Week 3: Challenge Build Three

In this challenge, we are supposed to obtain this magical light where three different lights display in a a single bulb. Since I have received a guidebook, I am at least only two time stressed out than my original level of 5. I was ready to complete this assignment and see my board light up like a Christmas tree---NEGATIVE!

I followed the guideline and was so very sure that I was going to be victorious and after about four hours on and off (even had the hubby to double check) I am unsuccessful. I even had him to go to the nearest RadioShack to purchase a new bulb but they did not have any in stock. #sadness

I am extremely excited to watch fellow classmates to see where I possibly went wrong. Maybe it was the light BUT I will follow-up and give it another go tomorrow. #GoTeam

I decided to not give up and watched the Jeremy Blum tutorial. Let's just say that left me even more confused...A real-life world product that uses this circuit is the a video game console. 

Directions

Circuit and Board 

Circuit 2 Challenge: Potentiometer

This challenge was not as frustrating as the last one due to having a guide (thanks Nichole). Unfortunately, neither kit I have included the potentiometer and I was unable to control the light BUT I was able to circuit the board and get a steady blinking light as my fellow classmates did. Eureka! 

I have not ran the code with the board but I am happy that I am "making". I wouldn't consider this to be a failure but it is not a complete success. I am excited that I was able to complete the circuit and the light blinks. Kuddos to me!

"When you try your best, but you don't succeed you get what you want but not what you need" -Unknown

Completed Circuit Board

Code provided from classmate; hasn't been tested on board 

Adding a Real World option to the project 

Challenge 1: We have light!

I will admit this course has been the most stressful one in my ETEC career. I have had shipping difficulties and STILL have not received my Arduino board that I ordered early this month. Dr. B referred me to RadioShack and of course they not longer sale them BUT Micro Center in North Dallas came to rescue. I was able to purchase what I will call an off-brand version. The version is Inland and seems to look the same but did not come with a book--frustration moment #1. Since I have been on the hunt for the board, I have asked people that actually have worked with it before what it actually the "point" of it and several people have told me that simple machines such as microwaves and coffee makers. It seems simple, to people who understand these things, you tell it to do an action and it does it. I just wish operating the board was as easy as it is to pop my popcorn in the microwave. Le sigh!

Picture of my "off brand" board

I decided not to give up just yet and reached out to YouTube for help. Luckily, there are tons of makers on the the "video Google" site. After watching tons of videos and reading about the board and still not getting the darn light to blink, my inner light of hope soon started dimming. (If you read my initial intro post for the course, you will learn that I am no maker). 

I decided to take a break and eat a cupcake and get back to it. As I was reading, listening, and taking notes--BAM the LED light started blinking. YES! YES! YES! This was very exciting and rewarding, I finally did it. Stress level is now back high for challenge two BUT in the meantime see below for that gorgeous light!

Electronic Diagram 

Picture of text coding 

We have action! FINALLY! 

ETEC 597: Maker Spaces: A New Movement in Educational Technology

Welcome to my Maker Space!

Unfortunately, Mister Postman is not on my side and I have not received my Arduino Board in the mail. Although, it stated there was an expected delivery date of November 6th and I hoped to have everything opened, downloaded and ready to explore by today---I STAND CORRECTED. (Special thanks to Amazon prime- NOT!)

Luckily, I did find an online version (https://123d.circuits.io/lab) but I am still so lost as to what I should be doing.

Happy LED-ing. I hope many of you get your blinking lights.

Signed,

-dimmed light student :-(