Hello Element 14, Ben Heck, and fellow Community members.
My name is Dari and i have a quick Question.
Assume i know nothing about computers, do not own any of the nessacary compoents/tools, and wish to learn how to do the things Ben Heck does. (Not all of those assumptions apply to me.)
I am 20 years old looking at colleges to attend and courses, and i wish to know what studies i should focus on to learn the things Ben does. Could you give me some ideas of what Programming Languages, and Courses of Studies would help for me to learn.
I intend to take:
Graphic Design as a minor. (Figured it would assist me in the design process)
I want to focus mainly on Computer Programming.
I also wish to persue Robotics as Hacking things is great and all, but i want to learn to do the things Ben does and apply them to robotics. Such as hacking a Roomba (Robotic Vaccum Cleaner that moves and cleans on its own) to also function as a projector and Gaming Console stand that would travel with me and project the game on the wall. So i would perfect the art of minium gaming down time. (like while i walk to the bathroom having it follow me and project the game screen on the wall so i could continue the game while traveling to and ultimately in the bathroom.)
Ok, that above example is kinda a farfetched thing, i'm not THAT much of a gamer.
Any links to places for Beginners to get started, books that would help, programs, tools, etc. I see Ben do a lot of cool things, but often i wonder, whats the first step to learning this? Can i learn it without college? If so How? what do i learn first? should i just jump to CNC routing and invest money into a router then trial and Error? How do i connect a "chip" to the computer to import the programming?
Remember i said Assume i know nothing. What would be the best first Step on the journey to becoming skilled at design it yourself, build it yourself, run it and use it, inventing?
Kindness is appreciated, Tips, Links to tutorials, hell anything at all that would assist me learning my first small project.
Some small projects i believe would be good starts but i want opinions and information on "how to learn to do this" for them are:
Converting a 360 controller into a Desktop controller with the left Analog stick functioning as the mouse.
Building a Simple Automated Can Crusher. Just something, that i could drop cans into, press a button and have it crush the can, then drop the can into a bin. (preferrably with waterproof components for if the can isn't completely emptied.)
Signed,
Dari.
