Understanding how/why Arduino works?

The RPi is definitely not something you can replicate without a factory. On the other hand the Arduino UNO (most common) is really a user friendly broken out microcontroller with USB to serial connections and power regulators. You can buy the microcontroller (ATMega328p DIP package) on its own along with an ISP programmer and code/use the chip on the breadboard. But if you mean you want to make your own microcontroller, well let's just say that would be like reinventing the wheel. You know how people say computers used to be the size of a room and now they're tiny? It's because Engineers and machines in a factory make almost microscope versions of transistors and such to replicate the huge mess of electronics needed to store and run programs. So I would say it's possible for a millionaire with too much time on their hands, but not a hobbyist. Look up "Arduino on a breadboard" for info on making an "Arduino". AVR should really be getting all the credit for the Arduino, all Arduino did was add regulators and interface parts to AVR's parts. But you'll love it, electronics is my passion and is such a good hobby.

Hi Alex,

This link is recommended:

https://www.element14.com/community/people/jw0752/blog/2015/11/04/i-want-to-do-electronics-where-do-i-start

Hi Alex,

I am pleased to hear that you have the inclination to learn electronics from the foundation up. While the path to learning anything is sometimes difficult it will be worth it if you stick with it. Electronics is lots of fun which makes the learning easier. Check out the link that shabaz gave you as this is something the we put together to give new enthusiasts like yourself a good place to start. Good luck and I hope to see you on the forum, asking questions and answering them too as you feel comfortable and more knowledgeable.

John

Alex,

     First thing to learn is "Google is my friend". Here you can have an idea and see what people have done, Surprisingly, many beginners never learn that. I agree with both jw0752 and shabaz

They have done a great job for many folks like yourself. Arduino is a complete package with processor 8 bit, some flash space, SRAM, and digital and analog (PWM) for I/O inside a DIP. You should use your friend and look up each.

When you do you have started on a great journey of fun and excitement when you see the possibilities. We will be here and can help you along when you get more specific questions. It always help to bring as much as you can in the post.

You will find the community is very understanding since we have been in your shoes (I know I have had many silly questions).

I hope this helps motivate you to try some of the following:

• Build on a breadboard the extra things to make a ATmega328p into a personal Arduino.
• Make a buzzer project that can act like a simple alarm clock.
• Use LED's to act like a traffic light.

Just some random ideas that you can try,.

Clem

Thanks everyone for your kind help. I have looked into the advised book and the link, and while they look very interesting and detailed there is one problem that I have... Mathematics...

I'm extremely bad at reading math. Is this going to be a problem?

Not from my experience. The only math I've really done is calculating resistor values for the LM317t. Except for of course trying to implement the Kalman Filter in my head tracker project with gyro and accelerometer, but that is at a stand still right now. But non-advanced electronics don't use math.

Hi Alex,

Begin with simple projects and go around the math for the time being. There are enough prepared electronic projects so you will find that only simple math is necessary for most projects. As you get better and want to do fancier things you can learn more math. You can read the books and learn from the tutorials and just skip over the parts that get too heavy with math.

John

Don't let Math hold you back!

Forgive me for being repetitive. For I am going to repeat my Canned Answer for the newbie AM WRT RaspPi. I will have a similar critique for Arduino when I get around to it.

AAR:

WRT (With Respect To) S/W for the RaspPi there are Two

Flavors

1.

Raspbian (Debian) O/S gotten at:

www.raspberrypi.org

2.

Minibian O/S gotten at:

https://minibianpi.wordpress.com/

------------------

I personally have Two separate uSD/SD memory Cards

I boot-up w/ the card that will dictate what I want to do.

Minibian for using the RaspPi to control/obtain Outside

World Parameters.

Raspian (Debian)  to use RaspPi as a general-Purpose Computer.

__________

WRT H/W for the RaspPi, there are also many options,

but one is unique:

This being the RaspPi Zero. RaspPi Zero is a stripped-down RaspPi

Board that one would use AFTER you have developed your H/W &

S/W on the Full-Function RaspPi Boards

BTW the RaspPi Zero does NOT have connector for RaspPi Camera

Module

__________

WRT to Learning/Receive-Mentoring about the RaspPi, there are MOOC

(Massively Open Online Courses) courses on the web.

edx.org

coursera.org

udemy.com [A PAID Site: Tuition $$ required]

*********************************************************

To AM specifically: To do component Electronics is very hard today. When I got my BSEE in 1973, it was Easy b/c there was NOTHING else but Component Electronics. Nowadays it is the  Black Box(es) Approach. x -->{Black Box does f(x)]--.>y (=f(X)). B/c of Patents, copyrights, Trade Secrets, Companies RARELY give out Schematics. You have to do the best you can and adapt to this Black Box World (for it is practically All we have.) Unless (like the other comment(ers) mentioned) IF you have Unlimited Time & $$$, then you can go the Component Electronics Route.

USCDADNYC (NY NY USA)

Hi alex
Don't be afraid of Mathematics, only mathematics you will face while going this road will be of addition and substraction
Just jump into this world of creating things. You will love it. Even making a LED blinker will cheer you up
I know google can be sometimes really confusing, so many tutorials, so many different ways to do the same thing; don't get confused just hold on to any good tutorial and follow it completely till end. You will learn a lot.
And do one thing keep track of things how you did things your way, what you learn't by writing it, may be making notes or word document anything, it will help you and others seeking your advice in future.
Moreover, element14 community is full of expert advisors and full of resources. Just jump in with any electronics project and if got into any trouble/problem just ask here.
Good Luck !
Cheers !!

mudz