Arduino Training Sessions

While at the ATO lab, I wanted to share some of the knowledge I had acquired through my hobby projects. Many coworkers were interested in some of the projects I had been working on at home, and they wanted to know how they could do something similar. So I decided (with permission) to take a couple hours out of the week for hands-on Arduino training sessions.

Starting at the most basic level of installing the software and running the blink sketch, I walked the class through topics such as:

• Digital inputs and outputs
• Reading from analog sensors
• Scaling analog readings
• Serial communication
• Using PWM to control LED brightness
• Installing external libraries
• Reading from digital sensors
• Outputting to a screen using the I2C protocol
• If statements, for loops, while loops, functions

After two weeks of training, I had my students come up with a project using some of the parts I had. Here is what they came up with :

A bluetooth-controlled light

A stepper motor clock

A badge access system

Automated plant watering

A garage parking sensor

LabVIEW Real Time Training Rig

When you purchase a full license of the LabVIEW development system, you get access to self-paced online training. This is pretty great and allows for some good hands-on learning through coding exercises… that is until you reach the Real Time section which requires a specific set of hardware to actually perform the tasks.

Thus, I made PR2D2, named after a standard temperature/pressure test we do in the lab (PR2) and everyone’s favorite droid. This board contains all the hardware needed to complete LabVIEW Real Time 1 and 2, enabling several developers in the lab to learn hands-on on their own schedule without the need to travel to a training center.

I also made a label for it using our circuit board mill, with a Star Wars font and rebel alliance symbol for good measure.

Formal Training and Certifications

I have a LabVIEW Certified Developer status and have completed the following LabVIEW training modules:

• LabVIEW Core 1
• LabVIEW Core 2
• LabVIEW Core 3
• LabVIEW Real Time 1
• LabVIEW Real Time 2

I am trained and certified to operate jib and gantry cranes up to 50 ton.

I have been trained and certified in Swagelok fittings and tube bending.

I have the radiation training certification necessary to operate an XRF tool.

I have had formal training and practice in GD&T.