Interfacing SD Card Module with Raspberry Pi Pico Using SPI

Adding external storage to a microcontroller project opens up many possibilities, from data logging and configuration storage to saving time - stamped sensor readings. The Raspberry Pi Pico SD card module is a simple and reliable way to achieve this using a standard microSD card and the SPI communication protocol.

In this project, we are Raspberry Pi Pico SD card module and demonstrate how to create, read, write, and delete files using an interactive Serial Monitor menu. This setup provides a clear understanding of how embedded systems handle external storage using the FAT32 file system.

Overview of the Project

The Raspberry Pi Pico communicates with the SD card module using the SPI interface. Most SD card modules include a built-in 3.3V regulator and basic level shifting, making them safe to use directly with the Pico’s 3.3V logic levels. Once connected, the Pico can access gigabytes of storage for logging sensor data, storing text files, or saving device settings.

To make the learning experience more interactive, this project uses a Serial Monitor menu that allows users to perform file operations in real time by sending simple commands.

Components Required

• Raspberry Pi Pico
• SD card module 
• microSD card 
• Breadboard and jumper wires
• USB cable for power and programming

SD Card Module Pin Configuration for Raspberry Pi Pico

How It Works

The SD card module connects to the Pico’s default SPI0 pins. The Arduino SD and SPI libraries handle communication, file creation, reading, writing, and deletion. Once powered on:

• The Pico initializes the SD card
• A menu appears on the Serial Monitor
• Users select actions like creating a file, writing text, reading data, or deleting files
• All operations are executed instantly and displayed in real time

This makes it easy to understand how SPI communication and file handling work internally.

Circuit Diagram 

SD Card Preparation Tips

For reliable operation:

• Format the SD card to FAT32
• Use a single MBR partition
• Avoid exFAT or GPT formatting
• Prefer standard Class 4 or Class 10 microSD cards

Improper formatting is the most common reason for SD card initialization failures.

Applications of Raspberry Pi Pico SD Card Interface

• Sensor data logging
• Configuration and settings storage
• Offline data recording
• IoT and embedded monitoring systems
• Long-term data collection projects

for further in-depth details : Raspberry Pi Pico SD card module

Top 10 Open-Source Robotic Arm Projects for Beginners

Building a robotic arm is one of the best ways to learn robotics, combining electronics, mechanics, and programming in a single hands-on project. Below is a curated list of beginner-friendly, open-source robotic arm projects that are practical to build at home using affordable components and freely available design files.

Each project includes open-source code, 3D models, and clear documentation, making them ideal for learning servo control, multi-axis movement, and basic automation.

1. Object Following Robotic Arm

A 4-DOF robotic arm that automatically tracks moving objects using ultrasonic and IR sensors. This project introduces sensor-based automation and real-time servo control using Arduino.

Best for: Object tracking, automation basics

2. Robotic Arm Using ARM7 LPC2148

A pick-and-place robotic arm controlled by potentiometers, allowing direct joint control. It’s a great project for learning ADC, PWM, and embedded system fundamentals.

Best for: Embedded systems and manual control learning

3. Dolphin 3D-Printed Robotic Arm

A compact and smoothly articulated robotic arm designed for easy 3D printing and assembly. Ideal for understanding joint movement and mechanical design.

Best for: Beginners with a 3D printer

4. ESP32 Robot Arm with Smartphone Control

A wireless robotic arm controlled via a web interface on a smartphone. Uses ESP32 for real-time servo control and Wi-Fi communication.

Best for: Wireless and IoT-based robotics

5. 3D-Printed 6-DOF Arduino Robotic Arm

A full 6-axis robotic arm offering human-like movement using servo motors and Arduino. Teaches advanced kinematics and multi-axis coordination.

Best for: Intermediate learners

6. DIY 6-DOF Robot Arm with Arduino

A strong and modular robotic arm design with six degrees of freedom. Built entirely using 3D-printed parts and hobby servos.

