Projects

Projects

Smart Home Automation using ESP32: Controlling LED and Stepper Motor

This project showcases the potential of ESP32 technology in smart home automation. By leveraging the WiFi capabilities of the ESP32 microcontroller, we can control an LED and a stepper motor remotely using a web page. This project demonstrates the basics of IoT (Internet of Things) and its applications in home automation. Components Used: Implementation Process: Code Implementation: The code utilizes the following libraries: The code is written in Arduino IDE and prints out the IP address of the network, which is used to access the web page. Testing Stage: Conclusion: This project demonstrates the potential of ESP32 technology in smart home automation. With the ability to control devices remotely, this project showcases the basics of IoT and its applications. Future Implementations: Benefits: Applications:  

Projects

Exploring NE555 Timer Projects: Astable, Bistable and Monostable Modes

The NE555 Timer IC is one of the most popular and versatile integrated circuits in electronics. It operates in three distinct modes—astable, bistable, and monostable—making it perfect for building simple yet powerful timer-based circuits. In this article, we will explore three basic yet exciting projects using the NE555: Astable Mode – Free-Running Oscillator Using the NE555 Timer Purpose:To make an LED blink continuously (turning ON and OFF repeatedly) without the need for any button press. Components Required:NE555 Timer IC3 × Resistors (e.g., 2.2 kΩ each)2 × Capacitors (e.g., 10 µF )LEDPower source (e.g., 9 V battery) Working Principle:1. No button is needed; the 555 automatically triggers itself.2. Capacitor charges and discharges between 1/3 and 2/3 of supply voltage through the two resistors.3. This produces a continuous HIGH and LOW output on pin 3, which causes the LED to blink repeatedly. Pin Connections: PIN FUNCTION CONNECTION 1 GND Battery -ve 8 VCC Battery +ve 3 Output Connected to LED through 1kΩ resistor 2 Trigger Connected to pin 6 (threshold) and also a capacitor 6 Threshold Connected to pin 2 (trigger) and a resistor 4 Reset Tied to VCC (disables auto-reset) 5 Control Voltage Connected to 10nF capacitor to GND 7 Discharge Connected between two resistors (R1 and R2) Operation:• The NE555 timer continuously switches between HIGH and LOW output states:• No buttons are needed — the circuit self-triggers automatically.• The capacitor charges and discharges through R1 and R2, causing:• Pin 3 Output HIGH: LED turns ON• Pin 3 Output LOW: LED turns OFF• This cycle repeats, making the LED blink continuously without manual input. This setup transforms the 555 timer into a free-running oscillator, ideal for timing, blinking, or pulse-generating applications. Img i. A Schematic Diagram of the Astable Mode      2. Bistable Mode – Flip-Flop Using NE555 Purpose:To create a circuit that stays ON or OFF until a button is pressed — perfect for making toggle switches or memory elements. Components Required:NE555 Timer IC2 Push Buttons (Red = Set, Black = Reset)LED3 ResistorsCapacitor (103 = 10nF)9V Battery Working Principle:The bistable mode has two stable states• ON: LED remains ON after pressing the SET button• OFF: LED remains OFF after pressing the RESET buttonThis behavior mimics a flip-flop, where the state only changes when an external input (button press) occurs. Pin Connections: PIN FUNCTION CONNECTION 1 GND Battery -ve 8 VCC Battery +ve 3 Output Connected to LED 2 Trigger Connected to SET button (Red) 6 Threshold Connected to RESET button (Black) 4 Reset Tied to VCC (disables auto-reset) 5 Control Voltage Connected to 10nF capacitor to GND 7 Discharge Not used Operation:• Pressing SET (Red): Sends LOW to Pin 2 → Output goes HIGH → LED turns ON• Pressing RESET (Black): Sends LOW to Pin 6 → Output goes LOW → LED turns OFFThis simple behavior demonstrates how a 555 timer can function as a manual switch with memory      3. Monostable Mode – One-Shot Timer Using NE555 Purpose:To turn ON an LED for a brief, specific duration when a button is pressed — commonly used in buzzers, timers, and alarms. Components Used:• NE555 Timer IC• Push Button• Capacitor (10µF)• Resistor (10kΩ = 103)• LED• 9V Battery Working Principle:The monostable mode has one stable state (OFF). When triggered, the output goes HIGH temporarily, then returns to LOW automatically.1. Idle: Output is LOW (LED OFF)2. Button Pressed: LOW on Pin 2 triggers the timer → Output goes HIGH (LED ON)3. After Delay: Capacitor charges → Output returns to LOW (LED OFF) Time Delay Formula:T ≈ 1.1 × R × CWhere:T is the time delay in secondsR is the resistance in ohms (Ω)C is the capacitance in farads (F) Example:If R = 10 kΩ and C = 10 µF: T ≈ 1.1 × 10,000 × 0.00001 = 0.11 seconds  Pin Connections: PIN FUNCTION CONNECTION 1 GND Battery -ve 2 Trigger Push button → GND 3 Output Connected to LED (with current-limiting resistor) 4 Reset Tied to VCC (to prevent unwanted resets) 5 Control Voltage Optional capacitor (10nF) to GND 6 Threshold Connected to Pin 7 7 Discharge Connected to capacitor and resistor 8 VCC Battery +ve   Conclusion:These three simple NE555 circuits show how versatile the timer IC can be:Bistable Mode is perfect for toggle switches and memory circuits. Monostable Mode is ideal for timed outputs and one-shot activations. Astable Mode is best for generating continuous pulses, such as blinking LEDs, clock signals, and tone generation. These are beginner-friendly projects to learn about timing, switching, and digital logic using a single IC — making them great for workshops, exhibitions, or practical classroom demos.  

