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Small Basic: How to Use Arduino

Arduino is a cheap single board computer.  This article shows how to use Arduino with Microsoft Small Basic programming language.

Hardware

In this article, following hardware is required.  Actually, an Arduino compatible starter kit includes these parts.  And a Windows PC is needed.

  • Arduino UNO R3 (or compatible board)
  • USB Cable
  • Breadboard
  • Infrared Receiver (VS1838B)
  • Infrared Remote Controller
  • 5 x Jumper Wires (10cm, 1Pin, Male to Male)

Software

The following software is needed.  And this article is based on Windows 10, Small Basic 1.2 and LitDev Extension 1.2.11.0.

  • Arduino Software (IDE)
  • Arduino IRremote Library

Step by Step Instructions

Download the Arduino Software

Download Windows Installer from https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software .

 

Install the Arduino Software

Run the Windows Installer.

Assemble the Circuit

Assemble the Arduino circuit as follows.  This circuit is for infrared receiver.

Connect the Arduino to the PC

Connect the Arduino to the PC with USB cable.  LED labeled ON on the Arduino board will be on.

Start the Arduino Software

Start the Arduino Software (IDE) from the desktop icon.

Select Arduino Hardware

Select Arduino/Genuino Uno from [Tools] [Board:] menu.

Select COM Port

Select COM3 (Arduino/Genuino Uno) from [Tools] [Port:] menu.

Add IRremote Library

Download IRremote Library from http://osoyoo.com/2014/12/08/decode-infrared-remote-controller-with-ir-receiver-vs1838b/ .  And add the library from [Sketch] [Include Library] [Add .ZIP Library] menu.

Copy Arduino Demo Program

Copy Infrared demo program also from http://osoyoo.com/2014/12/08/decode-infrared-remote-controller-with-ir-receiver-vs1838b/ and paste it to the IDE as a sketch.

Upload the Program to the Arduino

Push right arrow button on the IDE to compile the program and upload the binary to the Arduino.

Test the Arduino Program

Open Serial Monitor from [Tools] [Serial Monitor] menu.

And push some IR remote control buttons.

And you will see the hexadecimal values for the buttons.

Run a Small Basic Serial Monitor

Run a program BVV136 and push the remote control buttons.

Write Small Basic Program with Remote Control

Then via serial port, Small Basic program can get controls from the IR remote control.  In a program HLT038, the turtle can be moved with IR remote control buttons 2, 4, 6 and 8.  And clear the screen with 0 button.

 

See Also

Other Resources