next topic »

[on:]

I have been looking for something like this for a long time and I am really excited to get started and get involved. The only problem is that I have no clue where to get started. I have a basic understanding of discrete electronics and I am also familiar with C based languages (C# more specifically). I am decent at soldering and not afraid of building a board if it means more versatility and a better understanding of the framework. Another issue is I really do not have a particular project in mind as I do not know the capabilities of Arduino. Where is a good place for me to start including what board I should start with, where can I get a breakdown of the documentation and what this all means and how to start building. When I say a basic understanding of electronics I mean I understand transistors, gates, capacitors and ohms law and how to build very basic analog circuits (but I can read a schematic). In other words, other than frequency and input and output the datasheets do not mean anything to me. I would like more information on PVM, FTDI and what these specifications can do for me. Any information would be great. Thanks in advance!

[Reply #1 on:]

Well a lot of us start by blinking some LEDs. Then move up to the bigger and better, controlling that LED with a button.
Then after spending a couple weeks messing around with the tutorials, you'll get some idea to make something ridiculous. Me I made it so all my airsoft guns tell me how much ammo is remaining in the magazine.

If you've already got the basic understanding of electronics though, and you know a bit of C code. You can probably get through the learning phase in a day or 2 than come up with some project. As far as PWM, theres a guide on it under the tutorials section, and a quick look at wikipedia should explain most of what you need to know about whats going on with the electronics. FTDI, I haven't messed with, but its just another way of talking to the microcontroller/programming it. If you have some idea for a project it'd be a lot easier to help if we knew what you were aiming at making.

[Reply #2 on:]

Good deal. I am thinking of getting the Arduino Due to get started. Where is a known reputable place to purchase this as well as accessories within the US. What is recommended to purchase along with the board to get started? Do the input and output devices have to be brand specific?

[Reply #3 on:]

I put together a list of the places I look at for buying electronics.  I didn't look at all of them, but both Adafruit and Sparkfun sell the Due: http://www.the-meissners.org/electronics.html.

No, the input and output devices aren't brand specific (in fact there are few Arduino branded sensors).  Note, you do need to pay attention to the voltage requirements of the device.  Note, that that the Due runs at 3.3 volts, while the Uno/Mega/Leonardo/etc. run at 5 volts.  Given the Due is fairly new, and uses a completely different processor underneath, there are likely libraries/devices that haven't been ported to run on the Due yet.

[Reply #4 on:]

Thanks everyone for the input. I am already impressed with the Arduino community. I just ordered my Arduino Mega 2560 R3 from www.sparkfun.com. I am looking forward to getting started and hope to be able to contribute within this forum soon.

[Reply #5 on:]

Hi in my footer are some links that I found great when getting started (and even now) .... (still a noob) 


the Jeremy Blum tutorials

and the TronixStuff tutorials are both really good IMHO..

and build off each tutorial.. and has a nice, specific topic & goal for each one.

[Reply #6 on:]

Thanks again for all your advice. Looking forward to getting my kit in the mail and getting started.