Learn Arduino?

VK3ZYZ

Moderator
Staff member
Do you want to learn Arduino?
Starting at the 4th June SADARC meeting, there will be an introductory Arduino course for those who are interested.
Please bring a laptop with the Arduino IDE installed.
This is a free download form https://www.arduino.cc/en/software
If you have an Arduino (with the USB lead) bring that also. Here are just some of those available....
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It does not matter what version board you use. The Uno is popular and I like the Nano.
Additional items can be a breadboard....
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and parts like resistors, LEDs, switches, pots..... and some single conductor wires like in telecom cable or Ethernet cables for use with the breadboard. Cutters may help too.
I'm printing out some books for you to use so please let me know if you want to take part so I know how many to print. My printer is not too good so it will be a bit "colourful".

There is a documentary that may be of interest...

Please come and jump into this exciting field. Don't be scared to try. If you can use a computer to type letter you can drive an Arduino.
 
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VK3ZYZ

Moderator
Staff member
There are many sources of Arduino info. I'm quite partial to this one...

The couple at randomnerdtutorials have spent quite a bit of effort to develop tutorials on many subjects involving Arduinos and other controllers. They have some good free downloads as well as some ebooks that are available to purchase.
Also, about every week or so, they post a new tute on a subject to do with interfacing these devices.
Have a look around.
Just note, I have no affiliation with them other than being a satisfied customer.
 

VK3YNV

Administrator
Staff member
Here's a site that lists some Arduino based Ham Radio projects

 

VK3ZYZ

Moderator
Staff member
Here is an advert for a starter kit they say is in Oz, and should get here in time for the next meeting. This kit looks to include just about everything one would need to have a good start.
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Looking around at some cheaper kits, just note that some do not include the Arduino itself.
 

VK3ZYZ

Moderator
Staff member
Although I do not need one, I've purchased the above starter kit so we can see what is in it for real.
It should arrive in time.
 

BillC

Active member
I have, Uno r3, Uno Wi-Fi esp8266, and an ordinary Uno, You know what, I might have enough to start with, plus a few cables and wires too.
 

VK3ZYZ

Moderator
Staff member
Do you have a breadboard?
I'll try to remember to bring bits and pieces, LEDs, switches, resistors, jumper wires etc.
 

Josh

Member
That is a great value kit. just the arduino uno from jay car is $30 ish so with all the other stuff its a bargin kit.

I'll be there to help out.
 
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Josh

Member
I normally while I'm working on the code I use the usb cable to supply the 5V power, and then use external 9 or 12V power pack/battery to power the onboard 5V or 3.3V LDO reg.
If im powering the Arduino externally(say its using more than the usb can supply) and I'm connected to the PC USB i use a floating supply/battery.

USB power is normally all you need.
 

VK3ZYZ

Moderator
Staff member
I just spotted this breadboard today..
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Of course, you can get these cheaper on Ebay or similar, but this is on special for the next few days, and local, assuming they have them in stock.
This comes with some jumper wires and a power feed in board.
 

BillC

Active member
Looks good, seems as if it would take power from a separate supply via the power socket as fitted. I shall try to get one, it could be very handy.
 

VK2RK

Active member
For those beginning to learn how to create code, these terms are often seen or spoken thus here is the meaning for better understanding of the topic


Computer science terms related to hardware
These computer science terms connect to the physical components of a computer. Hardware represents the most tactile aspects of computer science and the materials computers are made of.

1. CPU
CPU stands for the Central Processing Unit. It is the processing chip that serves as the "brains" of a device that interprets (or processes) the digital instructions provided by applications.

2. Bit
Bit is an abbreviation for “binary digit,” the smallest piece of information used by a computer. Each bit is either a 1 or a 0, which are the binary digits that make up computer language. Bits are literally the foundation upon which computer science is built. In modern computing, information is stored and processed at a scale that is orders of magnitude larger than individual bits. See the conversion rate below to better contextualize the size of a bit:

  • 1 Byte = 8 bits
  • 1 Kilobyte = 1,024 bytes
  • 1 Megabyte = 1,024 kilobytes
  • 1 Gigabyte = 1,024 megabytes
3. RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the hardware component used to store data that is actively being used by a processor. When needed, information flows to RAM storage from long-term secondary storage—typically a hard drive.

4. Secondary storage
Secondary storage refers to the long-term data storage options found in a device. This includes hard disk drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD). When you save a file to your computer, it is sent to secondary storage.

