9. Input Devices

This week I explored input devices and how they can be used to interact with microcontrollers. I built a simple servo motor control system using buttons to move the servo to different positions.

The Code

    #include 

Servo myServo;

const int SERVO_PIN   = D5;   // GPIO7  — signal wire
const int BUTTON_180  = D0;   // GPIO2  — press to go to 180 degrees
const int BUTTON_0    = D1;   // GPIO3  — press to go to 0 degrees

int currentAngle = 0;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);

  // Internal pull-up: pin reads HIGH normally, LOW when button pressed
  pinMode(BUTTON_180, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(BUTTON_0,   INPUT_PULLUP);

  myServo.attach(SERVO_PIN, 500, 2500);
  myServo.write(currentAngle);
  delay(1000);

  Serial.println("Ready. Press a button.");
}

void loop() {
  // Button pressed = pin goes LOW (because other leg is GND)
  if (digitalRead(BUTTON_180) == LOW) {
    if (currentAngle != 180) {
      currentAngle = 180;
      myServo.write(currentAngle);
      Serial.println("Moving to 180 degrees.");
    }
    delay(200);  // Debounce
  }

  if (digitalRead(BUTTON_0) == LOW) {
    if (currentAngle != 0) {
      currentAngle = 0;
      myServo.write(currentAngle);
      Serial.println("Moving to 0 degrees.");
    }
    delay(200);  // Debounce
  }
}

The code is a simple Arduino sketch that controls a servo motor using two buttons. When the first button is pressed, the servo moves to 180 degrees, and when the second button is pressed, it moves to 0 degrees.

Testing the Code With a Breadboard

I got the servo to work on the first try which was amazing! It was a sign that I have actually been learning over the time I have been in Fab Academy.

Next I used KiCad to layout the Schematic for the PCB.

I designed the PCB to be almost like a handheld controller.

Setting up the Bantam tool was also very easy this time around.

I loaded the 1/32" Flat end mill into the Bantam tool.

It was a very quick cut with the 1/32" flat end mill.

I learned from this PCB that it is important to listen to the guidance from the pograms. The Bantam advised me to start with a smaller end mill to start the cut and end with the 1/32". This would have eliminated the need for what I am doing here. I had to use a rasp to file away the copper between my 5V and grong connections.

Unboxing a new soldering iron setup.

Soldering the components onto the PCB.

All of the components assembled and ready for testing.

Testing the PCB and Microcontroller

I used the multimeter to test the resistance on the date cannection to the servo. It confirmed that there were 1k ohms of resistance as specified by my AI instruction sheet.

I also saw good continuity from my microcontroller to the servo trace.

The switches worked consistently throughout the testing process.

The Serial Plotter in Arduino IDE mapped the signal from each push of the switches. Graph is showing that the first switch on D0 is sending the signal for a 180 degree rotation. The second switch on D1 is sending the signal to return to 0. The signals are sent at a uniform rate once the switches are pressed.