Best for: Advanced hobby projects

7. STM32 Robot Arm with Smartphone Control

A professional-grade robotic arm using STM32 for control and ESP32 for Bluetooth communication. Controlled through a mobile app.

Best for: Embedded systems and professional robotics learning

8. DIY Robotic Arm (Simple Design)

A straightforward 3D-printed robotic arm with basic servo control. Easy to assemble and perfect for first-time builders.

Best for: Absolute beginners

9. Simple 3D-Printed Servo Robotic Arm

A low-cost robotic arm using SG90 and MG995 servos. Demonstrates torque selection and practical pick-and-place tasks.

Best for: Learning servo fundamentals

10. 3D-Printed Arduino-Based Robotic Arm

A well-documented 6-axis robotic arm using Arduino Mega. Includes detailed guides, STL files, and wiring diagrams.

Best for: Serious beginners and educational projects

These open-source robotic arm projects provide an excellent starting point for anyone interested in robotics. From simple pick-and-place arms to advanced 6-axis designs, each project helps build real-world skills in servo control, mechanical design, and embedded programming. Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or aspiring robotics engineer, these robotic arm projects offer practical learning and endless opportunities for experimentation.

Dual Axis Solar Tracker Using Arduino

As the demand for clean and sustainable energy grows, improving how efficiently we harvest solar power has become just as important as generating it. While solar panels are widely used today, many of them remain stationary and miss out on a significant portion of available sunlight as the sun moves across the sky. This limitation makes solar tracking systems an effective solution for maximizing energy capture throughout the day.

This Dual Axis Solar Tracker using Arduino solves that problem by automatically adjusting the solar panel’s position in both horizontal and vertical directions, ensuring maximum sunlight exposure from sunrise to sunset.

Overview of the Dual Axis Solar Tracker System

A dual axis solar tracker is an automated system that aligns solar panel with the sun’s position using two axes of movement: azimuth (left–right) and elevation (up–down). In this project, an Arduino UNO processes light data from four LDR sensors and controls two servo motors to keep the panel facing the brightest light source.

Compared to fixed or single-axis systems, this approach can improve energy output by up to 30–40%, making it ideal for efficient solar harvesting.

Components Used

Hardware

• Arduino UNO
• 4 × LDR sensors
• 2 × Micro servo motors
• Solar panel
• 10kΩ resistors
• Breadboard and jumper wires

Software

• Arduino IDE

How the System Works

The four LDR sensors are placed in a cross arrangement to detect light intensity from all directions. The Arduino continuously compares light levels between left–right and top–bottom sensor pairs.

• If one side receives more light, the corresponding servo motor rotates the panel toward that direction.
• When sunlight is weak or during nighttime, the system enters standby mode to prevent unnecessary movement.

This real-time feedback loop allows the panel to stay optimally aligned with the sun throughout the day.

Advantages of a Dual Axis Solar Tracker

• Higher energy generation than fixed panels
• Automatic daily and seasonal adjustment
• Better morning and evening performance
• Low-cost implementation using Arduino
• Ideal for educational and renewable energy projects

The Arduino-based Dual Axis Solar Tracker using LDR and servo motors is a practical and efficient solution for maximizing solar energy output. By intelligently tracking the sun in both directions, the system significantly improves panel efficiency while using affordable components and simple control logic. This project is an excellent example of how smart electronics and renewable energy can work together for a sustainable future.

How to Install Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi

You can run a lightweight Linux-based operating system on a Raspberry Pi Board, but there is a way to quickly turn a Raspberry Pi board into a small "Windows 11 PC" using the Raspberry Pi hardware and with some necessary components. If you are able to find the appropriate components and are willing to work at it, you can use Windows 11 (ARM Edition) on Raspberry Pi Compatible Models. This project outlines the steps necessary to get you to the point of starting your system and booting to the Windows Desktop.

