Republic of the Philippines

TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES – MANILA

Ayala Boulevard, corner San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila 1000

College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Department

EC1 - M
Mechanical Engineering Elective 1

WRITTEN REPORT NO. 3

“Potentiometer and
Arduino Uno”

SUBMITTED BY:
MARA, BRENT KLIFORD G.
BSME – 3A

SUBMITTED TO:
ENGR. VINCENT RAUL C. ESPERANZA
FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

DATE OF SUBMISSION:
APRIL 25, 2024
 ACTIVITY NO. 3

Potentiometer and Arduino Uno

I. OBJECTIVE

a. Understand Potentiometer Basics - Learn about the basic

components and function of a potentiometer, including how it is wired

to an Arduino Uno board and how to read its input values using the

analog input pins.

b. Create a Potentiometer Input Device - Design and build a simple input

device using a potentiometer and an Arduino Uno board. This could

involve creating a user interface that allows the user to adjust a value

by turning the potentiometer's knob.

c. Implement Potentiometer Input in a Project - Incorporate a

potentiometer input device into a larger project, such as a synthesizer

or a game controller. This will require using the potentiometer's input

values to control various aspects of the project, such as frequency or

speed.

II. MATERIALS

• Arduino Uno or Uno R3 (1)

• Breadboard (1)

• LED (at least 15 pcs)

• Jumper wires (at least 30 pcs)

• Potentiometer (1)

• 220 Ohm resistors (14 pcs)

• USB Cable (1)

III. CONCEPT THEORY

Potentiometers are variable resistors that can be used as input devices to control
various aspects of an electronic circuit. When combined with an Arduino Uno
microcontroller board, potentiometers can be used to control the brightness of an
LED, the delay time of an LED blinking sequence, and the consecutive on and off of
chase lights. The potentiometer is connected in a voltage divider configuration with
the LED, and the Arduino Uno reads the analog input from the potentiometer. The
voltage output from the potentiometer determines the brightness of the LED,
providing a continuous range of values for precise control of the LED brightness.

In the case of interactive LED blinking and potentiometer, the potentiometer is used
to control the delay time between LED blinks, allowing for interactive control of the
blinking speed. The potentiometer provides a continuous range of values, allowing
for precise control of the delay time. This concept can be used in applications
where the user wants to adjust the speed of an LED blinking sequence, such as in
a visual effect or as a user interface control.

For chase lights using LED’s and potentiometer, the potentiometer is used to
control the delay time between consecutive on and off of lights in a chase light
sequence. The potentiometer provides a continuous range of values, allowing for
precise control of the delay time. This concept can be used in applications where a
sequence of lights needs to be controlled, such as in a decorative lighting
application or as a user interface control.

The Arduino Uno has analog input pins that can read the varying voltage output
from a potentiometer, and the Arduino Uno converts the analog voltage from the
potentiometer into a digital value that can be processed by the microcontroller. By
writing code in the Arduino IDE, users can define how the potentiometer input
affects the LED brightness, blinking speed, or chase light sequence.

The combination of potentiometers and Arduino Uno boards exemplifies the fusion
of analog and digital technologies. Understanding the theory behind these concepts
and their integration with Arduino Uno not only provides insight into basic
electronics principles but also empowers creators to design innovative and
interactive projects that leverage the versatility and capabilities of these
components.
IV. PROCEDURE

A. Brightness Control of an LED using Potentiometer (Brightness of LED is

varied as the potentiometer knob is turned clockwise/counterclockwise):

STEPS:

1. Start by inserting the LED light into the breadboard. Then, connect the 220-ohms

resistor to the anode of the LED light.

2. Connect a jumper wire from the cathode of the LED light to the negative

terminal of the breadboard.

3. Insert the potentiometer then connect the VCC pin to the positive terminal of

the breadboard while the GND pin to the negative terminal of the breadboard.

4. Connect the wiper pin to A0 then connect the negative terminal to the GND of

the Arduino Uno and positive terminal to the 5V of the Arduino Uno.

5. Upload the code into the Arduino Uno R3

6. Connect the Arduino Uno to the power supply.

B. Interactive LED blinking and Potentiometer (Delay time is being
controlled as the potentiometer knob is turned
clockwise/counterclockwise):

STEPS:
1. Start by inserting the LED light into the breadboard. Then, connect the 220-

ohms resistor to the anode of each LED light.

2. Connect the cathode of the LED light to the negative terminal of the

breadboard. Then connect a jumper wire from the left most resistor until the

right most to pin 13 until pin 0.

3. Insert the potentiometer then connect the VCC pin to the positive terminal of

the breadboard while the GND pin to the negative terminal of the breadboard.

4. Connect the wiper pin to A0 then connect the negative terminal to the GND of

the Arduino Uno and positive terminal to the 5V of the Arduino Uno.

5. Upload the code into the Arduino Uno R3

6. Connect the Arduino Uno to the power supply.

C. Chase Lights using LED’s and Potentiometer (Consecutive On and Off of
lights is controlled as the potentiometer knob is turned
clockwise/counterclockwise):

STEPS:
1. Start by inserting the LED light into the breadboard. Then, connect the 220-

ohms resistor to the anode of each LED light.

2. Connect the cathode of the LED light to the negative terminal of the

breadboard. Then connect a jumper wire from the left most resistor until the

right most to pin 2 until pin 10.

3. Insert the potentiometer then connect the VCC pin to the positive terminal of

the breadboard while the GND pin to the negative terminal of the breadboard.

4. Connect the wiper pin to A0 then connect the negative terminal to the GND of

the Arduino Uno and positive terminal to the 5V of the Arduino Uno.

5. Upload the code into the Arduino Uno R3

6. Connect the Arduino Uno to the power supply.

V. RESULTS

A. Brightness Control of an LED using Potentiometer (Brightness of LED is

varied as the potentiometer knob is turned clockwise/counterclockwise):
B. Interactive LED blinking and Potentiometer (Delay time is being
controlled as the potentiometer knob is turned
clockwise/counterclockwise):
C. Chase Lights using LED’s and Potentiometer (Consecutive On and Off of
lights is controlled as the potentiometer knob is turned
clockwise/counterclockwise):
VI. OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

OBSERVATION

The interactive LED blinking activity and the simulation of traffic lights and

pedestrian lanes using LEDs both provide engaging and interactive experiences for

learners. The blinking activity demonstrates movement from right to left and vice

versa, enhancing the understanding of directional concepts, while the traffic light

simulation educates individuals about traffic regulations and pedestrian safety

measures in a practical and visual manner. These activities effectively utilize LEDs

to create dynamic learning experiences, making them valuable tools for educating

learners of all ages.

CONCLUSION

The interactive LED blinking activity and the simulation of traffic lights and

pedestrian lanes using LEDs are both effective educational tools that leverage the

capabilities of LEDs to enhance learning experiences. The blinking activity

demonstrates LED control in an engaging manner while reinforcing the concept of

directionality through hands-on interaction. Similarly, the traffic light simulation

incorporates LEDs to create a dynamic and engaging visual representation of traffic

light sequences and pedestrian signals, enhancing participants' understanding of

road safety practices. These activities effectively utilize LEDs to create interactive

and memorable learning experiences for learners of all ages.