CIPAD Leçon 12: Compteur Ascendant/descendant

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through creating an ascending and descending counter using the Arduino platform and the LiquidCrystal library. You will learn how to set up your LCD display, write code to manage the counter, and understand the functionalities of various programming structures in Arduino. This project is a great way to practice your programming skills and understand how to manipulate variables and control outputs.

Step 1: Set Up Your Hardware

1. Gather Materials:

   • Arduino board
   • LCD display (compatible with the LiquidCrystal library)
   • Jumper wires
   • Breadboard (optional)

2. Wiring the LCD Display:

   • Connect the LCD display to the Arduino according to the following pin configuration:
     • VSS to GND
     • VDD to 5V
     • VO to a potentiometer (for contrast)
     • RS to pin 12
     • RW to GND
     • E to pin 11
     • D4 to pin 5
     • D5 to pin 4
     • D6 to pin 3
     • D7 to pin 2
     • A (LED+) to 5V
     • K (LED-) to GND

3. Install Necessary Libraries:

   • Ensure you have the LiquidCrystal library installed in your Arduino IDE. This library is essential for controlling the LCD.

Step 2: Write the Code

1. Begin with Setup:

   • Initialize the LCD in your setup() function and set the pin modes for any buttons you may use.
   • Example code snippet:

   #include <LiquidCrystal.h>
   
   LiquidCrystal lcd(12, 11, 5, 4, 3, 2);
   
   void setup() {
       lcd.begin(16, 2); // Initialize a 16x2 LCD
       lcd.clear(); // Clear the display
   }
   

2. Declare Variables:

   • Create a variable for the counter and any necessary button states.
   • Example:

   int counter = 0;
   

3. Create the Loop:

   • In the loop() function, increment or decrement the counter based on button presses.
   • Use digitalRead() to check button states.
   • Example code snippet:

   void loop() {
       if (digitalRead(buttonPin) == HIGH) {
           counter++; // Increment
           lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
           lcd.print("Count: ");
           lcd.print(counter);
           delay(100);
       }
       // Add similar logic for decrementing the counter.
   }
   

4. Implement Control Structures:

   • Use if, switch/case, and other control structures to manage the flow of your program effectively.
   • Example:

   if (counter > maxCount) {
       counter = 0; // Reset if exceeds maximum
   }
   

Step 3: Test Your Project

1. Upload Code:

   • Connect the Arduino to your computer and upload the code using the Arduino IDE.

2. Monitor the Output:

   • Observe the LCD display. The counter should increment or decrement based on your button presses.

3. Debugging:

   • If the counter does not work as expected, check your wiring and ensure that the correct pin numbers are used in your code.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to set up an Arduino project with an LCD display to create a simple ascending and descending counter. You explored wiring, coding structures, and how to interact with hardware components. As a next step, consider expanding this project by adding more features, such as a reset button or additional display information. Happy coding!