Trying to learn Arduino

[TomcoPDR]

Hey Beyond computer dudes/gals...

Any chance I can get dummy help (help for an Arduino dummy)

I'd like to play around with Arduino (over Raspberry) for the time being. Know nothing much about computers or programming. I've been reading up on www.arduino.cc

But still don't know which direction to purchase (rather not buy everything at first shot)

My purpose of getting into Arduino:

- Play around with home automation, switches, buttons, controlling actuators (opening kitchen cabinets), control store purchase motorized blinds...

- Using Arduino, with a hand held controller. Or prefer connected to iPhone via app or Bluetooth/wifi.

There're so many possibilities, just looking for pointers.

Thanks Beyonders

[Waldi]

Go on Amazon and start with kit for either uno or maga boards. They come with tons of components and actual projects to make. These project have step by step instruction and pictures, these can be accessed once you download application to you PC.

[Darell_n]

I bought the starter kit from Sparkfun.com. Seemed to be the best value at the time and they offer a ton of support and projects.

[jacky4566]

There is TONS of online resources to learn arduino. I suggest just by starting with simple scripts (flash the light, PWM, etc)

Adafruit is also my preferred alternative to sparkfun.

If you get stuck PM me and ill try to help!

[Thaco]

tons of walkthroughs on youtube

if you want to do stuff over BT or wifi, check out the WEMOS mini D1, its an ESP8266 based chip with built in wireless, runs off arduino code, and is very very compact.

[blindsight]

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[AndyL]

Or swing by solarbotics, buy your Arduino and esp8266 local (at reasonable rates), a breadboard and probably a few relays or SSRs (get the later off eBay, they get expensive).

[Mar]

Originally posted by AndyL


Or swing by solarbotics, buy your Arduino and esp8266 local (at reasonable rates), a breadboard and probably a few relays or SSRs (get the later off eBay, they get expensive).

I can't say enough good things about Solarbotics, those guys are amazing. They only have a small shop here in Calgary but you can see most of their products on display at any comic convention. I see them all the time at every show I go to.

[mobius]

I get most of my electronic components from Digikey or Mouser. They have Arduino boards and shields as well, and they also resell some items from Sparkfun and Adafruit.

[blindsight]

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[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by blindsight
I believe OP wanted to learn Arduino, not find the best shopping experience.

I like the DFRobot kit I linked to above, it starts with the basics and moves out from there. Loads of parts, even a remote control, comes in the kit.

There are a lot of places selling Arduino kits + books, but this is pretty much everything in one kit for a good price.

thank you thank you, you get me.

Well, still cool to collect info on places to get Arduino stuff.

From my homework before posting... I feel Arduino is like buying a "basic" Ikea shelf... the impression of low cost for the core structure, but then if you don't know what you're building and once you buy the wheels, doors, hinges, handles (so in this case the "shields"), then you're paying $$$.

[Thaco]

Originally posted by blindsight
I believe OP wanted to learn Arduino, not find the best shopping experience.

I like the DFRobot kit I linked to above, it starts with the basics and moves out from there. Loads of parts, even a remote control, comes in the kit.

There are a lot of places selling Arduino kits + books, but this is pretty much everything in one kit for a good price.

lol, you were the first person who posted a link to a site to purchase, meaning you were suggesting that product from that supplier, yet you chastise others for doing the same.... at least their posts had some substance other than just a link..

honestly all the posts are relevant and would be helpful with the topic at hand...

[pheoxs]

Adafruit is my favourite website go to places. They have lots of projects with parts lists, setup guides, and sample code to start from

https://learn.adafruit.com/category/learn-arduino

[blindsight]

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[TomcoPDR]

I bought a $75 kit from Amazon last night. But still good thread, good comments from everyone on places to buy.

Ok by next week when I get it (too cheap to be PRIME member, lol), hopefully you guys would be willing to have Arduino discussions. Been reading up and YouTube on 101 lessons.

[mazdavirgin]

Originally posted by blindsight
Do you search for opportunities to look stupid, or is this just naturally occurring?

Do you search for opportunities to look stupid or does it just occur naturally?



Here's a good place to get some of the devices you will need for your projects. Specifically neat is the line of optically isolated AC relays. Really handy but also a great way to get yourself electrocuted if you don't really know what you're doing...

http://www.yourduino.com/sunshop/

[spikerS]

I bought the smaller kit that Tomco got. I will buy individual components later.



And I just made a new account for a free month of PRIME. LOL

[TomcoPDR]

Will see what happens lol... Got the Intelcomm Larry the Cable Guy/Duck Dynasty delivery dude with the 2007 ish White Silverado crew cab.

[TomcoPDR]

Lesson 0, "blink"

[Thaco]

i havent had a lot of time to play, but this is where i am at with mine, individually addressable LEDs and a matrix board, just sample codes running them


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