Modern GUI Development with Python, Arduino, PYQT, and HMI

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In this tutorial, we will explore the integration of Python, Arduino, PYQT, and modern GUI development to create a powerful Human Machine Interface (HMI) application. We will cover the basics of each of these technologies and demonstrate how they can be combined to create a sophisticated and user-friendly interface for controlling Arduino devices.

Part 1: Introduction to Python

Python is a high-level, versatile programming language that is popular among developers for its readability and ease of use. It is widely used in various fields such as web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. In the context of our tutorial, Python will serve as the backbone for our HMI application, allowing us to communicate with the Arduino board and create a user-friendly interface.

To get started with Python, you will need to download and install the latest version of Python from the official website (https://www.python.org/). Once you have Python installed, you can create a new Python script using your favorite code editor or IDE.

Part 2: Introduction to Arduino

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform that is widely used for creating interactive projects. It consists of a microcontroller board and a development environment that allows users to write code and upload it to the board. Arduino boards can be used for various applications, including robotics, automation, and sensor interfacing.

To get started with Arduino, you will need to purchase an Arduino board and download the Arduino IDE from the official website (https://www.arduino.cc/). You can then connect your Arduino board to your computer using a USB cable and upload your first sketch.

Part 3: Introduction to PYQT

PYQT is a set of Python bindings for the QT application framework, which allows developers to create cross-platform GUI applications using Python. PYQT provides a wide range of widgets and tools for building modern and sophisticated user interfaces.

To get started with PYQT, you will need to install the PYQT library using the following command:

pip install pyqt5

Once you have installed PYQT, you can start creating your GUI application by importing the necessary modules and defining the main application window.

Part 4: Integrating Python, Arduino, and PYQT

Now that we have a basic understanding of Python, Arduino, and PYQT, we can begin integrating these technologies to create our HMI application. Our application will consist of two main components: the Python script that communicates with the Arduino board and the PYQT interface that allows users to control the Arduino devices.

First, we need to establish communication between Python and Arduino using the serial communication protocol. We can achieve this using the PySerial library, which allows Python to communicate with serial ports.

import serial

ser = serial.Serial('COM3', 9600) # Replace 'COM3' with the port where your Arduino is connected

Next, we can create a basic PYQT interface that includes buttons, labels, and other widgets for controlling the Arduino devices.

from PyQt5.QtWidgets import QApplication, QMainWindow, QPushButton, QLabel

class MainApp(QMainWindow):
    def __init__(self):
        super().__init__()

        self.setWindowTitle('Arduino Control')
        self.setGeometry(100, 100, 400, 400)

        self.label = QLabel('Status: ')
        self.label.move(50, 50)

        self.button = QPushButton('Toggle LED', self)
        self.button.move(50, 100)

        self.button.clicked.connect(self.toggle_led)

    def toggle_led(self):
        ser.write(b'toggle') # Send command to Arduino
        status = ser.readline().decode().strip() # Read response from Arduino
        self.label.setText(f'Status: {status}')

if __name__ == '__main__':
    app = QApplication([])
    window = MainApp()
    window.show()
    app.exec_()

In this example, we have created a simple interface with a label to display the status and a button to toggle an LED on the Arduino board. When the user clicks the button, the Python script sends a command to the Arduino board and updates the status label based on the response from the Arduino.

