April 1, 2017: Intro to Electronic Sensors with Arduino Class

In this class you will learn about many  types of sensors, including: switches, voltage dividers, potentiometers, ultrasonic distance sensors, and my personal favorite, the accelerometer (you have one in your smartphone. It allows your phone to do magic!)

You will learn the electrical and physics properties of these sensors and the proper way to use them, including various tricks to remove noise, and get the most efficiency out of them.

Buy tickets here! 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-electronic-sensors-class-tickets-32718282263

What do I get for my money?

You will receive:

• Ultrasonic distance sensor (0.5 inches-14 feet), accelerometer(3 axis, +-3g), breadboard, jumper wires, a couple of switches, potentiometer, various resistors.

• You will also receive the knowledge to use these sensors properly, and personal help from experienced engineers at HackPittsburgh to get started with your sensors project.

How close am I to building a robot or 3d printer if I take this class?

You are actually very close. A robot or 3d printer needs a brain (computer or Arduino), sensors (learn about them in this class), and motors (learn about them in the next class).  You also need to know basic machine tool skills (come to HackPGH during mechanical club and we will teach you!)

Prerequisites:
You should know the very basics of C/C++ or similar language, and basic familiarity with your Arduino. If you are new to Arduino, we will help you get started.

This class requires that you have an Arduino. If you don’t have one, let us know (a few weeks ahead of time) and we may be able to sell you one. The type of Arduino doesn’t matter (Uno, Mega, Due, etc).

Recommended Age Group: 8-99 (kids must be accompanied by adults)

Lunch: Light refreshments will be served during lunch. We will order Pizza together at $5 a person (depending on number of people)

More Classes for 2017!!!

• Basic Electricity and Electronics (Already happened)

• Learn to Solder (Already happened)

• Basic Arduino Programming (Already happened)

• Sensors Sensors Sensors! (This class)

• Intro to Oscilloscopes (This one is free! Probably April or early May)

• Advanced Arduino Programming (TBD)

• Motor Control (TBD)

• Basic Electronics Part 2: Semiconductors and op-amps (TBD)