I've been writing Linux character device drivers for other people's stuff for some time. I'd like to find a new hobby and the thought of making my own USB gizmos seems really neat.
I would be thrilled to be able to control some LEDs, servos, and step motors. I really enjoy learning new things on my own and the excitement when something finally works. I've not done any serious MC programming, but do know my way around.
Can anyone recommend some kits that would be helpful to a complete noob? Ideally, they are:
- Linux Friendly
- Able to ship internationally (I'm currently living in Asia)
- Offer breadboard kits
If you have the time and inclination, links to projects on other people's sites that include schematics and parts lists would be greatly appreciated. I want to study from examples, but good examples, which is why I'm asking here.
My eventual goal is to make my own data collectors – everything from rainfall to average decibels to light levels. Sorry if this has been asked before, I did search (and searched tags).
Best Answer
The Arduino is really popular, and it is open-source hardware, so there are variations, including the third-party Freeduinos called Bare Bones Board, the Really Bare Bones Board, and the Boarduino, which are very nice for using with breadboards. The standard Arduino is adapted using things called Shields. You can make your own breadboard shield or buy something like this ProtoShield Kit.
The Arduino uses an FTDI USB-RS232 chip or cable. [The standard Arduino has it build in, while the most of the bread board ones use a special cable that has the chip inside, and saves you some money.] There is a built-in driver for Linux, and Mac OS X and Windows users can download a driver. Effectively, this means that the Arduino acts as a device communicating on a serial port, and so it is very easy to communicate with.
To use it, you also download software. It comes with an IDE, an AVR-GCC toolchain, a really nice library, and software to upload your program on to the chip. It hides most of the details from you, and has a great community. It is programmed in a language called "Wiring", but it is really C++.
Lastly, being open-source hardware, there are schematics out there. Indeed, I seem to recall reading that it was fairly easy to build an earlier model. Searching for "Arduino schematics" in your favourite search engine will give you good results.
As for kits, the Maker Shed offers a lot of Arduino-related items in stock. They appear to ship around the world. Some ones of interest include:
The Shoppe at Wulfden (USA) has a nice experimenters kits, and appears to ship internationally.
Solarbotics (Canada) has a ARDX Arduino Experimenter's Kit, a Freeduino Starter Bundle - Ultimate and an Arduino Starter Bundle - Basic (and Ultimate), and appears to ship internationally.
The main Arduino's "buy" page lists Arduino vendors in all areas of the globe.
Other places I would check include Adafruit Industries and Sparkfun Electronics (both in the US).