x06, 0x5B, 0x4F, 0x66, 0x6D,
0x7D, 0x07, 0x7F, 0x6F
};
int counter = 0;
void setup() {
for (int i = 0; i < 7; i++) {
pinMode(segmentPins[i], OUTPUT);
}
pinMode(buttonPins, INPUT);
}
void loop() {
if(digitalRead(buttonPins) == HIGH){
displayNumber(counter);
counter = (counter + 1) % 10;
delay(1000);
}
}
void displayNumber(int num) {
for (int i = 0; i < 7; i++) {
digitalWrite(segmentPins[i], numbers[num] & (1 << i));
}
}Note: Some links in this article are affiliate links to products compatible with Arduino or Raspberry Pi platforms.
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