Why would you want to run Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi? Although running Windows 11 is not officially supported and will not perform the same as a full-size laptop or desktop, you will be able to learn about the ARM OS, how to create boot firmware, and how storage devices are configured to run Windows 11. You will also observe how Linux and Windows can run on the same Raspberry Pi hardware configuration of Raspberry Pi and Linux, allowing you to see the versatility of Raspberry Pi hardware and learn more about how both types of systems work together.

What You Will Need

Hardware

• Raspberry Pi board 
• Storage device
• USB keyboard and mouse
• HDMI-compatible display
• Network connection

A Windows PC to prepare and flash the image
Software Tools

• Windows on Raspberry (WoR) Imager tool
• Windows 11 ARM64 image
• UEFI firmware

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Prepare the Windows 11 ARM Image

First, download a Windows 11 ARM64 build suitable for Raspberry Pi. Use an ESD image downloader to get the ARM-compatible Windows files and save them on your Windows PC.

2. Flash Windows to Storage

Use the WoR Imager tool to flash the Windows image onto your chosen storage:

• Run the WoR Imager on your Windows PC.
• Select the storage device (microSD or SSD) you will use with the Raspberry Pi.
• Choose the correct Raspberry Pi model in the tool.
• Point the WoR Imager to the Windows 11 ARM image and pick the edition you want (Home or Pro).
• Start the installation process - this can take 15 - 45 minutes depending on storage speed.

3. Set Up UEFI Firmware (Pi 5 Only)

Raspberry Pi 5 requires UEFI firmware to boot Windows. Download the UEFI files and place them on a small microSD card formatted to FAT32. Insert this card along with your Windows SSD into the Pi 5 before powering on.

4. (Optional) Update the Raspberry Pi Bootloader

For Pi 3 and Pi 4, it’s recommended to update the bootloader firmware using the Raspberry Pi Imager tool before installing Windows. This can improve boot reliability and support USB boot if you’re using an SSD.

Booting Into Windows 11

Once everything is in place:

• Insert the prepared storage devices into your Raspberry Pi.
• Power it on and wait for the Windows setup to begin.
• Follow the usual Windows configuration screens (region, keyboard layout, account setup).
• If you run into network requirement screens during setup, there are built-in workarounds to proceed without an internet connection.

After setup completes, you’ll see the Windows 11 desktop appear on your Raspberry Pi. It’s a unique experience to have Microsoft’s modern operating system running on such a small board.

for complete tutorial : Install Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi Devices

Smart Traffic Management System Using IoT

Most of us face traffic jams each day - long waits at red lights, wasted gasoline, and unmet deadlines even though the next stretch of road is open and waiting. The old-fashioned way of doing business with traffic lights programmed into their respective timer sequences does not have the ability to look at traffic volumes as they are occurring so this can contribute to increased congestion. The use of a smart traffic control system utilizing IoT will monitor the volume of vehicles currently waiting for their chance to move through a signalized intersection and adjust accordingly.

This Smart Traffic Management System Using IoT utilizes smart traffic control capabilities through the use of sensors, the ESP32 microcontroller, and real-time monitoring. The project utilizes infrared sensors installed at each lane to determine if a vehicle is present in that lane. This setup automatically gives preference to the road(s) with higher vehicle volumes. In addition, a web based dashboard displays current traffic conditions and provides a complete simple, effective way for the general public to experience how new smart city-based traffic management systems will function.

Key Objectives

• Reduce traffic congestion at intersections
• Optimize signal timing based on vehicle density
• Minimize unnecessary waiting time
• Enable real-time traffic monitoring using IoT
• Demonstrate a scalable and cost-effective smart city solution

Components Required

Hardware Components

• ESP32 microcontroller
• IR sensors (one for each lane)
• Red, yellow, and green LEDs
• Current-limiting resistors
• Breadboard and jumper wires
• Power supply or USB cable

Software Tools

• Arduino IDE for programming the ESP32
• Web browser to access the real-time dashboard

System Architecture

The system consists of three main layers:

1. Sensing Layer: IR sensors detect the presence of vehicles in each lane and send digital signals to the microcontroller.
2. Control Layer: The ESP32 processes sensor data, determines traffic density, and executes decision-making logic to control signal timing.
3. Monitoring Layer : A built-in web server on the ESP32 displays real-time traffic data such as vehicle count and signal status.

