Make an Arduino Project in 3 Minutes with Circuito.io

Introduction

In this project, we will use Circuito.io, a free web-app for makers, to create a simple-to-use range finder with Arduino in just 3 minutes. This is an example project, but it will show you how you can use Circuito.io for many more projects. If you prefer to create your own project, follow the steps on Circuito.io and start making.

The app is based on a simple logic of input-output, controller and power supply. The tutorial will follow the same methodology.

So... Let's get started!

• Go to Circuito.io and fill in the components in the right slots, or click this link which will take you directly to the pre-defined selection.

• Click on “Create Circuito”.

• Once the “It’s ready” message appears, click on “Open my Circuito”. This will open a new tab with “Circuito.io - Step By Step”. Here, you have all the information you’ll need, but we’ll also be covering that in the following tutorial.

Hardware setup

Scroll down after the BOM (Bill of Material) on Step-by-step and you’ll see an interactive slideshow guiding you on how to connect the circuit. At the bottom of the slideshow, you also have explanations for each connection you make. You are also welcome to use the Fritzing file attached.

It's time for code

Download the code from Step-by-Step and upload it to your Arduino to test the scheme.

This code is programmed to display “ON” if an object is closer than 30 cm to the sensor. If this code works properly for you, you can either keep it or upload the code attached here, which will display the distance from the sensor.

You may also want to change the code once you’re working on your own project (Circuito.io generates a new code for each micro-controller based project you decide to make). Therefore, there are comments in the code which can help you modify the code according to your needs. However, we recommend using this basic code to test that the circuit is connected properly.

You’re all done!

Now that you know how to use Circuito.io, you can start your own project. If you run into any problems, you are most welcome to comment below or contact us at hello@circuito.io.

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