I'm new to Arduino and currently working on a DIY Solar PV. I found Error which I would like to build as a Arduino starting point then try my own design and code to make a Solar tracker with some linear actuators.
Onto my question. The above site based the design on the Arduino Duemilanove development board with a Arduino Protoshield Kit. Now I'm aware there is a newer Arduino called mega. Can I use the mega instead with the same code and Protoshield or are they not compatible with each other?
I have had a quick look at the tutorials and feel I can grasp this despite others saying I really need some C/C++ knowledge what do you guys think? I program in perl/javascript/xhtml currently and from what I have seen it look much like javascript/java.
So you're the guy from the YourDuino shop... I mailed you!
dannix:
Hi,
I'm new to Arduino and currently working on a DIY Solar PV. I found http://www.timnolan.com/index.php?page=arduino-ppt-solar-charger which I would like to build as a Arduino starting point then try my own design and code to make a Solar tracker with some linear actuators.
Onto my question. The above site based the design on the Arduino Duemilanove development board with a Arduino Protoshield Kit. Now I'm aware there is a newer Arduino called mega. Can I use the mega instead with the same code and Protoshield or are they not compatible with each other?
I have had a quick look at the tutorials and feel I can grasp this despite others saying I really need some C/C++ knowledge what do you guys think? I program in perl/javascript/xhtml currently and from what I have seen it look much like javascript/java.
Thanks in advance
You do need to see from shield to shield. The clearest example of pins not being compatible between Arduino products (Uno, duemilanove and Mega) is the Ethernet shield. The Mega hasn't got the SPI pins on the same place. The YourDuino (and Seeeduino Mega) do have them in the right place.
From that shield I guess you need to verify if the PWM and ADC pins are in the same place as your Mega board, or buy one of the Yourduino boards.
Then I think I will go for the mega or the compatible smaller one depending on delivery since I'm in the UK. By the way, I read some of your posts last night which lead me to your site. I like your teaching style!
"By the way, I read some of your posts last night which lead me to your site. I like your teaching style! "
Thanks! I am at the point where I have a fantasy of what the site could and should be.. but I think there are 2 or 3 hundred hours to go... I want specific examples of a lot more sensors and actuators...
Changed my mind, I placed an order for Duemilanove clone on the basis I can remove the uC to make a perm PCB. Few supplies and add ons while I was ordering too. No doubt see me here again as soon as I get my package...
I would have purchased some if you did. Nevertheless I was very happy what was available and the prices seem more than reasonable, a blank clone proto board for $2.50 vs $10 equivalent from UK suppliers. Just have to see if Customs bump the price up.
dannix:
...Just have to see if Customs bump the price up.
Please let (us) know what you find out from UK Customs. Arduino is a world-wide collaboration and we need to understand how much government gets in the middle of this.
I know Europe (Netherlands is especially fussy, even charging customs on SHIPPING!) is different....
I want to get the quad oscilloscope from Seeed and I'm still thinking wether to order it to be delivered in Singapore when I go there or on the UK back home because of tax.
I have ordered many things internationally but UK Custom duty does seem to be hit and miss. Small packages are generally ok. Boxes seem much more at risk of being selected. What irritates me is there is no way of knowing what they may charge, I'd be very surprised if the shipping was taxed too however.
I'm expecting, if chosen no more than 20% of the product price, plus no doubt an "admin" fee for DHL.
RE the oscilloscope, even if collected from Singapore I'd guess it was at a high risk of being picked up if they x-ray that in your suit case...
Been doing some digging, I think the parts from China to UK are duty exempt. So should just get VAT added. As a guide this is what i have worked out for the UK
None EU (china) to UK, over £135 import Duty applies, although I think this commodity is exempt anyway as per Goods nomenclature code: 8542319000[1]. Additionally, over £18 VAT @ 20% applies unless marked as a gift then over £40 VAT applies.
Shipping: Netherlands is a EU member so same rules apply there as they do in the UK. Whether shipping is included in the total depends on how the Seller/Shipper/Exporter bills the shipping. If seller pays shipping it's exempt, if buyer arranges and/or pays for shipping it's included. Therefore if the paperwork is marked 'Delivered Duty Paid' then this means the seller has paid for shipping so it wont be included. Alternatively if marked 'Delivered Duty Unpaid' then the buyer will get a hit at customs. See http://www.ukimports.org for more info on all the above
[1]nomenclature code: 8542319000 - Processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits
dannix:
RE the oscilloscope, even if collected from Singapore I'd guess it was at a high risk of being picked up if they x-ray that in your suit case...
Do you get stopped by carrying a PSP on your suit case? Or would you carry it in the suit case for that matter?
bubulindo:
Do you get stopped by carrying a PSP on your suit case?
Like I said, depending on the size. I thought I said depending on the size I assumed it was a desktop beast. I guess you will be able to get away with that one...
It's actually my fault. 99.9% of the oscilloscopes would be stopped in customs (if carried in the suit case). There's a few that manage to fit in a carry on bag though.
Will you be keeping the packaging? Using your PSP example, I think you would be ok with a PSP, but a PSP wrapped and packaged up in retail boxing would be cause for concern. Especially if there is any charging device without a UK plug on it.
I guess you risk paying 20% VAT, playing dumb for not declaring may get you a slap on the wrist, all to evade less than £25.
$200 is below the £135 import duty anyway at this months UK Customs exchange rate. Since seller says free international delivery then delivery is duty paid and shouldn't be included in the total product cost for calculation.
There's a couple of things to bear in mind here...
I travel all the time. And if you don't want to be bothered while arriving in Heathrow by the customs looking into your carry on bag, book your flight through somewhere that will make you land in terminal 1. Chances of getting stopped there, are slim to none.
Have a few resident visas available for a few countries... Fortunately, I do... and they're all for non-EU countries. This helps establishing that I do not live there.
I may keep the packaging (the outer box) as long as it shows signs of use... I'm not gonna have everything neetly stored inside the box and, unless they find the invoice, they'll have to show me the UK law that states that as soon as I buy a device I must dispose of the packaging otherwise it will be considered new. To me, some of the packaging is the best way to carry an item around. Example, my BOSE iPod dock travelled around the world with me for little less than a year in the original packaging. Can you find me a better way to carry that around than the original box and stuffing?
So it is true, that it's unnecessary and since it is below the tax limit, I can receive it at the house with no problems, but it is also true (and trust me on this) that you do need to know your rights regarding customs. It's not because they say it is that makes it so. Most of the times, they will say so, or use language to make you agree on it without noticing, so know your rights, make them know from the start that you know them and things will go smooth.
That being said, I've never really had many problems entering the UK... other countries however were a bit more, yes, I'll call it Stupid.
I assumed it was a desktop beast. I guess you will be able to get away with that one...