Advantages of the System

• Real-time adaptive traffic control
• Reduced congestion and waiting time
• Improved fuel efficiency
• Low-cost and scalable design
• Suitable for smart city applications and academic projects

Possible Enhancements

• Integration of camera-based vehicle detection
• AI-based traffic prediction and optimization
• Cloud-based data logging and analytics
• Emergency vehicle detection and prioritization
• Centralized control for multiple intersections

The Smart Traffic Management System using IoT is a practical and impactful project that demonstrates how real-time data and intelligent control can significantly improve traffic efficiency. By replacing fixed-timer traffic lights with adaptive signal control, this system offers a smarter solution for modern traffic challenges. It is an excellent project for students, IoT enthusiasts, and developers interested in smart city technologies.

Understanding the Clocked JK Flip-Flop

The Clocked JK Flip-Flop is a versatile sequential logic circuit that overcomes the limitations of earlier flip-flop designs, such as the SR flip-flop. It is widely used in digital electronics for applications like counters, memory units, and frequency dividers.

What Is a Clocked JK Flip-Flop?

A Clocked JK Flip-Flop is an edge-triggered bistable multivibrator with two inputs: J and K, and two outputs: Q and Q̅. Unlike the SR flip-flop, it eliminates the invalid state when both inputs are high. When both J and K are high, the flip-flop toggles its output on each clock pulse, making it a universal flip-flop.

Truth Table

J K Q(t+1) Description

0 0 Q(t) No change

0 1 0 Reset

1 0 1 Set

1 1 Q̅(t) Toggle

Working Principle

The Clocked JK Flip-Flop operates based on the clock signal. It changes its state only on the triggering edge of the clock pulse, ensuring synchronized operation in digital systems. This edge-triggered behavior prevents unwanted changes during the clock's high or low periods.

Advantages

• No Invalid States: Eliminates the invalid state present in SR flip-flops.
• Versatility: Can be configured to perform the functions of other flip-flops like SR, T, and D.
• Edge-Triggered: Ensures synchronized operation in digital systems. 

Applications

• Counters: Used in digital counters for counting applications.
• Memory Units: Stores binary data in memory circuits.
• Frequency Dividers: Divides the frequency of clock signals.
• Digital Systems: Serves as a fundamental building block in various digital systems.

For the complete tutorial and diagram : Clocked JK Flip Flop: Working, Truth Table, and Circuit Design Guide

Build a Indoor UWB Positioning System with ESP32 and DWM3000

Traditional GPS struggles indoors due to signal attenuation by walls and ceilings. Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology overcomes this by measuring the time it takes for radio pulses to travel between devices, achieving centimeter-level accuracy. This UWB Indoor Positioning System using ESP32 demonstrates how to build a UWB indoor positioning system using the Qorvo DWM3000 UWB module and ESP32 microcontrollers, capable of tracking devices with 10 cm precision.

Components Required

• Qorvo DWM3000 UWB Module: Provides high-accuracy location and ranging capabilities.
• ESP32-WROOM Development Board: Handles SPI communication and processing.
• Micro-USB Cables: For programming and powering each ESP32.
• Breadboard / PCB: For mounting and connecting the DWM3000 with ESP32.
• 5V USB Power Source / Power Bank: To power each ESP32 module.

