Education

Beginners Guide to Robotics

Robo Explorers 1

Introduction to PCB

Arduino

Yellow LED

Buzzer

Potentiometer

UV

Red Green Blue LEDs

Motor

UV

Red Green Blue LEDs

What is UV LED

A UV LED is a special kind of light-emitting diode that produces ultraviolet (UV) light. Unlike regular LEDs that shine in colors like red, green, or blue, a UV LED emits light that we usually can't see because it's outside the visible spectrum. However, UV light can make certain things glow in the dark—just like a blacklight! This is why UV LEDs are often used in fun projects, cool gadgets, or even in science experiments to show hidden messages or create special effects.

Ultraviolet and its uses

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of invisible light that comes mostly from the sun. Although we can't see it, UV light is very powerful and has lots of cool uses! Here are some fun and interesting ways UV light is used:

Blacklights:
UV lights make special paints and white objects glow in the dark. They're used at parties and in art!
Germ Killer:
UV light can kill tiny germs and bacteria. Hospitals and water purifiers sometimes use it to make things clean and safe.
Forensic Science:
Detectives use UV light to find hidden clues. It can make secret messages or marks on money glow!
Curing Inks and Glues:
Some inks and glues harden quickly when exposed to UV light, which is helpful in printing and making cool crafts.
Sun Protection:
Sunscreen protects your skin by blocking UV rays, which is important because too much UV light can be harmful.
Astronomy:
Scientists use UV light to study stars and galaxies. Some space objects shine brightly in UV light, helping us learn about the universe.
Animal Vision:
Some animals, like bees, can see ultraviolet light. This helps them find colorful flowers that reflect UV light.
Fake Money Detection:
Many banknotes have special marks that only show up under UV light. This helps banks and stores check if money is real.
Dental Care:
Dentists sometimes use UV light to quickly harden (or cure) dental materials when fixing your teeth.
Art Restoration:
Museums use UV light to examine old paintings and artifacts. It helps experts see details that normal light might miss.

How to connect UV to Tyro Board

Fun Activity!

Welcome to a secret lighting adventure with your UV LED! In this fun activity, you'll program your Yellow Tyro Board to make the UV LED flash in a cool pattern—two quick flashes followed by one long flash, then a pause. Even though UV light is usually invisible, you can use it to reveal hidden messages or secret markings on special paper. Imagine sending a secret code to your friends or discovering a hidden drawing that only glows under UV light! This project not only shows you how to control a UV LED with code but also sparks your creativity to explore the world of invisible light and secret signals. Enjoy being a young inventor and let your secret messages shine!

MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS EXPERIMENT IN THE DARK

/*
                         JumpLabs®
      Follow us on Instagram: jumplabs.co
                 LinkedIn: JumpLabs
         "Bringing Families Closer!"

 This sketch controls a UV LED connected to pin 4 of your Arduino Nano.
 When you run this code, the UV LED flashes in a fun, secret-message style pattern!
 
 Use this activity to explore how UV light can reveal hidden messages or make fluorescent colors glow.
*/

const int uvLEDPin = 4; // UV LED is connected to digital pin 4

void setup() {
  // Set the UV LED pin as an output so we can control it.
  pinMode(uvLEDPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Fun flashing pattern: two quick flashes, one long flash, then a pause.

  // First quick flash:
  digitalWrite(uvLEDPin, HIGH);  // Turn on the UV LED.
  delay(250);                    // Keep it on for 250 milliseconds.
  digitalWrite(uvLEDPin, LOW);   // Turn the UV LED off.
  delay(250);                    // Short pause between flashes.
  
  // Second quick flash:
  digitalWrite(uvLEDPin, HIGH);  // Turn on the UV LED again.
  delay(250);                    // Keep it on for 250 milliseconds.
  digitalWrite(uvLEDPin, LOW);   // Turn the UV LED off.
  delay(500);                    // Pause a little longer before the next flash.
  
  // One long flash:
  digitalWrite(uvLEDPin, HIGH);  // Turn on the UV LED.
  delay(500);                    // Keep it on for 500 milliseconds.
  digitalWrite(uvLEDPin, LOW);   // Turn the UV LED off.
  
  // Pause before repeating the whole pattern:
  delay(1000);
}

HOW IT WORKS

Setup Function:
The setup() function runs once when your Arduino starts. It sets the UV LED pin (pin 4) as an output so the Arduino can turn the LED on and off.

Loop Function:
The loop() function runs over and over, creating a repeating pattern:
- Two Quick Flashes: The LED turns on for 250 milliseconds, off for 250 milliseconds, then on again for 250 milliseconds followed by a 500-millisecond pause.
- One Long Flash: The LED turns on for 500 milliseconds before turning off.
- Final Pause: The code waits 1 second before repeating the pattern.

This pattern simulates a secret-message style flash sequence that can be used with UV light to reveal hidden details or simply enjoy a cool flashing effect. Enjoy experimenting with your UV LED and see how it can make your projects glow with creativity!