New to Arduino. Having programmed before I'm doing OK in that department, but I'm having trouble with the electronics end of things. I've read "Getting Started With Arduino" and "Programming Arduino: Getting Started With Sketches," and scanned thru "Make:Electronics," but still not understanding things. Can anyone recommend a book or books that explain the following:
the most important problem - how to I calculate the correct value for a resistor for a given circuit, or whether or not I need one? I'm sure that the answer has something to do with Ohm's Law, and equally sure that it's too complicated to explain in a post, I just need someone to direct me to a resource that explains this. Every electronics book I've seen on Amazon is either too basic (doesn't explain this topic) or too advanced (assumes that you already know the answer).
getting the Arduino board to control 2 or 3 motors, and or stepper motors. Since the board doesn't put out enough amps to do so I imagine that I would need to either use the board to control some relays or transistors. Or perhaps better yet, use an add-on motor control board?
getting the Arduino to control 20 or so LEDs. Answer probably similar to above?
They're intended to sit between incomplete tutorials and deep-dive books.
theLoneHarper:
how to I calculate the correct value for a resistor for a given circuit, or whether or not I need one?
The reason for a resistor is seemingly simple however the uses are extremely wide ranging. Sometimes it's about pull to a certain voltage, sometimes it is about dividing, sometimes it is about limiting current. You aren't going to find an all-in-one guide on how and why you use resistors. It's better to understand how they work, so you can apply them when necessary.
theLoneHarper:
how to I calculate the correct value for a resistor getting the Arduino board to control 2 or 3 motors, and or stepper motors. Since the board doesn't put out enough amps to do so I imagine that I would need to either use the board to control some relays or transistors. Or perhaps better yet, use an add-on motor control board?
You already answered your own question on this one: additional hardware
theLoneHarper:
how to I calculate the correct value for a resistor
3) getting the Arduino to control 20 or so LEDs. Answer probably similar to above?
Well similar to above if "additional hardware" applies. It entirely depends on what you want to do with those LEDs to what you need to do. Do you want individual control? Do you want them all on at the same time? Are you trying to make a flashlight? A scrolling sign? Lots of depends on that one.
General questions are good. Project-specific questions are far better.
Thank you everyone. Checked out "Aurduino for Teens" at the Amazon site and ordered it. Looks like a good book but you might want to think about a different title?