Arduino timer issues

Question

Hi Gurus

I am a first time Arduino user and have had no experience with code writing at all and have decided to start learning, so this is my first sketch. I want to turn on an LED with the push of a button then delay the LED turning off, I have it functioning but the off delay period is not the same with each release of the button. Due to my lack of knowledge on writing code I need a little help with solving the problem which is driving me mad

I Have attached a copy of my code for you experts to look at (don't laugh)

Any help / guidance would be greatly appreciated

Thanks again

Lincoln

kjhart0133 · Accepted Answer

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

kjhart0133 · Answer

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.

Arduino timer issues

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