How It Works

• Anchor Placement: Position 3 or more UWB anchors at known locations in your environment to ensure optimal coverage.
• Tag Initialization: The mobile UWB positioning device (tag) initiates ranging with the anchors.
• Distance Measurement: Using Double-Sided Two-Way Ranging (DS-TWR), distances between the tag and anchors are measured.
• Trilateration: With distances to at least three anchors, the tag's position is determined using trilateration.
• Data Transmission: The tag sends distance or raw timing data over Wi-Fi or serial to a computer.
• Position Calculation: A Python script processes the data to compute and visualize the tag's position in real-time.

Future Upgrades

• Extended Range: Implementing more anchors to cover larger areas.
• Enhanced Visualization: Developing more sophisticated visualization tools for better user experience.
• Integration with Other Systems: Connecting the positioning system with other IoT devices for automation purposes.

For more indepth tuttorial : DIY UWB Indoor Positioning System using ESP32 and Qorvo DWM3000

How to Interface a Thermal Printer with ESP32 – Print Receipts, QR Codes & Image

Want to add printing to your ESP32 projects, receipts, invoices, barcodes, even logos—without using a full PC? Using a thermal printer like the PNP-500 with an ESP32 lets you do just that. Thermal printers are popular because they print quietly, need no ink, are simple to interface, and work fast. In this guide, you’ll learn how to wire up a thermal printer to an ESP32, use ESC/POS commands, print text, images, barcodes & much more.

What Is a Thermal Printer & Why Use It?

Thermal printers use heat on special thermal paper to produce text or graphics. Since there are no rollers or ink cartridges, they’re cheaper in maintenance and more compact. You’ll often find them in:

• Receipt printers in shops
• Label printers for barcodes
• Small embedded displays in IoT devices

With ESP32 thermal printer, you can create custom printing applications, say a QR code receipt printer, smart home logs, industrial data logs, and so on.

Hardware You’ll Need

• ESP32 Development Board 
• PNP-500 thermal printer module
• 2 Push Buttons 
• 2-cell Li-ion battery 
• Resistors 

How to Wire the Printer to ESP32

• Use the TTL (UART) interface of the printer. This is simpler than RS232 in many cases.
• Connect the TX/RX pins of ESP32 UART2 to the printer’s RX/TX pins.
• Power the printer from a stable voltage (around 7-9V preferred; 5V works for simple text).
• Optionally, add buttons: one button to move through demo image printing, another for full format/demo prints.

Make sure to use pull-ups on signal lines if wires are long to reduce noise, and common ground.

for more step-by-step tutorial: ESP32 Thermal Printer Tutorial: Interface PNP-500 Receipt Printer with Arduino Code & Circuit Diagram

Applications & Use Cases

Here are some ideas where an ESP32-thermal printer combo can be useful:

• Printing sales invoices / receipts
• IoT monitoring dashboards that print logs spontaneously
• Barcode/QR code tickets or labels
• Smart lockers or access control systems printing QR codes
• Portable printing for outdoor data collection

Raspberry Pi Pico GPS Tracking Project with SIM800L & Neo-6M – Step by Step Guide

The Raspberry Pi Pico makes it easy to create your own real-time GPS tracking system. With just a few parts and some basic programming, you can build a fully functional IoT GPS tracker thanks to reasonably priced GPS and GSM modules.

We'll demonstrate how to construct a Raspberry Pi Pico GPS tracker in this tutorial using:

• Neo-6M GPS module to gather location data in real time,
• cellular communication using the SIM800L GSM module, and
• Data can be sent to the cloud and shown on an interactive map using the GeoLinker API.

After following this tutorial, you will have a GPS tracker that can record and send real-time location updates, even with offline buffering in case of network outages.

Components Required

Component	Description	Quantity
Raspberry Pi Pico / Pico W	Microcontroller (RP2040)	1
SIM800L Module	GSM/GPRS module for internet access	1
Neo-6M GPS Module	For GPS data Collection	1
GPS Antenna	External GPS antenna with SMA/UFL	1
GSM Antenna	External GSM antenna	1
LED	Red, Yellow, Green	3
SIM	2G Capable SIM (Airtel)	1
Jumper Wires, Breadboard	For prototyping	as needed

How Does It Work?

