Light Sensor Sets Motor Jitter Strength

Code

The code in the editor below is ready to run! Plug Buzz in to your computer's USB port with the cable and hit 'Upload Your Code!' to see what it does. Change something in the code, like a delay or pin number. Try to add something new to the program - it's yours to tinker with! You can always press the 'Restore' button to return the code to the working example.

//Use the light sensor to control the strength of Buzz's motor void setup() { pinMode(A1,INPUT); //light sensor pinMode(9,OUTPUT); //motor } void loop() { int strength = analogRead(A1); //Create a variable called 'strength' that is an integer (whole number) and gets its value from the light sensor strength = map(strength,0,1023,255,0); //map the strength readings (0-1023) onto the analogWrite range (0-255) //This mapping means a low light reading = stronger jitter. analogWrite(9,strength);//analogWrite to the motor with power equal to the variable } // (c) 2023 Let's Start Coding. License: www.letsstartcoding.com/bsdlicense

Walkthrough Video

Watch the video for a line-by-line explanation of how the example program works. Then you'll be ready to make some changes of your own!

Challenges

Can you complete the challenge? Change the code in your code editor above. Upload your code to see the effect when you're finished. Complete a challenge? Check it off the list!

Change how the mapping works so that less light on the sensor = lower motor strength. There are 2 ways to do this - can you find them both?

Can you add a button and an 'if' statement to this program so that if you're holding down the button, the motor jitter stops completely?

Can you add an LED to this program that rises in brightness with the motor?

Concepts

These are the new code concepts covered in this example program. To become a great coder, read through these concepts to learn new vocabulary.

Quiz

If you're having trouble, try to run an experimental program or look at the example code to help you find the answer.

1. Which syntax ends the entire 'void loop' function?

semicolon ;
parentheses )
closing curly brace }

2. Which syntax ends a single code command?

semicolon ;
closing curly brace }
period .

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