Very first arduino project help.

so purchased arduino uno 2 weeks ago, , since significant thing i've done make l.e.d. able turn on/off , change it's brightness. want going it, , have decided first project bike turning light signal/brake light system. figured start project i'd people familiar arduino , electronics in general. since first project, want of can on own, hoping guys "guide" me in right direction , give me hint or 2 on figuring out how layout whole idea.

   i'll start off saying know amount electronics (what voltage is, current, watts, ohms law, different components etc. etc.), don't know arduino sketch program. bought starters book, hasn't helped me out. idea make when hit momentary switch (for right or left side of bike turn signal) signal start blink. keep blinking until turn wheel, have exposed wires positioned "brush" against each other when i'm turning. i'm turning still blinking when return wheel going straight wires brush again , second time mean turn done , blinking stop. in total 3 exposed wires; 1 moving (ground) make contact either right or left wire, , 2 other wires corresponds either turn signal. want make when pull on either of brakes, new set of red lights below signals light up. 5 l.e.d.s make each signal, forming arrow this: <  > , , right below the red brake l.e.d.s in layout - - .

so know basic idea of i'm going for, suggestions on how started code/wiring things up? , if need further information i'd happy reply asap.

first suggest using standard switches & leds work on code before try make work setup. start basic code , build up. @ example code, if starting programming start simple examples. more complicated function , larger sketch, more difficult follow.

wire switch pullup resistor , switch ground voltage @ input pin high (5v or 3.3v) when switch open , low (0v) when switch closed. if run out of digital outputs leds can use analog pins switches, little simpler use digital pins configured inputs.

you can drive leds directly digital pins (configured outputs) 1k ohm current limiting resistors. allow work out code, can make final hardware on bike.

if there specific questions how things, please ask. in general, @ lowest level functions need (read swich, turn on led, control on time , off time etc) , work on them individually before trying make whole project work together.

good luck,
steve turner

Arduino Forum > Using Arduino > Project Guidance > Very first arduino project help.

arduino