Projects

LED and Switch Circuit

Welcome to another exciting tutorial from Aaenics Still on the linear electronics series, and if you’ve been following for a couple of weeks now, you’ll know we’ve been having a hands-on journey into basic electronics components and how they work together. Today in this simple but powerful tutorial, we’re going to learn what an LED resistor switch circuit is, how it works, and how to actually build one by yourself with just a few components. What is an LED Resistor Switch Circuit An LED resistor switch circuit is one of the most basic and fundamental circuits you’ll ever build in electronics. It combines three simple components, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a resistor, and a switch, and teaches you core principles like current limiting, switching control, and polarity. The idea is very simple: You press the switch,Current flows through the resistor,The resistor limits how much current gets to the LED,And the LED lights up But behind this simplicity lies a beautiful lesson about how electronic circuits control and manage electrical energy. How Does It Work Let’s say we are powering the circuit with a 5V source like an Arduino or a battery. The switch acts like a gate. When it’s open, the current can’t pass through so the LED stays off. When you press the switch, the gate closes and current flows. But wait, without the resistor, you could burn your LED in seconds. That’s why the resistor is crucial. It limits the amount of current flowing through the LED so it stays safe and shines properly. Think of the resistor as a kind of bodyguard for your LED. It absorbs just enough energy so the LED can do its job without overheating. Let’s Build It So, how do you actually build this thing? Here’s what you need: Components1 LED (any color)1 resistor (220Ω to 1kΩ is fine)1 push button switchBreadboard and jumper wiresPower supply (e.g. Arduino 5V or 9V battery) Connections1. Connect one terminal of the switch to the positive voltage2. Connect the other terminal of the switch to one end of the resistor3. Connect the other end of the resistor to the anode (longer leg) of the LED4. Connect the cathode (shorter leg) of the LED to GND5. That’s it. Press the switch and your LED comes alive What You’ve Learned Switches are simple but powerful control elements in a circuitLEDs only allow current in one direction and glow when current passesResistors are current limiting devices that protect sensitive componentsPutting them together teaches you the basics of flow control in circuits, which is a big deal in real world electronics So go ahead, build this circuit and light up your electronics journey Stay tuned for more awesome lessons here at Aaenics