First off, I'm new to this forum, therefore I'm unsure if this is the correct area to post this. Please foregone me if its not where it should be.
I've always been fascinated with computer stuff. I've done some programming and other stuff, but never knew how you get software to interact with hardware. I wanted to know, just couldn't find anything until recently. I found out about microprocessors and the Arduino looked like a good beginner one. I bought an Arduino Uno Rev3 and installed the IDE. I haven't bought anything besides the Arduino(already had cable). I did the blink program and even modified it a bit. My first question is: What can I do with an Arduino UNO with just itself(no breadboard,resistors,etc.), if there is anything besides the blink program? And also what should I start buying to do projects that are fun, I like computers and making something that interacts with a computer would be fun(I have done research, but rather have an experienced person tell me). And...what do you call working with Arduino and microprocessors?
Just the Uno itself? Not a great deal really; some people have written games played through the serial monitor, but that is little different than writing them on your PC anyway.
the Arduino is really all about input/ output, so you do need some extras. Many are available as modules or devices (such as temperature and humidity sensors) that connect directly to the Arduino.
I have largely been playing with the 8 by 8 LED matrix modules and the LCD displays (with an I2C "backpack") - so far. I suggest you chase up those things for a start and anything else that takes your fancy. My next and actually important exploit will be using the various transmitter-receiver modules to "clone" my old garage door opener remote. (Should I not tell people that?) After that, my house lighting and such control (but that will take more than one).
That's what I was afraid of. But that's okay, I was looking around and found a site called tayda electronics that sell resistors for .01 and led's for .02 only problem is that it will take up to two weeks to arrive. But I'm okay with that considering the price. These are the things I'm thinking about buying
LED's (3mm probably)
Resistors(lots of different values)
Breadboard(should I get a 400 half size or a 830 bigger one)?
Maybe a 8x8 matrix display
Wires(Are pre bent ones or just jumper wires[with things on the end to help pull them out easier]) better?
Maybe capacitors?
Anything else that I need to me started?
Only 2 weeks? Wow! Most stuff I get on eBay takes at least 3 weeks!
LEDs? 3mm are indeed neater by and large. Best bought by the 50 (or 100), pick your colours.
Resistors: you need to have an idea beforehand just what you need them for - you are not likely to use lots of different values, you may want lots of the same for current limiting LEDs. If a LED has a voltage drop of 2V and running from 5V, you want to drop 3V, if you expect to use 10 mA (will be more than bright enough with modern LEDs), that is 3V/10mA or 330 ohms. So you may want a lot of those, some 1k for various uses, 4k7 for pull-ups, 47k for isolation of high-impedance inputs. And perhaps just one pack of many values "just in case".
Breadboard: Get both? Get a big one. There are two versions of the "MB102", one has the power rails on each side continuous from one end to the other, the other has a break in the middle which I find quite annoying as you are most unlikely to want them separate and you have to remember the link (has been the cause of funny problems reported on these boards :D). Get a couple of the small ones (about 17 columns, no side rails) for separate devices.
Definitely get an 8 by 8 matrix display module with the MAX7219. Or two or ...
I have a quantity of the "pinned" jumpers as you need for longer distances anyway. The pre-bent ones seem a bit fiddly to me, and overly expensive for what they are. Then again, I have (somewhere) pieces of old telephone cable which could be used to make such jumpers (though the gauges used nowadays are thinner and less suitable for jumpers). So keep your eye out for wire to make them yourself.
Capacitors: You primarily want 0.1µF bypass capacitors for use when putting actual ICs on your breadboard.