Arduino timer issues

Hi Billabott

Thanks for the speedy reply, because i am so green at writing code would you please be able to explain what error you have found in my code

Much appreciated

No Problem.  The circuit diagram calls for using a pull down resistor.  On rare occassions, it is possible  run into a resistor that has an internal intermittant open.  Otherwise, I don't know without seeing a circuit diagram and checking your physical circuit.

I suggest that you rewire the circuit using the internal pullup resistor.  This is accomplilshed by pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT_PULLUP).  The physical button then goes between digital pin 2, aka buttonPin, and Ground.  Try them all (the Ground connections) to verify that there is not a fault on the board.  If they all checkout okay, then it was the resistor which needs to have its legs amputated and disposed of in the trash.

It is good to explore and experiment on your own.  But, you probably should spend some more time completing your basic arduino training with all the sample sketches.

I just started reading a fun book : Arduino Adventures, Escape from Gemini Station by James Kelly and Harold Timmis.  Ask your local library to buy it or try to borrow it via Inter Library Loan.

Lincoln ,

Welcome to the world of Arduino. 

To address your question: first, do you want to start timing the LED turnoff time from the moment you initially depress the switch, or from the moment you release the switch?  Second, in either case you will have to debounce the switch in order to get a consistent delay time.  Go to http://playground.arduino.cc//Code/Bounce for an excellent library that handles switch debounce.  Look at the example code at the end of the page and study the various "methods."  Soon you'll figure out how it works.

Lastly, are you using the delay() function to time when to turn off the LED?  This is probably the simplest way to do it.  Just remember, though, delay() doesn't play well with one or more of the explicitly programmable timers or with interrupts.  Look at the Blink program for how to turn on and off an LED with a delay.

Kevin H.

RE: Arduino Adventures, Escape from Gemini Station by James Kelly and Harold Timmis.

Unfortunately, I found "error" on page 66, it says "the digitaRead(3) will detect a flow of voltage".  That is an incorrect mixed description of what takes place.  Current flows.  Electrons move due to electromotive force called Voltage.  Voltage is felt or Voltage is present or Voltage is detected .

Please review my in depth explanation and insights at http://www.element14.com/community/message/46379#46379/l/re-question-on-a-part-i-need and also follow the //(Alternative Option) link at the bottom of the post for a real eye opener.

By using pinMode(A0, INPUT_PULLUP);, Arduino sketches will not need to include digitalWrite(inPIN, HIGH);.   Although it works, doing the digitalWrite, an output function, for a PIN which has been declared to function as in INPUT  "is highly illogical" (Spock).

Harold Timmis said to me: "You are correct it should just be “detect voltage”."

Welcome to the exciting world of Arduino, there's no limit to what you can do now

Anyways, it might help to analyse the examples provided by the IDE, they're pretty well commented. Also, I have a few arduino tutorials on YouTube, check them out, they should help with any future projects in general!

In your code, you forgot to turn on the pullup resistor - just do a digitalWrite(buttonPin, HIGH);

http://www.youtube.com/user/000Plasma000

Lincoln,

I sent you a private message with some info.  Let me know if you have any trouble reading it.

Kevin H.