It's on its way!!!

Howdy folks!
My first arduino is on its way! Should have it by Tuesday. Now I guess i need to start learning electronics and a new language.
What is generally seen as the n00b language for the arduino?

Cheers,

tweac-it

What is generally seen as the n00b language for the arduino?

The arduino environment supports programming the Atmega CPU in C or C++, with "n00bs" strongly encouraged to stick to the subset of mostly C documented on the Reference Page. (Incidentally, this subset of C looks a lot like the subset of Java used in the "Processing" environment, which is ... interesting.)

As you gain experience, you can use more advanced C/C++ features (though you'll still be somewhat restricted to what makes sense on a small microcontroller), and access additional AVR microcontroller resources in less abstracted ways, if you want...

Try out the various tutorials on the website. Make small modifications as you see fit or combine fragments from different tutorials. Things should start to make sense after a while. Most arduino programming is done in C, though it's possible to use C++ as well.

I just picked up an electronics book from the library "Practical Electronics for Inventors" which I would consider quite beginner-friendly compared to the other tomes in my library.

Eventually you will want to read atmel's 168 manual which describes the complete feature set of arduino's CPU.

Thanks for the advice :slight_smile:

I am not really too sure yet what the capabilities are. I plan on using it for controlling a number of high-power LEDs (for task lighting and effects). I have done some googling for "arduino + LED lights" but seem to hit a bunch of sites that are about small LEDs that can be used for spelling words and crap like that.

What is the limitation for the arduino to push power to 3W LEDs?? Anyone know if I will need a seperate LED driver?

Any and all help/advice is welcome with open arms ;D :wink:

What is the limitation for the arduino to push power to 3W LEDs?? Anyone know if I will need a seperate LED driver?

Yes you will. For a 3 watt LED I would suggest the following drive avalible on E-bay. I know it's China but I've got good service from this firm and shipment takes about 10 days and their prices are great.
This module regulates to a constant 700ma current and can drive up to 5 series connected diodes depending on how high a source voltage you can provide it. The best thing is the enable input signal. You can drive this directly with a Arduino PWM analog output for dimming or just use a digital output to turn it on or off.

http://cgi.ebay.com/3W-LED-Driver-for-Luxeon-White-Green-Blue_W0QQitemZ110345117321QQihZ001QQcategoryZ36323QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262

Lefty

Thanks Lefty :slight_smile:

I am wanting to control 12 high-power LEDs independently. I will probably need to do it via PWM. I am not sure what i will need for the arduino to be able to do that.

If anyone can help me out with a schematic (or even better, an EAGLE file) and a parts list, I would greatly appreciate it :slight_smile:

I think that using a buck regulator is most fitting for my needs. I read the info here http://www.national.com/appinfo/power/files/National_LED_White_Paper.pdf...but since i'm very new to all this, it's a little beyond my understanding ::slight_smile: