“Taking external inputs in Arduino: Implementation

of runway approach lights”

Abstract: In Arduino Uno we have digital input output pins, which can be control by
programming. The experiment demonstrated how to use a push button as an Arduino external
input. This idea was used to develop a runway approach light system with various sequences
based on input from the external. Later, it was observed how debouncing affected that project.

I. INTRODUCTION:
A push-button or simply button is a simple switch mechanism to control some aspect of a
machine or a process. This type of push-button can be use an external input pin for Arduino. if
we are trying to create a system that counts the number of times a button is pressed, that might
count individual presses as multiple hits. The solution to this problem is called debouncing.
The main objectives of the experiment are-
1. To learn how to take external inputs in Arduino. Here, the external input will be given
by a push switch.
2. To get familiarized with Debouncing: Implementation and effects in Microcontroller.

II. THEORY & METHODOLOGY

Runway approach lights to an airport runway are a series of lights that flash quickly in sequence
to guide an aircraft to the runway. These lights are especially effective during bad weathers,
such as heavy rain; fog etc. when the visibility is very poor. The aim of this experiment is to
mimic this system.
A series of 6 LEDs will flash in a specific sequence and upon pressing the switch; the sequence
will reverse the direction. The switch will be connected to an I/O pin and will be set as an input.
Upon pressing the switch, the microcontroller will read the change of state of the I/O pin (here
set as an input) and execute instructions to reverse the flash sequence.
Debouncing: Bouncing is the tendency of any two metal contacts in an electronic device to
generate multiple signals as the contacts close or open; debouncing is any kind of hardware
device or software that ensures that only a single signal will be acted upon for a single opening
or closing of a contact.

III. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Apparatus:
• Arduino Uno
• LED
• Resistor
• Push switch.
Circuit Diagram:

Fig 01: Circuit diagram for a runway light system

Code implementation of a runway light system with Timer:

 IV. RESULTS
Practical Results:

Fig 02: Experimental Setup

The procedures were quite similar to the previous experiments. First, the input output pin was
specified. The timer was then set for the desired "required delay." Before the introduction of
the push button, the LEDs alternated between the colors Green1 and Yellow2. The sequence
was reversed when the push button was pressed. We have to hold the push button in order to
perform the reverse condition. However, the project has proceeded successfully because the
result pointed to a runway light system.
Simulation Results:

Fig 03: Simulation of Runway light system

Source Code:
 Fig 04: Source Code of Runway light system Simulation

On proteus software, the equivalent runway light system circuit was designed. The exact same
sketch was uploaded on this Arduino library. There is no difference in the practical and
simulated outcome.
 V. Discussion
In the experiment, a push button was introduced as an external input for Arduino. To
understand the external input concept, a runway light system was developed. The circuit
construction, programming, delay_timer setting was the similar process as the previous
experiments. To the observation, the LED flashing was reversed when the button was pressed
as the code was written for switch. To performed the process just a touch of signal was needed
from switch but we had to hold the button. This was happening because of the debouncing
effect.
VI. Conclusion
By developing a runway light system project, we could see how the Arduino's external input
worked. The system was functioning well. This experiment also revealed the push button's
debouncing effect. The experiment's goals were achieved. The information gathered from the
experiment can be a valuable tool for future study.

VII. References
[1] Arduino - Home. (n.d.-b). Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://www.arduino.cc/.

[2] American International University-Bangladesh. (n.d.). Taking external inputs in Arduino:

Implementation of runway approach lights:MES Student lab manual 04.