Display Toggle Variable on Maker Screen

Use the ‘Parts List’ image along with the component cards in your box to correctly plug in the electronic hardware to your Maker Board. The colorful dots next to the legs of the components match up to the ports where that leg should go on Maker Board’s ports.

Code

The code in the editor below is ready to run! Plug in the electronic components just like the Parts List card above, connect Maker Board to your computer's USB port with the cable, and hit 'Upload Your Code!'. Tinker with the code and change something! If you get stuck, you can hit the 'Restore' button to make the code go back to the working example.

/* Display the value of a pressCount variable on your Maker Screen. Toggle it back and forth with a button */ #include "MakerScreenXVI.h" //A code library enables new functions to be used with the screen MakerScreenXVI lcd; //the library name is followed by the 'name' you give the LCD screen. Here it is 'lcd' int pressCount = 0; //create a variable, named pressCount, that is an integer (whole number, no decimals) void setup() { pinMode(6,INPUT_PULLUP); //button lcd.begin(); //.begin() 'sets up' the screen. You'll always need it when using Maker Screen lcd.backlightOn(); //turn on the Maker Screen backlight lcd.print("pressCount = "); //Since we're just 'printing' the message one time, it can go in the void setup } void loop() { if(digitalRead(6)==LOW){ //If button 6 is pressed down pressCount++; //increase the pressCount variable by one delay(250); //delay 250 milliseconds so you have time to let go of the button } lcd.setCursor(0,1); //Move the cursor to the 0 column (far left) and 1 row (bottom row) on the screen. lcd.print(pressCount); //Show the value of the pressCount variable on the screen if(pressCount > 1){ //if the pressCount variable is greater than one... pressCount = 0; //reset its value to 0 } } // (c) 2019 Let's Start Coding. License: www.letsstartcoding.com/bsdlicense

Walkthrough Video

Watch the video for a line-by-line explanation of how the example program works. Then you'll be ready to make some changes of your own!

Challenges

Can you complete the challenge? Change the code in your code editor above. Upload your code to see the effect when you're finished. Complete a challenge? Check it off the list!

Change the number next to the ‘>’ sign in the second ‘if’ statement. How does that change what shows on the screen? This is another sneak peek into the next chapter!

Change the name of the pressCount variable to something else, and change the name that displays on the Maker Screen for that variable’s value. There are 6 places to change the variable name, not including comments!

Concepts

These are the new code concepts covered in this example program. To become a great coder, read through these concepts to learn new vocabulary.

Quiz

If you're having trouble, try to run an experimental program or look at the example code to help you find the answer.

1. Which syntax ends the entire 'void loop' function?

semicolon ;
parentheses )
closing curly brace }

2. Which syntax ends a single code command?

semicolon ;
closing curly brace }
period .

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