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Project 1.12.1:Smart Potentiometer

Description This project allows you to control the brightness of an LED using a potentiometer. As the potentiometer knob is rotated, the LED brightness increases or decreases smoothly.
Use case Light dimmers, brightness control systems, user input devices, analog sensor demonstrations.

Components (Things You will need)

Arduino Uno Arduino USB Cable Breadboard Jumper Wires Potentiometer LED

Things Needed:

  • Arduino Uno = 1
  • Arduino USB cable = 1
  • Jumper Wires
  • LED = 1
  • Potentiometer = 1
  • Breadboard = 1

Mounting the component on the breadboard

Step 1: Place the potentiometer on the breadboard. Connect the left pin to 5V, the right pin to GND, and the middle pin (wiper) to A0 on the Arduino.

inseting push button.

Step2: Place the LED on the breadboard. Connect the longer leg (anode) to one leg of a 220 Ω resistor. Then, connect the other leg of the resistor to Digital Pin 9 and the shorter leg (cathode) to GND on the Arduino.

inseting push button.

Step 3: After completing the wiring, connect the Arduino Uno to the computer using the USB cable.

PROGRAMMING

Step 1: Open your Arduino IDE. See how to set up here: Getting Started.

Step 2: Type the following codes

code 1.

Uploading the code

Step 1: Save your code. See the Getting Started section

Step 2: Select the arduino board and port See the Getting Started section:Selecting Arduino Board Type and Uploading your code.

Step 3: Upload your code. See the Getting Started section:Selecting Arduino Board Type and Uploading your code

OBERVATION

When the potentiometer is rotated:

  • Turning it fully counterclockwise makes the LED turn OFF.

  • Turning it slightly increases the LED brightness gradually.

  • Turning it halfway produces medium brightness.

  • Turning it fully clockwise makes the LED reach maximum brightness.

  • The Serial Monitor displays the potentiometer reading and the corresponding brightness value.

CONCLUSION

This project demonstrates analog input reading, PWM output control, voltage division, and signal mapping. It provides a practical introduction to how sensors can be used to control electronic outputs proportionally, a concept widely used in lighting systems, motor speed controllers, and industrial automation.