5. ROM
ROM stands for Read-Only Memory. This is memory that can only be read from and is not electronically modifiable after being manufactured. Computers use ROM to store critical foundational information like start-up processes and software instructions.

6. Input/Output Devices (I/O Devices)
I/O devices refer to anything people use to input information to the computer or to take information out (output). For example, a keyboard and mouse are input devices. A printer is an output device.

Computer science terms related to software
The physical components of devices are only the tip of the iceberg. Much of the computer science field focuses on software applications and their development.

7. Algorithm
At a basic level, algorithms are simply specific procedures used to solve computational problems. As computing power and data capabilities have grown more sophisticated, so have the algorithms and the problems they intend to solve. For example, a shipping company may turn to an algorithm to help determine the optimal route for delivery drivers.

8. API (Application Programming Interface)
An API is a software go-between that brings information from one application to another. It allows applications to communicate with one another while preserving some security measures for each end point. For example, an API can be used to securely transfer data stored by your web browser to a mobile app.

9. Boolean
A function in programming with binary choices, like “Yes or No” and “True or False.” This serves as a basic building block of programming logic.

10. Bug
A bug is a programming error that causes unexpected glitches or problems for a program’s end user. Debugging is the process of identifying, documenting and fixing the issues caused by bugs.

11. Camel Case
Camel case refers to the practice of capitalizing the first letter of each compound word in a programming variable to improve readability. For example, “StretchLength” and “FixedHeight.”

12. Code
Code refers to the string of commands or directions used by different programming languages in order to create, edit or manage computer programs or applications. Code is used by computers to determine which action should be taken, define parameters and more.

13. Compiling
The process of taking code that’s written in a high-level language (like C++) by human developers and translating it into machine-readable code.

14. Conditional statements
Conditional statements, another fundamental piece of programming instructions, set the terms for when a program moves forward. This is often expressed in an “If, then” format. If all conditions expressed are met and true, only then will the computer move on to do the next step.

15. Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
An integrated development environment is a software tool where developers can write code and run their programs. Many provide useful features like syntax highlighting, debugging tools, version control and more.

16. Latency
Latency is the measure of time between entering an input and the returned output. The higher the latency, the longer it takes. This is an important factor for web applications and interfaces where a noticeable delay may impact user satisfaction.

17. Scripts
Similar in a way to the scripts used by Hollywood stars, a script in programming terms is a line by line set of instructions for a computer program to follow. These are often used for automation or for generating dynamic page content.

18. Structured data
This refers to data or information that’s been organized and “cleaned” in order to make it easier to search, manipulate and interface well with software applications. Structured data often is used for categories like names, addresses and credit card information but can be used for any quantifiable data category.

19. Syntax
Syntax refers to the rules that dictate the structure of a language. Programming languages, like all languages, need structure for the reader—whether a computer or a human—to make sense of the information. While some elements of syntax may carry over from language to language, most programming languages have unique and specific syntax rules that must be followed.

Computer science terms relating to the tech industry
Computer science today is about so much more than a computer and what it can do—it’s a massive area of study that intersects the industry of technology in countless ways. Here are some of the industry terms you’ll want to ensure you know.

20. Agile development
Agile development is a project management process for producing and releasing software (or other projects) that calls for quick cycles that repeat, improving as they go. This typically breaks projects down into smaller increments. This can be helpful in software development where the individual components of a software application may need to be adjusted or revised in order to accommodate unexpected issues or changes downstream.

21. Big data
Big data is a quick way to refer to the massive amounts of data collected by organizations on a day-to-day basis. Data at this scale can be tapped into for a variety of purposes like trend analyses, forecasting, process automation and more.

22. Cloud storage
Cloud storage is an alternative to storing data on a computer’s physical storage. Information stored “on the cloud” is kept on remote servers that can be accessed anywhere via the Internet. For more on how that works, check out A Beginner’s Guide to Cloud Computing.

23. Cyber security
Cyber security is the process of protecting data from unauthorized users or hackers. It also represents a huge sector of the tech industry as more and more companies race to stay ahead of cyber criminals and security threats.

Arduino Terms
24. IDE
Used in Arduino Integrated Development Environment.
Includes the ability to create and edit program code then compile and load to an Arduino device
Within the environment common libraries are included with the ability to add custom designed libraries.

25. Function
Set of instructions performing a task
(In "C" the code is structured with sets of functions that is the program code)

26. Library library is a set of named functions that are included in C language to perform a specific function

27. Sketch the name that Arduino uses for a program code
 
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