Part 5: Designing a Modern GUI

To create a modern and visually appealing GUI, we can customize the appearance of our interface using stylesheets in PYQT. Stylesheets allow us to modify the colors, fonts, and layout of our widgets to create a unique and professional design.

from PyQt5.QtWidgets import QApplication, QMainWindow, QPushButton, QLabel

class MainApp(QMainWindow):
    def __init__(self):
        super().__init__()

        self.setWindowTitle('Arduino Control')
        self.setGeometry(100, 100, 400, 400)

        self.setStyleSheet('''
            QMainWindow {
                background-color: #f0f0f0;
            }

            QLabel {
                color: #333;
                font-size: 16px;
            }

            QPushButton {
                background-color: #007bff;
                color: white;
                font-size: 16px;
                border: 1px solid #007bff;
                border-radius: 5px;
                padding: 5px 10px;
            }

            QPushButton:hover {
                background-color: #0056b3;
                border: 1px solid #0056b3;
            }
        ''')

        self.label = QLabel('Status: ', self)
        self.label.move(50, 50)

        self.button = QPushButton('Toggle LED', self)
        self.button.move(50, 100)

        self.button.clicked.connect(self.toggle_led)

    def toggle_led(self):
        ser.write(b'toggle') # Send command to Arduino
        status = ser.readline().decode().strip() # Read response from Arduino
        self.label.setText(f'Status: {status}')

if __name__ == '__main__':
    app = QApplication([])
    window = MainApp()
    window.show()
    app.exec_()

In this example, we have defined a stylesheet that modifies the background color, text color, font size, and button style of our interface. By customizing the stylesheet, we can create a modern and visually appealing GUI that enhances the user experience.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have explored the integration of Python, Arduino, PYQT, and modern GUI development to create a powerful HMI application. By combining these technologies, we can create sophisticated interfaces for controlling Arduino devices and other embedded systems. With Python’s versatility, Arduino’s flexibility, and PYQT’s powerful GUI tools, the possibilities for HMI development are endless. I hope this tutorial has inspired you to explore the possibilities of creating your own HMI applications using Python, Arduino, PYQT, and modern GUI development.

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@PhG1961
19 days ago

Impressive!

@shouryamakerlab
19 days ago

age of emprie 3 music and python code is just so grt

@bretearwood7027
19 days ago

Sweet.. let's start building the nuclear power plant now

@avinashkv2943
19 days ago

Do you have a tutorial on the gauge chart alone and how it was integrated into the UI ?

@Новости-з3й
19 days ago

Useless video… no explanations … where are you going ?

@rverm1000
19 days ago

it would be nice if you could go threw process of designing one item at a time like the dial gauge, show how to connect the arduino . im been programming in python for a couple years now. but i havent done that yet other than connecting an esp8266 to the wifi and turn on /off some leds.

@ragder13
19 days ago

Great video! Have you thought about actuating solenoids valves and maybe a couple of pumps using your GUI? is it possible to create your own icons for ON and OFF in PYQT?. like instead of clicking on square icon, may be there Is an icon in the shape of a valve etc.

@evgeniisopov2858
19 days ago

What's about a real temperature sensor in the project?

@furrane
19 days ago

Nice code commenting my man !

@diving_master3298
19 days ago

Am I the only one asking my self why is he using Windows 7

@Techn0man1ac
19 days ago

Отдельное спасибо за классическую музыку

@gyrgrls
19 days ago

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Eine Kleine Nacht Music, 1st movement

@raghuveershinde5728
19 days ago

Can you please make a full tutorial of this video logic and everything about pyqt5 and arduino

@vangeziyorum9725
19 days ago

Is there an error in this line? arduino sometimes freezes

previousTimeButton=millis();

do

{

currentTimeButton=millis();

if (currentTimeButton-previousTimeButton>=buttonInterval)

{

//5000ms geçti

yazdirSureBitti=true;

break;

}

} while(digitalRead(yazdirPin)==HIGH);

//Buton basma için zaman geçti

if (yazdirSureBitti==false)

{

print();

}

yazdirSureBitti=false; //

wdt_reset();

}

@prathameshdighe1485
19 days ago

please publish it on github…its a great project

@SpinnTV
19 days ago

That's a great project! Am also working on some personal projects with Arduino microcontrollers

@realman6424
19 days ago

that's awesome

@xvolodea
19 days ago

Some tutorial on how to step by step ?

@adambeedle
19 days ago

Cool 👍

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