• Neo-6M GPS Module picks up latitude & longitude from GPS satellites and sends them as NMEA sentences.
• Raspberry Pi Pico reads these values over UART and parses them.
• SIM800L GSM Module transmits this data to the internet using HTTP POST requests.
• GeoLinker Cloud API stores the location data and plots it on a real-time map.
• If the GSM connection drops, data is stored offline and automatically synced once the network is back.

This way, no GPS point is lost even in areas with weak coverage.

Applications of Raspberry Pi Pico GPS Tracker

This tracker can be adapted for many real-world uses:

• Vehicle Fleet Tracking – monitor cars or delivery vans in real-time.
• Asset Tracking – keep an eye on shipments, parcels, or equipment.
• Pet Locator – attach it to a collar to track pets.
• Bike/Scooter Tracking – prevent theft and track movement.
• Emergency Alert System – send SOS + live location on button press.

Building a Raspberry Pi Pico GPS Tracker, SIM800L, and Neo-6M GPS is not only affordable but also highly customizable. The GeoLinker library removes most of the complexity, letting you focus on logic instead of low-level AT commands.

GitHub Repository with Arduino Code and Circuit for Raspberry Pi Pico GPS Tracker

SR Latch in Digital Electronics: Working, Truth Table, and Variants

If you are diving into digital electronics, and you might have came across latches. In digital electronics, computers remember things with the help of simple circuits called latches which are the simplest memory elements. They store a single bit of binary data and play a key role in sequential circuits and memory design. One of the most fundamental types is the SR Latch (Set-Reset Latch), which operates with two inputs, Set (S) and Reset (R).

In this article, we will explore what an SR latch is, how it works, its truth table, and the differences between the basic SR Latch, Gated SR Latch, and Clocked SR Latch (SR Flip-Flop).

What is an SR Latch?

The SR Latch is a basic circuit that stores one bit of information. It has two inputs:

• Set (S): Makes the output high (Q = 1)
• Reset (R): Makes the output low (Q = 0)

Once set, the output remains stable even if the inputs are removed, which is why it’s used as a memory element.

SR latches can be built using NOR gates or NAND gates. The only difference is that the NAND version uses active LOW inputs, while the NOR version works with active HIGH inputs. 

Gated SR Latch

The Gated SR Latch is similar to the basic SR latch but includes an Enable input.

• When Enable = 1, the latch responds to S and R inputs.

• When Enable = 0, the output stays unchanged, regardless of inputs.

This provides more control and is often used in situations where the latch should only update at specific times.

Clocked SR Latch (SR Flip-Flop)

When a clock signal is introduced, the SR latch becomes edge-triggered, and is commonly called an SR Flip-Flop.

Here’s how it works:

• S = 1, R = 0 → Q = 1 (Set)

• S = 0, R = 1 → Q = 0 (Reset)

• S = R = 0 → Previous state (No change)

• S = R = 1 → Invalid condition

The clock ensures that the output only changes on a rising or falling edge, making it more reliable for sequential circuits.

Applications of SR Latch

• Basic memory storage elements
• Control circuits in microcontrollers and processors
• Debouncing switches in digital systems
• Building blocks for more advanced flip-flops (D, JK, T)

Static IP on Raspberry Pi Made Simple

 

When working with Raspberry Pi on local networks, the device’s IP address can often change after every reboot or network change. This creates problems while accessing your Pi remotely or connecting it to services. To solve this, assigning a Static IP address ensures your Pi always stays at the same address on your network.

In this guide, you'll learn how to configure a static IP on Raspberry Pi OS using a simple configuration file method. This is useful for IoT projects, web servers, or remote SSH access, where a consistent IP is required.

Steps to Set a Static IP

• Check your current IP using hostname -I
• Edit the DHCP configuration:
• Use sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf
• Add static IP settings
• Save and reboot using sudo reboot

Why Use a Static IP on Raspberry Pi?

