Challenge 2- Controlling 2 Blinking LEDs with a Potentiometer

 This weeks challenge has been stressful for me.  I worked and worked on this circuit, but I could not get it to function as intended.  It took several attempts to get the wiring in the correct configuration to even make a direct connection by using the battery to test it.  I then added the potentiometer to the circuit.  I downloaded the program from Sparkfun, which initially had errors and would not upload.  After several attempts at editing the code I was able to get it to upload.  My biggest issue is that I was never able to get the 2 LEDs to blink independently.  Every time I changed the code the whole circuit quit working.  I decided that I need to get help from someone who is better at programming than me.  Maybe I will be able to do an update after I get help.

2 Blinking LED Code

Circuit Diagram

Component List

The video I took of my circuit turned out a little blurry to me.  My cell phone is acting silly & I had to order a new one yesterday since Best Buy couldn't fix it.  So to compensate for the blurry video, I took a regular picture so you can see the configuration of the wiring better.  It took 4 tries before I actually got the circuit configured in a manner that both LEDs lit up and the potentiometer would adjust the brightness.

Picture of circuit configuration

Click the link to view the active circuit: Video of 2 LEDs Blinking Circuit

My reflection on the current project comes with mixed feelings.  I have difficulty seeing the markings on the circuit board, even with my bifocals on.  I had to get a magnifying glass to double check the positioning on everything.  I also realize that my attempt to save money by using my phone as a hot spot is very time consuming.  It took 36 minutes to upload the working circuit video to You Tube so that I could link it to the blog.  The phone companies really need to add to their infrastructure in rural areas so that everyone can efficiently reach the internet.  Additionally, I need a great deal of help & practice with the programming.  I didn't include pictures of my failed attempts this week because of my phone issues, but there were multiple programming failures when I tried changing the original code to make the LEDs blink separately.  I would like to get that issue figured out.  I also wish this crazy pandemic would calm down so I could have a real study partner.  I learn better when someone shows me how to do something than I do when I read directions.