Introduction: HackerBox 0106: Epoch

By HackerBoxes

Welcome to HackerBox 0106. Explore the UNO R4 WiFi Development Board based on a Renesas RA4M1 microcontroller with networking support from an ESP32-S3 microcontroller. Configure the Arduino IDE to work with the UNO R4. Experiment with the onboard LED matrix, Conway's Game of Life, controlling GPIO pins over WiFi, and Real Time Clock operations. Assemble a battery backup for the UNO R4's onboard RTC. Test Arduino shield legacy compatibility using a multifunction expansion shield featuring seven-segment LEDs, buttons, a buzzer, a potentiometer, and more. Explore the art, science, and ethics of locksport.

There is a wealth of information for current and prospective members in the HackerBoxes FAQ. Almost all of the non-technical support emails that we receive are already answered there, so we'd really appreciate it if you can take a few minutes to read the FAQ.

Supplies

This Instructable contains information for getting started with HackerBox 0106. The full box contents are listed on the product page for HackerBox 0106 where the box is also available for purchase while supplies last. If you would like to automatically receive a HackerBox like this right in your mailbox each month, you can subscribe at HackerBoxes.com and join the party. Subscription members save at least $15 every month and automatically receive each new HackerBox shipped immediately off the production line.

A soldering iron, solder, and basic assembly tools are generally needed to work on the monthly HackerBox. A computer for running software tools is also required. Have a look at the HackerBox Workshops for tools and supplies along with a wide array of introductory activities and experiments.

The most import thing you will need is a sense of adventure, hacker spirit, patience, and curiosity. Building and experimenting with electronics, while very rewarding, can be tricky, challenging, and even frustrating at times. The goal is progress, not perfection. When you persist and enjoy the adventure, a great deal of satisfaction can be derived from this hobby. Take each step slowly, mind the details, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SOLDERING, WHEN TRIMMING WIRE LEADS, OR WHEN CUTTING, DRILLING, ETC.

Step 1: UNO R4 WiFi Development Board

Only 107 short months ago, the very first HackerBox (HackerBox 0000) included an Arduino UNO R3 Development Board. Since then, we have worked with many variations and relatives of the UNO R3, all featuring AVR Microcontrollers.

R4 is the start of a new era. Some might say, "a new epoch". The UNO R4 preserves the standard form factor, shield compatibility, and 5V power supply of the UNO R3. However, the AVR microcontroller is upgraded to a Renesas RA4M1 32-bit microcontroller. The Renesas RA4M1 features a 48MHz Arm Cortex-M4 processing core and 16 times more memory.

Gary Explains Video: Arduino Uno R4 - Best Arduino Board Ever?

Hello World

Start by connecting power to the USB-C port of the UNO R4 WiFi. When power is first applied, the array of red LEDs flash on and off.

Let There Be Life

Download the Arduino IDE Software.

From the IDE's Board Manager, select and install the board package for Arduino UNO R4 Boards (by Arduino).

Then select:

Tools > Board > Arduino UNO R4 Boards > Arduino UNO R4 WiFi

Open: File > Examples > scroll down to "Examples for Arduino UNO R4 WiFi" > LED_Matrix > GameOfLife

Use Tools > Port to select the respective USB interface.

Compile and upload the sketch.

If there is any struggle programing the target, double tap the reset button until the "L" led slow fades on and off indicating that the board is in programming mode and then try to program the board again.

What are the LEDs doing?

Conway's Game of Life appeals to hackers and the glider has become an emblem of the hacker subculture. The concept of the glider was born at almost the same time as the Internet and Unix. The emblem is displayed in various contexts associated with hackers.

Wi-Fi Functionality

The UNO R4 WiFi board package includes a library for using the builtin ESP32-S3 as a networking resource.

Have a look at this example project to control an LED over WiFi.


Step 2: Real Time Clock

The Renesas RA4M1 microcontroller includes a built-in real time clock (RTC) for time keeping.

Operation Without RTC Battery

Grab the attached MatrixClock.ino sketch.

Compile and download sketch to the UNO R4 WiFi Development Board.

Now we have a very cool digital clock matrix display, but whenever board power is cycled, the clock resets to the time stored into the code (according to the host computer) at compile time.

Connecting a Battery Backup

First, let's assemble the RTC battery kit:

  1. The + side of the battery holder has two pins - cut one off flush
  2. Cut the female-female Dupont jumper in half
  3. Cut the shrink tubing in half
  4. Place one piece of tubing over one piece of jumper
  5. Solder the jumper to one of the battery pins
  6. Slide tubing over solder joint and heat shrink into place
  7. Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 with second wire onto second pin
  8. Insert coin cell matching +/- markings on the holder

Identify the positive lead of the newly assembled RTC battery (the lead off to one side). Connect that positive lead onto the VRTC pin of the UNO R4. The center lead of the RTC battery (the lead coming from the center) connects to the GND pin next to the VRTC pin.

Now, the UNO R4 Real Time Clock (RTC) should keep time even when the board is not powered.

Attachments

Step 3: Multifunction Expansion Shield

The Multifunction Expansion Shield plugs onto the traditional UNO R3 (and thus also the new UNO R4) to provide a variety of I/O functions for experimentation. This functions include:

  1. Four digit seven-segment LED display module
  2. Four surface mount LEDs in a parallel configuration
  3. 10K adjustable precision potentiometer
  4. Three independent push buttons
  5. Piezo Buzzer
  6. Temperature Sensor (DS18B20 or LM35) Interface
  7. Infrared receiver interface

The shield is based on, or at least closely related to, the Velleman VMA209 shield. A PDF manual and schematic can be found at that link along with a zip file of example sketches.

As expected, the examples all run correctly on the UNO R4. Accordingly, they serve as nice examples for additional experimentation. The sketches UpDowncounter.ino and VMA209_voltmeter.ino are probably the most interesting to play around with right out of the box.

Step 4: Locksport

Locksport is the sport or recreation of defeating locks. Enthusiasts learn a variety of skills including lock picking, lock bumping, and other techniques traditionally used by locksmiths and other security professionals. Locksport enthusiasts enjoy the challenge and excitement of learning to defeat all forms of locks, and often gather together in sport groups to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and participate in a variety of recreational activities and contests.

For a nice introduction, check out the MIT Guide to Lock Picking.

Also, watch this video and check out the amazing links in the description of the video.

TOOOL (The Open Organisation Of Lockpickers) is an organization of individuals who engage in the hobby of Locksport, as well as educate its members and the public about the security (or lack thereof) provided by common locks. "The mission of TOOOL is to advance the general public knowledge about locks and lockpicking. By examining locks, safes, and other such hardware and by publicly discussing our findings we hope to strip away the mystery with which so many of these products are imbued."

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Carefully review, and take serious inspiration from, TOOOL's strict code of ethics which is summarized in the following three rules:

  1. Never pick or manipulate with the aim of opening any lock that does not belong to you, unless you have been granted explicit permission by the lock's rightful owner.
  2. Never disseminate knowledge or tools of lockpicking to individuals whom you know or whom have reason to suspect would seek to employ such skills or equipment in a criminal manner.
  3. Be mindful of the relevant laws concerning lockpicks and related equipment in any country, state, or municipality where you seek to engage in hobbyist lockpicking or recreational locksporting.

Step 5: RUN

We hope you are enjoying this month's HackerBox adventure into electronics, computer technology, and hacker culture. Reach out and share your success in the comments below or on other social media. Email support@hackerboxes.com anytime with questions or whenever you need some help.

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