I am basically a newbie to development boards and programing in general. I have the "Hello world" thing down in old Basic and C Turbo,
library's, as well as debugging and compiling, but I am endeavoring to learn more modern programing languages and IDEs. I learned a lot from publications such as John Brown's Embedded Systems Programing in C and Assembly but IDEs, bootstraps, EHOEs are where its at.I recently acquired an Arduino clone. I have heard that this is frowned upon by some because it doesn't support the original Arduino open source developers and I understand that point but isn't that the whole point of open source to make it more available to everyone. I am perhaps too "DIY cheap guy". But for better or worse, that's me.
So, I have some electronics experience, mostly analogue, some digital. Enough to use a logic probe to replace simple components on HVAC, plumbing, building control management systems, lighting systems etc., as well as some of the control software. Years ago I used to build and repair computers as a side business, mostly for friends neighbors and family, I was the "computer guy". Good old DOS. Now my son is that guy. He is a computer programer. He is a very busy man. And I'm afraid his answer to most of this would be to buy whatever it is to do whatever it is you desire. I say, "where's the fun in that"? Now that I am 58 my interests have turned more towards my hobby's and to enhance their enjoyment through, what my neighbor calls "gizmos". I have been an RC enthusiast for a long time and have always built my own planes and cars from scratch. I am a weather bug and used to own a simple cabled outdoor weather station that also aided me in being an avid gardener. My wife raises chickens for eggs and we own a dog. So What? Well I have ideas for projects I would like to develop to aid and enhance these interests. Firstly I recently came into possession of a Davis Instruments Vantage Vue instrument package but don't want to buy the console. I may purchase a console one day but would rather interface and data log with my PC, Tablet and or an Arduino or Pi. So wireless WiFi MeFi Bluetooth RF TTY modem are areas I need to peruse. Remote systems control such as feeders, waterers, lighting, security for animal husbandry. But one of my greatest interests is in the recent development of FPV for the RC hobbys. But not only FPV but also GPS related control for automatic homing and restricted air space avoidance etc. I am intrigued by inflight real time data logging and on screen displays. also finding a way to adapt and enhance less expensive video goggles that don't cost $800.00 dollars. Lastly I have acquired an older Cress FX27P kiln-setter controlled kiln and would like to use an Arduino and a digital PID to control my firing profiles.I have some ideas for enhanced home security systems that don't break the bank and don't require a subscription to any service perhaps involving autonomous RC. Oh yea and I want to learn to play the fiddle, made my own metronome with a 555 ic. All this "DIY" Whewwwwwww. Whow, how many years I got left? LOL.
I feel as if this forum is just the sort of collaborative interaction and community support I will need to help me pursue my goals and stay with my project development to completion with useable affordable system implementation.. I have the feeling that even though there are ranking badges and outstanding member of the week rankings etc that this community is more about aiding one another in our pursuits and interests. I thank Newark and element14 for providing an opportunity to learn from and along side many of you knowledgeable and innovative members. Bare with me as I beg your indulgence from time to time. I have a feeling element14 will be one of my most valued resources. Thank you all.