• Easy remote access via SSH or VNC
• Ensures consistent device identification in home automation
• Helps when assigning port forwarding on your router
• Ideal for Raspberry Pi running servers or cloud services

Setting a static IP is a small but crucial step for a stable Raspberry Pi network setup. It prevents connection errors and is especially handy in larger home or lab networks. Just make sure the IP address you assign doesn’t conflict with other devices.

Learn to Build Your Own Gas Leak Detector with Arduino – Simple DIY Safety Project

Ever thought about how devices can sniff out gas leaks and keep you safe, without you lifting a finger? That’s where a gas leakage detector comes in. It's a simple yet useful project you can build yourself using Arduino. In this guide, we will walk you through how to make your own gas detection system with all the schematics and code you need to get started.

What is a Gas Leakage Detector?

A gas leakage detector uses MQ-5 gas sensor to identify the presence of combustible gases such as LPG, methane, and smoke in the air. When gas concentration exceeds a certain threshold, it triggers a buzzer and alerts users through a connected display or indicator.

Components Required

To build this project, you will need:

• Arduino Uno
• MQ-5 Gas Sensor
• Buzzer
• LED
• 16x2 LCD Display (with I2C Module)
• Resistors
• Jumper Wires & Breadboard
• 5V Power Supply

Circuit Diagram of Gas Leakage Detector Using Arduino

The MQ-5 sensor’s digital output goes to pin A2, while a buzzer (on A0) and an LED (on A1) provide alerts when gas is detected. A common ground is shared, and you can also power the system using USB or a regular adapter. When gas is detected, the Arduino turns on a buzzer and LED.

Applications of Gas Leakage Detectors

• Home safety and kitchen monitoring
• Industrial gas leak detection
• Smart home automation systems
• Educational electronics and IoT projects

Click here to explore the project in detail: How to Build a Gas Leakage Detector Using Arduino: Complete DIY Guide

RFID-Based Attendance System with Arduino

Keeping track of attendance should not feel like a daily hassle. Whether you are running a classroom, managing a small office, or organizing a community event, a simple, low-cost solution can go a long way. This RFID based attendance system using Arduino reads RFID cards to automatically log check-ins and check-outs, shows updates on an LCD, and stores attendance logs with real-time stamps using an RTC module. It's completely offline and stores data locally, so no need for an internet connection. The total cost is just around $30.

Why Choose Arduino for DIY RFID Attendance Tracker?

Arduino gives you full control over the system’s features without depending on expensive or limited commercial options. The MFRC522 RFID reader is accurate, and combining it with real-time clock and EEPROM modules means your data is both timestamped and safely stored, even during a power cut. Plus, once built, this setup is fully reusable and expandable for future upgrades like IoT integration or door control.

Key Features of RFID based attendance system

• Automated RFID card scanning for both entry and exit
• Real-time timestamp logging using DS1307 RTC
• Local data storage with EEPROM, survives reboots
• LCD display for live updates
• Menu navigation via push buttons or serial monitor
• Customizable card programming with personal data

Components You’ll Need

• Arduino Uno
• MFRC522 RFID Reader
• DS1307 RTC Module (with built-in AT24C32 EEPROM)
• 16x2 I2C LCD Display
• Push Buttons (x2)
• RFID Cards/Tags
• Breadboard, jumper wires, and 5V–12V power supply

Real-World Applications

• Classrooms – Track student attendance and prevent proxy entries
• Offices – Log employee in/out times without manual input
• Gyms & Clubs – Track member usage, ensure hygiene with contactless logging
• Workshops – Monitor visitor entry or workshop sessions
• Healthcare & Industry – Touchless logging for safety zones or shift tracking

This RFID based attendance system using Arduino is a great DIY project for anyone looking to solve a real problem while learning valuable electronics and programming skills. It’s affordable, fully offline, and scalable. Once set up, it can handle real-time check-ins, and you will know exactly how every part works.