Getting started

Hello all;

I am just getting started into really building my own stuff and I want to start with the basics, I have ordered my first breadboard and also getting a MB-102 830 Point Prototype PCB with it. I really want to get an arduino, it seems to be easier to program. Now let me give you a bit of background on me. I started programming some chat room code(so long ago I forgot the name basic Java I think), and moved into HTML and CSS then I went to school for car audio,alarm and video. So I have been around low voltage for a few years haha. Ok so here are my questions.

WHere would a good good place be to learn the different parts such as resistors, caps, etc I know a few but I want to learn more.

What do I need to program this board "MB-102 830"

second i mainly deal with LEDs so I would like to get a desktop power supply with variable voltage, where do I get this and what is good?

I mainly want to use the arduino to get started, what program do I need for it?

I build model cars, and use the LEDs in them, working on getting a lcd in one of my larger builds.

Anything ing else that would help. TIA

Top Replies

jw0752 over 10 years ago

Hi Joshua,
I will answer one of your questions. Here is a website where you can get some good basic tutorials on most of the electronic components that you will be dealing with. The tutorials are well written and have buildable circuits for examples from time to time. I have enjoyed the site when I was reviewing the basics.

http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/

Arduino would be my choice too is I was beginning and wanted to control some LEDs.

John
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Robert Peter Oakes over 10 years ago

http://www.element14.com/community/groups/arduino/blog/2014/06/09/fast-track-to-arduino-programming
http://www.element14.com/community/groups/test-and-measurement/blog/2014/09/15/the-modular-bench-power-system-the-essential-diy-build-for-every-ee-student-and-old-timer-alike
http://www.element14.com/community/groups/arduino/blog/2014/12/09/byob-party-bring-you-own-bulbs--the-internet-of-holiday-lights

these are just three of my tutorial sets on element 14 community, if you search in the same topic areas you will find much much more from other members that wil help you
and then you can of course post questions as you evolve your learning and we will help you along as best as we can

Peter
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dougw over 10 years ago

I would suggest an arduino micro or pro micro as they will plug directly into your breadboard.
A low cost bench power supply with adjustable voltage and current limits will cost at least $20, but you can do a lot with just a USB (5Volt) power module that only costs $1 or $2.
If you search ebay you can find breadboard power supplies for about $1 that plug into your breadboard and supply both 3.3 V and 5 V. These supplies run off a USB power module or a wall-wart power module.
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DAB over 10 years ago

Hi Joshua,

There are several good books at Make Magazine, which is a great place to begin learning basic electronics.

There are also many good websites around which should help.

Please feel free to ask questions.

If nothing else, you can test to see how many of use still remember the basics after all these years.

Remember, make it fun and ask for help.

DAB
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balearicdynamics over 10 years ago

All the suggestions you read are very good but the better "learning book" is here.

Enrico
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Former Member over 10 years ago

Ok my mains reason for the variable voltage was for lcd screens. Is there any books on tha itself? As for power supply I can use a phone charger because most of those go down to 3 even to 5.5 volt rewire it for a usb. Thanks for all the info, I will start digging into this.
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spannerspencer over 10 years ago

Welcome on board jcbrinsfield! As the guys have said, keep the posts coming; not just for our interest (although we want to know what you're making when the breadboard arrives, of course!) but you'll get a lot of feedback, advice and ideas if you let the e14 community know what you're working on. Dive into the different areas, and let people know what's on your workbench!

I'm actually pretty new too, and I'm finding that completing the e14 levels and badges isn't just an achievements thing. They're pushing me to either finish projects I've had kicking around for ages, or to start new ones on specific subjects that I'm excited about again. Worth checking out, as I'm sure there'll be badges that give you a nudge in interesting direction when you start plugging into that new breadboard!
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