Arduino Unit Conversion Calculator -- Episode 455

As a maker I convert units all the time, fractional to metric, tenths to metric, MPH to KPH etc. In this video I build a dedicated desktop calculator that can do all of my conversion at the twist of a knob and the punch of a few keys. I will be using the Arduino UNO, a rotary encoder, an LCD character display and a bunch of Cherry MX switches to build this. It is designed in a way that it can be easily replicated and built at home. New conversions are easily added with a software update!

Supplemental Content:

Bill of Materials

Product Name	Manufacturer	Quantity	Buy Kit
Rotary Encoder, Mechanical, Incremental, 24 PPR, 24 Detents, Vertical, With Momentary Push Switch	BOURNS	1	Buy Now
Small Signal Diode, Single, 100 V, 200 mA, 1 V, 4 ns, 1 A	ON SEMICONDUCTOR	20	Buy Now
Arduino Uno SMD, ATmega328 MCU, 54 3.3V I/O, 16 Analogue Inputs, 4 UARTs	ARDUINO	1	Buy Now
USB Cable, Type A Plug to Type B Plug, 1.8 m, 6 ft, USB 2.0, Black	QUALTEK ELECTRONICS	1	Buy Now

Additional Parts:

Product Name
Cherry MX Brown, No Diode, No LED x20
Tactile Switch x2
20x4 2004 LCD Display Module with I2C x1

Attachments:

Kaleb Clark - Kaleb_008-STL-Files.zip

Arduino Unit Conversion Calculator

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celcius1 over 5 years ago

Hi Kaleb,

Loved the project, but to avoid finding a compatible USB power source, why did you not try using a AA battery pack like this https://www.jaycar.com.au/4-x-aa-side-by-side-end-to-end-battery-holder/p/PH9204 to keep it portable.

I assume the current draw would be low enough to utilise a simple Alkaline Battery Pack.

Regards
Paul
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KalebTheMaker over 5 years ago in reply to celcius1

Hi Paul, Thanks!

The power source should not be a problem, it was just that specific one. If I plug it into my computer (which I do for powering it on my desk), it works fine.

A portable version would be a great update to this! The case would have to be modified to accomodate the battery pack, but it could Alkaline batteries, or even a small LiPo with a boost converter.
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KalebTheMaker over 5 years ago in reply to celcius1

Hi Paul, Thanks!

The power source should not be a problem, it was just that specific one. If I plug it into my computer (which I do for powering it on my desk), it works fine.

A portable version would be a great update to this! The case would have to be modified to accomodate the battery pack, but it could Alkaline batteries, or even a small LiPo with a boost converter.
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celcius1 over 5 years ago in reply to KalebTheMaker

Hi Kaleb,

i’d say it would be best to stick with AA batteries as it would be more consistent with the calculator theme of the project IMHO. And a 6v AA pack keeps things simple and less headaches.

Are the f3d files available If I wanted to make changes to the fusion project? As I work in Fusion 360.

Regards
Paul
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KalebTheMaker over 5 years ago in reply to celcius1

They sure are. Under "Supplemental Content" above, is a link to the Fusion 360 web portal thing. You can download F360 archive or many other types of 3d files.

-Kaleb
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