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 Have you ever wanted a cool numeric-keypad entry system for something? The back door, the shed, to turn on power to the entertainment system, or the bathroom door? Well now's your chance to get started by following the instructions by Instructables member "WWC". They've documented how to create a simple Arduino-compatible method of controlling a servo via a PIN. You can then use the methods described as part of your own projects to create an access system, for example:

Visit the project page for more information and instructions. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.
 

Now for something different in the robotics world - a robot that can travel over a window or vertical surface less than 25mm thick, in order to paint the surface. You first create an image on a PC running custom processing software, which turns the image into data which is copied into the robot's Arduino sketch. The data contains information that directs the robot on its' travels. The robot is held in place with Neodymium magnets, and can also replicate the process on a floor or other flat horizontal surface for the faint-hearted.  You can see the process in action through the following video:

To recreate your own version, check out the instructions on the project page. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.

If you're new to Arduino, the first step is a solid board for your projects - our Freetronics Eleven - the Arduino-Uno compatible with low-profile USB socket, onboard prototyping space and easy to view LEDs:

 If you're interested in modernising a doll house, adding an elevator to your LEGO world or just want to recreate "Damien: Omen II" with miniature figures, this next project by Arduino forum member "Don B" will suit nicely. Don has created a simple elevator system that has a full control system and can track the position of the car just as a real system would do. However the car location is determined by the use of an ultrasonic distance sensor at the bottom of the "shaft". It's not too difficult and a lot of fun, for example:

For more details, schematic and Arduino sketch visit the Arduino forum. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.

Want to make your own Arduino-controlled project with servos and more - but not sure how to start? Then the best way to learn is with out new Experimenter's Kit for Arduino:

 If you're always wanting to watch a certain twitter feed or two, why not make a separate unit just for that purpose? Doing so has been demonstrated by Varut Rintanalert who uses an Ethernet-enabled Arduino board and an LCD module to do just that. It's programmed to monitor four feeds, however with modification you can change the feeds, or also have your Arduino react when a certain term or hashtag appears. It's a simple and fun project that shows how easy it is to work with Arduino and the Internet. 

For more information and the Arduino sketch, visit Varut's website. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.

If you need an LCD module for your next Arduino project - save time and move forward with the Freetronics LCD & Keypad shield. This convenient shield contains a bright 16x2 character LCD and five buttons that can be read from only one analogue input pin:

 Freetronics co-founder and home automation expert Jonathan Oxer has published the next fascinating instalment in the Superhouse.TV website that focuses on high technology and automation around the home. In this episode Jonathan discusses how to modify electronic door locks so that they can be controlled remotely (or locally) via Ethernet-enabled Arduino hardware. The process of integrating the electronic lock with Jonathan's home automation system is explained in the following video:

If you're interested in other topics within home automation, check out the rest of Superhouse.tv. And we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.

 In response to yesterday's article about the music-playing switching valve we bring you Rupert Hirst's "Moppyduino" project. This is a device that can control six floppy disk drives in order to create some credible music. Furthermore it has been built using a custom PCB containing a bare Arduino-compatible circuit. Even if you're not interested in music the process of making a PCB at home has been included which is interesting reading in itself. In the following video you can see this process and the results of the player:

For more information visit Rupert's website. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.

And now for something completely different. Boris Landoni from Open Electronics has constructed and documented his robotic fish. With a body made from polystyrene, he modified it to have three vertical joints. Each joint contains a servo which in combination cam created the required movements to emulate a real fish. Sharp infra-red distance sensors have been added so the fish doesn't swim into objects, and the control is a simple matter of programming the Arduino compatible. The final results are successful - for example (turn volume down):

Add a laser to the head and it's perfect... Nevertheless, visit the project page for more details. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.

Want to make your own Arduino-controlled project with servos and more - but not sure how to start? Then the best way to learn is with out new Experimenter's Kit for Arduino:

 Fans of the Code::Blocks open-source IDE or those of you looking for a more featured IDE will appreciate the updates to the latest version. Arduino integration has been included from having a project wizard that can import various libraries, run sketches through an API Arduino simulator, and also an inbuilt Arduino sketch uploader for a seamless experience. 

So if you're looking for an IDE that can be used across all platforms and devleopment boards - Code::Blocks is a worthwhile contender. And it's free - so check it out. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.

 It seems that the fad of using floppy drives to make music has shifted over to industrial components - and this next example by Arduino forum member "kerimil" could be the start of a whole new method. Using an Arduino and the tone library, a Festo fast switching valve can be activated and deactivated at such a speed that the resulting sound is quite effective. It's a little crazy, but it works - (and watch the battery on the table move from the vibration) for example:

The code is very simple, and can be found here. And we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.

If you're interested in working with piezos for various reasons we have a neat little SOUND: sound and buzzer module:

It can be used as a noise-maker driven by your microcontroller for audible feedback of events, and it can also be used as a knock-detector input to sense events and react to them. Includes a built-in 1M resistor to allow the piezo element to detect shocks. For more information and to order, please visit the product page here. 

 Each development platform has its' own strengths and weaknesses, however synergy can be found when two platforms work together for a common goal. The following example demonstrates neatly how an Arduino board and LCD can work together with a Raspberry Pi to create an Internet-radio. The RPi receives the streaming audio, plays it through an external speaker - and displays relevant data on the LCD. It's relatively simple and it works, for example:

Another interesting example of Raspberry Pi and Arduino working together. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.