Designing sensor modules
I will make the design of the Arduino starterskit modular. This means, making separate modules (boxes) for each different sensor, or actuator (light, sound, movement). It will make it easier to understand the function of each module, and it's easier to add new modules for new sensors.
The Knob
I started out with a simple sensor, a knob (which is in fact, a potentiometer). To make it look like a module, I made a box around the electronics, only showing its function (changing some "quantity").
I have also put some thought in how to connect this sensor module to the "main board" in an easy way. To try out, I have connected the 5V, GND and sensor value connectors, to a tripple jack plug, which means I can easily plug this jack in, and all the values will go straight to the Arduino.
After assembling the pieces of the box, it looks like this:
- Next step is to try this approach on other sensors, such as a microphone or a light sensor.
- I need to try other possible output plugs, that are bigger, because the current output plug is quite small and fragile.
- I want to make the modules educational in itself, so next to engraving the description of the sensor on top of the module, I might want to engrave the electronic circuit on the module as well. This will make the module also function as a reference for integrating a sensor in one's own circuit.
