The book is desined to take absolute beginners in both electronics and programming through a total of 50 projetcs, learning as you go, until by Project 50 you are proficient at using the Arduino.
You will learn such things as:-
Controling motors and servos
LCD Displays
Ethernet shield usage
sending data to Pachube
Scrolling text on LED displays
Touch screens
Reading and writing to SD cards
Making a line following robot
...and so on. The style of the book is easy going, with the reader diving right into projects from the start and not learning theory first. The best way to learn, in my opinion, is to get stuck in and learn as you go along.
The book is full of colour diagrams showing breadboard circuit diagrams using Fritzing and full code for each project is included. The chapter then explains in easy to follow, step by step procedures, how both the electronics and the code works so you get a full understanding of how to use the Arduino, how to program it and how to use components with it. Each project builds on the knowledge of previous projects.
This is the book I wish I had when I first started in Arduino development. It's available now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all good bookshops.
Mike,
Bought the book and find it truely facinating. I am just beginnig to scratch the surface with this. I was wondering if you were aware of some of the typos in the book. Some of the tables seem as though they weren't typeset correctly. i.e. table 3-5. Also, on page 111 the pin numbering explanation is a bit jumbled. I can't until this week end to finally have the time to start building! I bought the book at Borders in the US.
Kennykbe:
Mike,
Bought the book and find it truely facinating. I am just beginnig to scratch the surface with this. I was wondering if you were aware of some of the typos in the book. Some of the tables seem as though they weren't typeset correctly. i.e. table 3-5. Also, on page 111 the pin numbering explanation is a bit jumbled. I can't until this week end to finally have the time to start building! I bought the book at Borders in the US.
You're right about the table but the pin description seems ok to me. Have a look at the diagram on p116, turn the book to the left so the dimple (shown as a circle) is to your left. You'll see pins 1, 8, 9 and 16 matches.
Here's how its described in my copy:
"The chip has a small dimple on one end; this dimple goes to the left. Pin 1is below the dimple, Pin 8 is at bottom right, Pin 9 is top right, and Pin 16 is at top left"
Now as I type this out its making sense. The written description is if the chip is oriented horizontally. I'm used to looking at chips vertically. I am so sorry to made an issue of this. Maybe I'll noodle through things in my head a little more before I post!!
Thanks for the respone Mike. I'm really looking forward to working my way through this book of yours!
Yes I was aware of the table issue. I have no idea how this got to print like that as the chapters were checked by myself, tech reviews and a proof-reader too. The final chapter sent to the printers was not like that so something has gone awry at the printer end by the looks of things.
However, as has been said, the pin description is correct so if you follow that it all makes sense.
Please submit any errors found to the errata link on the Apress website. That way they will appear in the Errata list for others to see. Thanks. Apress
If you have a copy and want to meet me in person. I'll be at the UK Maker Faire this coming weekend. You will either find me at the London Hackspace stand or walking around. If you want to meet me when i'm there then send me a Tweet and i'll come find you.
Hi Mike, Where is the PDF version available?? Don't see it on Amazon... I just don't like to have a special application for my ebooks. Hard enough to keep me organized already