STEP 1: Getting Started: Equipment and Downloads
Hardware requirements are as general as possible. Components should be easily obtainable in your local electronics store or online. Supplemental equipment is listed underneath components, so the hardware list should serve as a shopping list if you're starting this project from scratch.
Software notes include download instructions and links to host sites. At this stage, you should not need to pay for any software in order to build ChARIoT.
ChARIoT is meant to serve as a framework for anyone to use and adapt. Hardware/software requirements specific to this tutorial are noted as such. Feel free to explore the capabilities of ChARIoT and use your imagination to come up with other useful applications!
1. Arduino (I used the Uno r3)
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USB 2.0 Type A/B cable
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Power Source
For a comprehensive look at options for powering your Arduino, check out this guide from OpenElectronics. Be sure to check Arduino specs to make sure you are providing the right amount of power. Exceeding the documented voltage limit risks damaging your Arduino. Check the specs for your model at the Arduino website.
2. HC-05 Bluetooth module for Arduino
There are lots of different bluetooth modules for Arduino out there. I chose the HC-05 because it's cheap, it's common (lots of tutorials and troubleshooting resources), and it has master and slave capabilities for future developments. You can read an overview of different bluetooth module options here.
3. LEDs (tutorial-specific)
You can change the color and quantity of the LEDs depending on your application. For the ChARIoT tutorial, you will need three LEDs, one each in green, yellow, and red.
4. Resistors (tutorial-specific)
Your resistor selection will depend on your LED specifications. You will need one resistor for each LED that you use. For the ChARIoT tutorial, I used three 220 ohm resistors.
5. Breadboard
6. Jumper wires
1. Unity Download Unity HERE
Unity will be used to develop the AR user interface. You can build your completed scene to be used on a number of different platforms. Follow the steps through the Unity installer. Make sure that the Vuforia option is checked, as well as any platforms you may want to use if you build your program into an app (Android, iOS, Windows, etc.).
2. Vuforia Make Vuforia Account HERE
Vuforia contains the tools needed to add AR to your Unity scene. The latest version of Unity contains a Vuforia engine, so you should not need a separate download for this. However, you will need to make an account to manage licenses and AR targets.
3. Arduino IDE Download Arduino IDE HERE
The Arduino IDE is the easiest tool to use to program your Arduinos. It supports C or C++ programming languages; most libraries are in C++. Follow the steps through the IDE installer.