updating schedule

Readme.md

@@ -120,7 +120,31 @@ Concepts Covered:
 **Project Pt 1:** Create your first custom printed circuit board. Learn to design for custom components and create a PCB that will print successfully with a PCB vendor. These boards will be assembled in week 6.
 
 ---
-## Week 5 - Internet of Things
+## Week 5 - Motor Control
+
+Learn the differences between motors and get them moving using a variety of techniques.
+
+
+* Principles of DC motors
+* Simple motor movement - voltage and amperage
+* Two channel controllers
+* Controllers with external power supply
+* Servo motors - continuous and 180 degree
+* Basic gearing and mechanical
+
+
+Concepts Covered:  
+
+* Magnets and stators
+* PWM speed control
+* Control signals and power supplies
+* Calculating angles for servo motors
+* Steps and gear ratios
+
+**Project** Examine all aspects of motor control using a variety of control boards. Have the rpi Pico control motors.
+
+---
+## Week 6 - Internet of Things
 
 Returning to our Single Board Computer/Microcontroller pair, we learn the basics of connecting to networks and expanding our device communications.
 
@@ -144,7 +168,7 @@ Concepts Covered:
 
 
 ---
-## Week 6 - Demo Scene
+## Bonus Week - Demo Scene
 
 Assemble your custom-made PCB into a working, powered circuit. Combine your skills to connect it locally and to the internet.
 

week6/resources/serial_mqtt_example.py

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+import time
+import paho.mqtt.client as mqtt
+import serial
+
+# Configuration
+SERIAL_PORT = '/dev/ttyAMA0'  # Adjust for your system (e.g., 'COM3' on Windows)
+BAUD_RATE = 9600
+MQTT_BROKER = "localhost"  # Public test broker
+MQTT_PORT = 1883
+MQTT_TOPIC = "python/mqtt/test"
+
+def main():
+    # 1. Initialize Serial Connection
+    try:
+        ser = serial.Serial(
+            port=SERIAL_PORT,
+            baudrate=BAUD_RATE,
+            parity=serial.PARITY_NONE,
+            stopbits=serial.STOPBITS_ONE,
+            bytesize=serial.EIGHTBITS,
+            timeout=1
+        )
+    except serial.SerialException as e:
+        print(f"Could not open serial port: {e}")
+        return
+
+    # 2. Initialize MQTT Client
+    client = mqtt.Client()
+    
+    # Optional: Add callbacks for connection status
+    def on_connect(client, userdata, flags, reason_code, properties):
+        if reason_code == 0:
+            print("Connected to MQTT Broker")
+        else:
+            print(f"Failed to connect, return code {reason_code}")
+
+    client.on_connect = on_connect
+    client.connect(MQTT_BROKER, MQTT_PORT, 60)
+
+    # 3. Read Serial and Publish to MQTT
+    print("Reading from serial port and publishing to MQTT...")
+    try:
+        for i in range(10):  # Read 10 messages as an example
+            if ser.in_waiting > 0:
+                # Read line from serial port
+                data = ser.readline().decode('utf-8').strip()
+                if data:
+                    # Publish to MQTT topic
+                    client.publish(MQTT_TOPIC, data)
+                    print(f"Published: {data}")
+                else:
+                    print("No data available on serial port")
+            time.sleep(1) # Wait 1 second between reads
+    except KeyboardInterrupt:
+        print("Interrupted by user")
+    finally:
+        # Cleanup
+        ser.close()
+        client.disconnect()
+        client.loop_stop()
+        print("Disconnected and closed serial port.")
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()