Beggining Arduino

[Lionofgod]

Hey, am looking to get into C and working with Arduino.
I know nothing about this type of stuff, never worked with actual hardware, never worked with C.
I am very confused with how to actually work with Arduino.
So far, I understand that I need the actual Micro Processor (* correct me if Im wrong) and and example of that is the Arduino Uno.
Then I need a breadboard, i hook up stuff to that and connect wires to it.
So, as a beginner, what parts should I buy, because I was checking out some stores and they offer a variety of things.
Does this kit seem like something good to start me off
http://www.canakit.com/arduino-starter-kit.html
Or should I just buy all the parts separately.
Could someone provide me with a list of parts that I must buy to start off with Arduino?
I saw TechB's tutorial, would I be able to follow that with the kit that I mentioned?

[techb]

The kit you showed will work just fine. The tutorial I posted is concerning AVR C. Arduino uses a bootloader and a higher level programming language called Processing. Arduino makes it super simple to get into hardware. What I showed is a lower level and core dev for ATmega328 which is the chip a lot of Arduinos use.


You can code your Arduino in AVR C, but you will need an ISP programmer.


If your just getting started with this stuff, I really recommend sticking with Arduino IDE and bootloader. Then once your comfortable working with Processing and understand the underlying theory of solidstate electronics, then move on to AVR C.


Start here, then follow up on written tutorials on subjects your having trouble with. I'm on here daily and any questions or problems your having, just post it in this section, and I'll give answers about anything. And if I'm not mistaken Centizen has exuberance with this stuff.


P.S.
Microprocessor isn't quit the right term. There is a processor (CPU) on the chip, but it is considered a Microcontroller because it has EEPROM (non-volitale memory) and RAM (volitale memory) all in the chip. More like a computer in a chip.

[Lionofgod]

Thanks : )
Will order kit soon, going to be my hobby for summer vacation.
Those tutorials look pretty cool, Ic ant wait to get started!

[centizen]

I guess that would be a good kit but it's really expensive.


I use Teensy's (which are arduino based and compatible with all arduino libraries and accessories) which are only 20 dollars. They have a mini USB plug and get their power and programming from that.


Check it out, it's alot cheaper, though if you want to use it in a breadboard you need to solder a bit.


http://www.pjrc.com/teensy/

[techb]

I guess that would be a good kit but it's really expensive.


I use Teensy's (which are arduino based and compatible with all arduino libraries and accessories) which are only 20 dollars. They have a mini USB plug and get their power and programming from that.


Check it out, it's alot cheaper, though if you want to use it in a breadboard you need to solder a bit.


http://www.pjrc.com/teensy/

Teensy's have HID support built in don't they?
Or the cheapest route is to get a chip like ATMega128. You can hack together a programmer for it with junk parts. $3.00+shipping.

[centizen]

Yeah they have all sorts of HID emulation and work with any OS. They even emulate virtual COM ports for whatever you want to use them for.

[L0rd_M@dness]

Arduino is great! Used it in my robotic arm and it works great.
There are also lots of shields and arduino-based circuits which will allow you do everything you want real easily.
Also, I had a question now's a good time to ask:
How do I put my C program into an AVR chip? I have CodeVision AVR for programming, but I don't know how to upload it...

[techb]

Arduino is great! Used it in my robotic arm and it works great.
There are also lots of shields and arduino-based circuits which will allow you do everything you want real easily.
Also, I had a question now's a good time to ask:
How do I put my C program into an AVR chip? I have CodeVision AVR for programming, but I don't know how to upload it...

You can use your arduino as an ISP programmer, look in the examples of le IDE. You will need one arduino for the programmer. to flash other chips though. You'll need data sheets for your chip of choice too.


I'll be posting some Arduino content soon as well. The shields that are available for arduino (Ethernet, WiFi, LCD, JoyStick, Blueooth, etc...) make it more of a choice than than teensy. IMHO.