For this week�s assignment, I decided to focus on my final project. Since I�m still not sure about the output of my final project (!) � It can be either a Servo Motor or RGB LED � I decided to try both of these outputs. I bought a Servo from Radioshak, and grabbed a couple of RGB LEDs from Archshop and started playing.

There are some circuit design samples in class�s website for each of the output devices, but I decided to make my own Fabduino and attach the output devices to it, so that I can use my Fabduino for the next week�s assignment (Input Devices) as well as my final project.

Since I�m still not completely comfortable with electronics design, and since I�m still not sure about the input and output devices for my final project, I decided to make the Fabduino without any changes, and instead fabricate tiny circuits just to attach the output devices to the Arduino. While I was making Fabduino, I came across the FabKit which had more traces for output headers � I went ahead and fabricated it too. I also ordered some female headers � which hasn�t still arrived � to solder to my Fabkit and make my own Arduino.

From what I�ve learned from circuit�s samples on class�s website, I realized that my RGB LED needs to be attached to 3 pins on microcontroller and VCC. Also, I needed to use resistors in order to regulate the current for the LED. With these in mind, I went ahead and designed a tiny circuit for my LED, and I included a header to attach 3 the LED to 3 pins of the microcontroller. I used a jumper wire to attach the VCC of LED circuit to VCC of the Fabduino. This is the result :

Servo should be connected to VCC, GND and a pin on microcontroller. Servo should get it�s power from a source other that Fabduino � such as a battery. Thus, the VCC of servo is different from VCC of Fabduino. However, both GNDs should be attached to each other. Since I didn�t have a battery (!) I decided to get the power for the Servo from my laptop via USB. I designed another tiny circuit just with a USB outlet and two male headers that could be attached to Servo. The GND is attached to Fabduino�s GND via jumper wire, and servo is attached to pin 5 of Fabduino with another jumper wire.

After doing all these work, I decided to load the simple programs that I wrote in Arduino to the boards � but I faced a major problem. Apparently, Arduino software is not very friendly with windows � at least the way we want to use it which is adding boards other that Arduino�s own boards. I still haven�t been able to load my board and controller � MEGA328P � in the Arduino software. I�ve decided to install Ubunto on my laptop � maybe that would work. This page will definitely be updated!