Tiny Computer We Call Arduino

Have you ever heard of Arduino?

Whether or not your answer to this question is a yes or a no, I would like to share the magic of Arduino with you in addition to some great links for DIY (Do It Yourself) projects. I recently purchased my own Arduino Uno (the standard arduino chip) for just about $25, but they sell for less than that on eBay ("Arduino" on eBay). *This is not my hand, nor my chip (below)*

Arduino Uno

Arduino is the name of the chip or device which is used to record and execute programs that normally involve more than just a console (Print out screen). Usually, an arduino project include LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), speakers, motors and utilize digital logic to solve complex problems. Arduino's are made in Italy and are part of the open source movement that you may be interested in: http://arduino.cc/ .

Here is a good diagram that identifies various components on the Arduino (Arduino Diecimila).

The programming in Arduino is relatively simple, but I am biased because I have been programming for a while now. Arduino code filed are called "sketches." So feel free to search around for sketches being exchanged or shared on websites. They are everywhere.

Let's take a look at some of the interesting projects people completed with the Arduino.
For instructions for your own Arduino projects skip to bottom of post.

Rumble Robots With Arduino

8x8x8 LED Cube With Arduino

If you liked this post:
http://w7r.blogspot.com/2011/11/led-tetris-with-arduino-chip.html


Arduino Projects For You:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Projects/
http://www.arduino.cc/playground/Projects/ArduinoUsers
http://www.arduino.cc/playground/Projects/Ideas
http://www.freeduino.org/
http://www.coolcircuit.com/gadgets/category/arduino/