A seven-segment display is one of the simplest and cheapest electronic display units. It is used to display numerical output that has few place values or decimal places. 7-segment indicators exist in different forms. Some of the common types are one-digit, 2-digits, 3-digits, and 4-digits display units. Of those that have more than one place value, there are those that have decimal points and colons. The seven-segment display units with decimal points are ideal for displaying numerical output with few decimal places while those that have colons are mostly used to display time. Though simple in design, a 7-segment display […]

When you want to incorporate short-range wireless communication in a project, infrared signal is one of the protocols you can consider. Infrared communication is the use of a modulated low-frequency light signal that can be used for short-range wireless communication between devices. It is the technology used by TV remote controls to operate a Tv remotely. There are multiple other devices that utilize the infrared remote controls as input devices. Similarly, you can use an existing IR remote control as input in your project. All you need is a simple IR sensor circuit and a microcontroller. The IR sensor circuit […]

Do you know that you could use your TV remote control as an input device to your DIY project? Better yet, are you aware that could repurpose your TV remote control to switch ON/OFF the lights in your house? Well, wonder no more because, in this article, you are going to learn how to easily decode your TV remote control and use it as wireless input control for your DIY project. How a TV Remote Control Works A TV remote control uses wireless communication technology to control the TV remotely. It simply works by generating an encoded or rather modulated […]

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and I think a motion picture is worth two thousand. Watching a video demo clears the confusion that may result from learning by reading. I happen to be one of those guys who prefer learning by watching especially after studying the theories around something. After writing the article: How to Launch Your ESP8266 WiFi Module into AT-MODE Using Arduino Uno, I found it fit to follow it up with a video demo. The demo specifically demonstrates: How to connect the ESP8266 WiFi Module directly to the Arduino’s 3.3V pin How to launch the […]

Over the last decade, “Internet of Things” has been the hottest topic among geeks and techies. On the other hand, searches for the most cost effective WiFi Modules have also increased significantly. A WiFi Module in the IoT architecture provides internet connectivity. It enables logging of data from sensors to the cloud or IoT platforms. ESP8266 WiFi Module happens to be the WiFi Module in every tech enthusiast’s cart. Why use ESP8266 WiFi Module? The ESP8266 WiFi Module has become increasingly popular among techies and DIYers mainly because of the following reasons: Low cost – it costs less than $10 Small size – […]

My first mobile phone was a phablet-sized “China phone”(but not a phablet for reasons given later). This however doesn’t mean that all China phones are fake. In fact my current one is a genuine China flagship killer. Just after completing high school I bought my first phone at ksh. 6,000 (equivalent of $60) off of some money my mum gave me as a prize for impressive O-Level score. I think that was the best thing people in my village had seen. I was so impressed. The ‘thing’ had LEDs on the edges that would flicker whenever someone was calling (It would […]