Blinking the Inbuilt LED on Arduino UNO Using Tinkercad

In this project, you will learn how to blink the inbuilt LED on an Arduino UNO using Tinkercad Circuits. The built-in LED, connected to Pin 13, provides a simple way to explore microcontroller programming without needing external hardware.

This hands-on experience provides insights into how mechanical systems can use such blinking lights for status signals and troubleshooting, such as in automated machines or robotic systems.

Tinkercad account (www.tinkercad.com)

Arduino UNO

Objective: Blink the inbuilt LED on an Arduino UNO in Tinkercad.

Challenge: Understand how coding and electrical circuits interact with mechanical systems to display operational statuses.

1. Open Tinkercad and start a new Circuit project.
2. Add the Arduino UNO:
3. Go to the Components panel and drag an Arduino UNO to the workspace.
4. We will use the inbuilt LED, so no external components (LED, resistors, etc.) are needed.
5. Visualize the setup:
6. The LED connected to Pin 13 on the Arduino will blink.
7. This mimics an indicator on a machine, where a blinking LED may signal process status or error warnings.

1. Switch to Code mode by clicking on the Code tab in Tinkercad.
2. Select Blocks + Text if it isn't already selected.
3. Construct the Code using the following blocks:
4. In the Setup Loop (initialization):
5. Use the block Set pin 13 as OUTPUT. This tells the Arduino that Pin 13 (where the inbuilt LED is connected) will act as an output device.
6. In the Main Loop (repeatedly executing):
7. Turn on the LED: Use the block set pin 13 to HIGH. This will switch the LED on.
8. Wait: Add a wait 1 second block. This keeps the LED on for 1 second.
9. Turn off the LED: Use the block set pin 13 to LOW. This will turn the LED off.
10. Wait again: Add another wait 1 second block. This keeps the LED off for 1 second.
11. Your final block code should look like this:
12. Code Block Explanation:
13. Pin 13 as output: This sets the inbuilt LED to be controlled via the code.
14. HIGH/LOW states: HIGH turns the LED on, and LOW turns it off. This reflects real-world machine states (on/off, ready/error).
15. Tinker with Timing:
16. Modify the wait times to change how fast the LED blinks. This introduces the concept of timing in real-world control systems (like CNC machine signals).

1. Run the simulation by clicking Start Simulation.
2. Watch the inbuilt LED blink every second, indicating successful operation.

1. Change the timing in the wait blocks (e.g., make it blink faster by setting 0.5 seconds) and rerun the simulation.
2. Ask questions: How could this timing control be used in real mechanical systems?
3. For example: In mechanical systems, LEDs could represent machine status (running, paused, or fault conditions). Fast blinking may indicate an error or malfunction, while slow blinking could signal standby mode.

Discuss how embedded systems like Arduino are used in mechatronics to control motors, sensors, and actuators.

1. Status Indicators: Machines often use blinking LEDs to show operational states or signal errors.
2. Automation: Microcontrollers like Arduino are commonly used to control mechanical parts such as motors and solenoids in automated systems

This project taught you how to blink the inbuilt LED on an Arduino UNO using Tinkercad. For mechanical engineers, this skill can be applied to understanding embedded systems that control and signal machine operations. The same concepts are used in robotics, manufacturing lines, and smart machinery where status lights and error indicators are essential.