Don's Electronic Thing part 1 -- Initial Concept.

I would like my Don's Electronic Thing to have the following features:

  A) It will be based on a single Arduino Uno micro controller board.  Until I got one, I didn't realize how small, and powerful they are.  Programming it reminds me of writing software on my old Radio Shack Color Computer.

  B) Bluetooth module (probably an HC-05 type.)  This will allow most any bluetooth enabled PC/Phone/Tablet/etc.  to control it.  (Essentially anything with a programming language with bluetooth access.)  Be able to use touch screen controls, just like the more modern computer bricks.

  C) IR transmit/receive Leds.  This should allow it to communicate with most of the Lego IR devices.  I'm hoping to control the RCXs, the Manas, and the Spybot.  I don't have any Scout bricks, or anything newer than the RCX.

  D) Three "MicroScout Ports" -- Yes I said MicroScouts!  I have three, and they still work.  It is kind of cool to find a way to make them more useful.  Each "port" will consist of a single Led, and connector for a switch.  The Led will send signals, to a MicroScout.  The switch will track the motor rotations.

  E) Power will be supplied by a "cell phone charger battery".  These things are available nearly everywhere, at fairly low prices.  Also they will be easy to charge/swap in and out.

  F) Housing (so far):  Will be a blue, low profile, outlet box.  The Arduino Uno fits neatly into this box.  I bought the box from my local Manards home store.  I got the idea from a fellow on the web.  (http://www.instructables.com/id/Dirt-Cheap-Arduino-Enclosure/.)  Though I would like to find a plastic lid the same color.

Progress So Far:

I decided to tackle the simplest communication first:  The MicroScout Program 4. (Program 4 allows simple control of  a motor by turning a light on, or off.  Reversing the motor one just double flashes the light -- like double clicking a mouse button.)  I wired up a two Led circuit on my small breadboard, and started writing a sketch (program), to control them.  So far, I can type commands on the serial console on my computer, and watch the lights turn on, and off.  Exciting!