#microcontroller

Every. Single. Microcontroller. They have ever made have errors in the bootloader. This will cost them a few millions at least.

Which I discovered via the hidden technique of *checks notes* reading the manual...

I will say this always. The tech industry on the whole is incompetent. They follow only the regulations they have to, and there are nearly none for software.

If you can write sentences without undocumented abbreviations and read the manual, you are in the top 20% of software developers.

While I was working I was asked several times if I had used chatGBT to try to solve the problem I was having at that time. And always answered "No. I need garantees that the info is correct".

Solenoids go clicky-clacky 🔩🔊🤖

Build a compact multi-function IR remote system using Arduino Nano, a TSOP38238 IR receiver module, and an IR transmitter LED. This project combines IR signal decoding and IR signal transmission into a single embedded platform. The first Arduino setup captures infrared remote control signals and displays complete NEC protocol information including hexadecimal raw code, protocol type, address, and command values on the Serial Monitor. The second setup works as a programmable IR remote transmitter capable of controlling RGB LED strips and wireless motor functions using only three push buttons.

This project demonstrates real-world infrared communication by capturing, decoding, storing, and retransmitting IR signals for wireless control applications. Perfect for learning embedded systems, Arduino programming, EEPROM storage, and NEC protocol handling. 🔧

Components Required

Arduino Nano

IR LED

TSOP38238 IR Receiver

82Ω Resistor

Push Buttons

Breadboard

Connecting wires

Read the complete tutorial 👇 DIY Arduino IR Remote Controller Tutorial

I wrote some code, the way i usually like by making references to datasheet chapters etc. Everything was going well but the card did not work. I knew it was ok since it worked when plugged to my PC, but it was not responding to my init commands over SPI.

I googled and googled but nothing seemed to work. I tried my no-name logic analyzer but for some reason linux didnt recognise it - it used to work a few years ago but no more i guess.

Eventually i decided to check all the data that is being transmitted to the STM32 chip by changing all the writes into read/writes. Turns out MISO line was high all the time, non stop. This activated some alarm bell in me since it looked like an electrical error.

Eventually i found some random thread about arduino with what seemed to be a similar problem. What i did not mention is that SD cards work with 3.3v (afaik) which is not a big deal since stm32 also works on 3.3v. Sometimes one might want to plug them into a 5v circuit though and to accommodate that, the board i bought contained a voltage level regulator type of chip forgot the name. Essentially converter between 3.3. and 5v signals.

Apparently, in some cheaper no name modules like mine, this type of chip bugs out and keeps on holding the MISO line high despite the fact that SD card has let it go long time ago. This sounds like exactly what is happening to me.

Solution? Glorious:

Bypass the voltage converter. 3.3v should still be considered high state even by 5v circuits, so it should work.

I appreciate the random person who just bumped into a random thread after 2 years of inactivity and just dropped this knowledge. These folks are the backbone of the internet and im glad to have been in his position once or twice myself.

I myself did not feel like soldering that wire, especially since the pad on the socket is super small and these modules are very cheap. Since STM32 works on 3.3v anyways, and atmegas also have low voltage versions nowadays i decided to just buy another module which has no additional ICs on it - no voltage regulators, converters etc, just plain SD card socket and routed connections, maybe a resistor or two.

Funny thing in the end, but also kind of irritating, since it took me long enough to finally sit down and start tinkering with this stuff. Also it might turn out there's a different problem at play and i just bought some more electrojunk for no reason. But then again, i put some more sensors and SPI fun stuff into the basket when i was orderign the new module, so there's always new stuff to look forward to.

I learnt python, R, SQL, Tableau and concepts in Data Structures, Algorithms.

[Just the Basic level of the listed.]

But I can't write my own programs on python or create anything.

I was hella impressed by your microprocessor project, and when I took up tech (ai and data science) I assumed I would do something like that or at least code.

Now, I am just venting but where do I start, how do I make projects what are some interesting projects, what should I learn? A lot of my seniors tell me to have a wide range of knowledge like focus on one thing by depth but add other things. For example: you can study data analytics in depth but have some knowledge in ethical hacking and web development etc. Like an all rounder.

Wow ok a lot to unpack here, I'll get started

Lots of places recommend that you start with Arduino, as there are a lot of good tutorials out there. I somewhat disagree

I think that raspberry pi is better because it's usually a lot cheaper to buy the stuff you want to play around with

But an even cooler way to do it, go to wokwi.com and start a project on a Raspberry Pi Pico (make sure it's the micropython version) and then you can get started there

Google something like "Blink led with Pi Pico micropython" and there will be a tutorial or two

Then, once you've played around for a while you can buy a Pi Pico for very little money and see your stuff work irl!

(Ignore the ugly chunky hdmi cable and micro-hdmi adapter. these are some rigid chonkers.)

It even has a lid for the display: