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How can I run multiple loops at the same time with an Arduino?

Former Member

I was wondering if it would be possible to run 2 or more loops at the same time with an Arduino. I want to have a few LEDs blink (go around in a circle) while having another (in the middle of the others) use PWM. I already tried making another void loop, but it does not work. Here is the code that I have been using:

 

 

int red = 6;

int brightness = 0;

int fadeAmount = 4;

int green1 = 13;

int blue1 = 12;

int yellow1 = 11;

int green2 = 10;

int blue2 = 9;

int yellow2 = 8;

 

void setup() {

pinMode(red, OUTPUT);

pinMode(yellow1, OUTPUT);

pinMode(green1, OUTPUT);

pinMode(blue1, OUTPUT);

pinMode(yellow2, OUTPUT);

pinMode(green2, OUTPUT);

pinMode(blue2, OUTPUT);

}

 

void loop() {

  analogWrite(red, brightness);       // this first part was copied from the "Fade" example with some small modifications (pin numbers, brightness)

  brightness = brightness + fadeAmount;

  if (brightness == 0 || brightness == 255) {

    fadeAmount = -fadeAmount ;

  }

  delay(10);

 

// I want to have everything below this be part of a seperate loop

 

  digitalWrite(green1, 1);

  digitalWrite(yellow2, 0);

  delay(100);

  digitalWrite(blue1, 1);

  digitalWrite(green1, 0);

  delay(100);

  digitalWrite(yellow1, 1);

  digitalWrite(blue1, 0);

  delay(100);

  digitalWrite(green2, 1);

  digitalWrite(yellow1, 0);

  delay(100);

  digitalWrite(blue2, 1);

  digitalWrite(green2, 0);

  delay(100);

  digitalWrite(yellow2, 1);

  digitalWrite(blue2, 0);

  delay(100);

}




I have been using an Arduino Leonardo and the sections work fine separately; I just want them to use different pins and run independently, but at the same time.

Parents
  • 0

    See the discussion here: http://www.element14.com/community/message/129449/l/re-multiple-arduino-functions-without-delay

    Basically just check the millisecond timer and call a couple of functions at the appropriate times - one function to do the fading for one LED, and the other to do the blinking for the other LED.

    There is more detail in that discussion thread.

  • 0 in reply to shabaz

    The IMO poorly worded example  " BlinkWithouDelay" shows how to achieve waht Shabaz has pointed you to.

     

    I use an analogy of filling a paddling pool.

     

    You can stand there holding the hose until it is full.

    You can't do anything else ... which is what Delay() does.

     

    OR

     

    You can start the filling and come back at regular intervals.

    You note the time and decide to come back 5 mins later to see if it is full.

    Meanwhile you are free to do other things ...this is where the use of the Millis() timeer comes in.

     

    Mark

  • 0 in reply to mcb1

    pointed to another question that has the same problem of many others, unfortunately. It appears as unanswered that may generate confusion on what is the right procedure to follow. Do you have somenideas on how it is possible to avoid this? there is not something specific to signal to the users that simply thanking for the answers is not useful for the others...

  • 0 in reply to balearicdynamics

    some ideas on how it is possible to avoid this?

    The best you can do is mark other answers useful ....

     

    There are many methods to achieve a result, and some will argue this is the best way, others will argue this way.

    As far as I am concerned, if the OP understands the concept, and the result does what they want, then they can refine or improve on it when they need to.

     

    IMO writing short cryptic code just because it runs faster is a waste of energy if it just sits there waiting, and is difficult to understand.

     

    mark

  • 0 in reply to mcb1

    Mark,

     

    IMO writing short cryptic code just because it runs faster is a waste of energy if it just sits there waiting, and is difficult to understand.

    I have not understood if you refers in general or to my example in this question.

     

    Enrico

  • 0 in reply to balearicdynamics

    No ones example, just that there are often several different ways to do something.

    One might have lots of comments and do extra manipulation, while other methods might be one or two lines.

     

     

    I have found that new comers sometimes get focused on the code, and don't understand what the concept is  ... hence the pool example.

    Once you understand WHAT you are trying to achieve, it is often easier to understand the solution or answers provided.

     

    In your example you use the 'long' declaration but a new comer doesn't understand why unless you point it out  ... yes they could look it up, but will they.

    Sometimes we forget that it has become second nature to us, but for anyone new they are still learning ...

     

    It's not unlike driving a car when you are teaching someone who has never done it.

     

     

    Does that make sense

     

    Mark

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  • 0 in reply to balearicdynamics

    No ones example, just that there are often several different ways to do something.

    One might have lots of comments and do extra manipulation, while other methods might be one or two lines.

     

     

    I have found that new comers sometimes get focused on the code, and don't understand what the concept is  ... hence the pool example.

    Once you understand WHAT you are trying to achieve, it is often easier to understand the solution or answers provided.

     

    In your example you use the 'long' declaration but a new comer doesn't understand why unless you point it out  ... yes they could look it up, but will they.

    Sometimes we forget that it has become second nature to us, but for anyone new they are still learning ...

     

    It's not unlike driving a car when you are teaching someone who has never done it.

     

     

    Does that make sense

     

    Mark

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