The process of wiring was pretty straightforward given the breadboard prototype is develed and debugged fairly well. But still there was a challenge with additional LEDs born out of the necessity introduced by the actual assembly process. Namely, the stop and turn signals introduced now, that did not exist on the breadboard caused issues. The stop signal and turn signals would not work correctly: the right turn signal would not come on, while stop lights were on, but it worked perfectlty, when the stop lights were off. First of all, my lack of knowledge was the main factor that took me down the path of doubt and I ended up retrying all different available pins, I also tried adding more resistors to balance the power distribution to the LEDs with no luck. and even tried replacing the arduino with another one. Only then I realized the issue was not with the hardware, but somewhere in the software. Indeed, I forgot to replace variables with the appropriate ones after copy pasting some code. I am more used to programming in high level language: C# and using so called flags to control states in such a way as Arduino requires is a bit alien to my mindset. The way Arduino runs, which is a constant loop, forces you to follow this lower level of programming where you must maintain and control states using booleans, bits and what nots. In fact, I find it both educational and refreshing, but still I tend to make such mistakes. My overconfidence in my code and ultimately my lack of knowledge of Arduino pins ends and internals, plus my absolutely dummy level of electronics cause me have these sorts of issues. In early days when I started tinkering with Arduino, literally on tinker.com, I could hardly manage running simple sample projects only to get overwhelmed and abandon the unstarted projects. The ideas though were always in my head, almost pursuasive, almost haunting like a ghost, a sin. As if I was blaming myself of something undone, but must be done. I guess, the sense of guilt, a dissatisfaction of my own incompetence. Now, when I am writing my thoughts, I finally, realize how troublesome it was for me and I am happy I started, finally. At this point, I must admit to being a lazy and procrastinating person.
I guess, it is a startup.
It is not my first startup project. Years back, unknowingly, I already accomplished and introduced a major innovation to a company I was working for at the time. A vision that became a reality due to my search for self improvement and eventual automation of huge amount of manual work I was supposed to do along with many others experienced employees. I started with simple browser javascript code injection and ended up automating the full process with multi browser support, with server integration. The idea of the new UI with all the convinient features they could ever imagine was right in front of them. The enthusiasm was huge and the execution was perfectly timed and placed. With all the successes I have achieved, my request for a salary raise was not accepted very well. That is I guess the mindset of some rich people. This caused some friction, deeply offended I ended up searching for another job. I was also kind enough to hand all the code and technology to the company, who I thought needed to have it, as it needed constant updating and renewals anyways. That part was done by some 40 newly hired IT guys somewhere in Pakistan. That should not give you the impression as if my salary was more that what those 40 guys would get. No. It was most likely the decision of the boss, extremely rich, who made the decision to spend more on more people rather than depending on one person. I figure that only now. The know-how I introduced was taken away from me unjustly even without adequate reward.
Talking about my current project I started with much enthusiasm, but also feel uncertain. I guess, it is how it should be. But I have this gut feeling that I will succeed. The only difference this time is me being alone, with no money. That is enough of a detour and I want to talk about the technical issue I faced.
So the problem with my misfiring turn signals was due to stop lights depending on right turn signal flag instead of its own flag. A copy paste error that evaded me before I learned the hardware was good, the analog pins were good for digitalWrite LED on/off control. Overall, the assembly was a success. Every day of me spending time with Arduino is adding to my knowledge and experience, while healing my wounds caused by long lasting proctasrination. Yes, I was feeling pretty bad about myself not doing anything about it. I must admit, I have yet to learn lots of things. I believe, good reading might also help, if you can suggest any books. By the way, that is one of the reasons of why I am not in hurry to switch to ESP32 yet. Although, my curiosity is overwhelming. I am thirsty to explore the vast capabilities of ESP32, but I am restraining myself from that journey before I complete the current project that virtually uses up the full potential of an Arduino. Selenotron is a fully programmable, multi mode roboric toy with multiple levels of complexity. Capable of fitting the needs of both small kids and adults. My next ambitious, childhood dream come true project that is keeping my weekends busy.
Upon completion, God willing, I will publish a complete series of videos. I am also planning to move this project to a startup. I hope for public support and funding to initiate a small business. I have no idea how that works, but I am researching my way to success.
The current state of the assembly is this:
It may look a bit messy with all the wires need managing, but that will be fixed once the pin assignments are fixed.
See you soon again