What does it take to begin using the Arduino?

Question

Hi all,

I have become interested in using the Arduino, but I have not been able to estimate the level of investment, mostly time, in getting started. If some of you could give me an idea of the tools you use, software, languages, best tutorials, hardware, etc, that you have found useful, I think a lot of people could use that information before deciding if they want to begin using the family of devices.

Thanks,

DAB

WestfW · Accepted Answer

If some of you could give me an idea of the tools you use, software, languages, best tutorials, hardware, etc, that you have found useful The normal "getting started" process is along the lines of: Buy the current "standard" Arduino board. Arduino "Uno", at the moment. Download the current version of the Arduino IDE for your computer, and copy/install to the appropriate program directory. Install usb/serial drivers or driver info if necessary (on windows, currently.) (there might be additional requirements, like installing or upgrading Java, or finding an appropriate standard USB cable, if you have a particularly old or isolated computer.) Run the Arduino IDE, open the File/Examples/Basic/Blink example, select the appropriate board and serial port in the Tools menu, hit the "upload" button and see if your on-board LED starts blinking. That's about it. It should take maybe 1/4 the time of the simplest manufacturer-provided development system to get going. The IDE install includes a pretty complete set of tools that are invisible to the average arduino user, but quite comforting to more advanced users. A full gcc toolset for AVR, plus cygwin/etc "development commands", for example.

Former Member · Answer

Hi DAB,

The answer depends on how much programming experience you have. If have have at least a decent grasp of C/C++/Java or something along those lines, you won't need much time at all to learn how the Arduino platform works, at least at a high level. One of the great things that makes it really easy to get going is that the Arduino IDE has a bunch of libraries which deal with a lot of the detial for you, like PWM, serial communication, USB protocol, etc.

Really all you need to get started is (the quickest way):

Arudino board (Uno, Mini, Mega, Pro, whatever version of the board fits your needs)

USB cable

Computer

Arudino IDE/Development environment

With the Arduino IDE come a variety of sample programs, which show you the various libraries that come standard such as making and LED blink and using a button. I would also suggest getting a kit that comes with some extra resistors, LEDs, potentiometers, light sensor, wires, etc. It is really a great platform for hobbiests because it it easy to get going quickly. The arduino website has a lot of great samples a tutorials on almost all libraries that come standard with the IDE. When using the arduino, I find myself going to the arduino playground and tutorial websites often (see below).

Another great part about the Arduino is that there is a large amount of user generated code/libraries (when they work it's cool) and extra hardware. This extra hardware usually comes in the form of shields which enable the arduino to have and LCD screen, or turn a motor, to have access to the internet, or play MP3s of SD card, and on and on...

Some issues I have with the platform is that some user-generated libraries are weak. They have bad documentation, don't always work and cause more problems than they are worth. I also, as a student, think that the IDE and the libraries make it too abstract. If you just use the provided functions, you have no idea about the consquences: timing, pin use, what other functions are being called, etc. But that might just be me.

However, you don't have to use the Arduino Development Environment. You could use something like AVR Studio, but that would take quite a bit more time to set up, understand and get going, but it is possible. I haven't done it, so I cannot say much else.

Basic Tutorials: http://arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/HomePage

Tiwtter Library for Arduino: http://www.arduino.cc/playground/Code/TwitterLibrary

Starter Kit: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10174

Some shields: http://www.sparkfun.com/search/results?term=Arduino+shield&what=products

cookieglitch · Answer

Starting to use the Arduino is fairly easy. Takes maybe 5 minutes to get the IDE setup and the drivers running (If you even need to install them). In terms of cost, it can be as cheap as $30-40 (Bad estimate completely ignoring the exchange rate, but its something!). In terms of time, not long. You can pick up the basics and an afternoon, or less if you have previous experience with programming. For tools, you really do not need much. Aside from the Arduino itself and a selection of components, all you really need is some wire cutters/strippers, maybe a screwdriver, a multimeter and of course your computer. A good working space can help, but I've been known to get away with sitting on the floor and working with it! The Arduino language itself is a subset of C. You can pick it up fairly quickly without much effort. The nature of the system means that you do not need to be concerned with the likes of pointers, references etc until much later. When it comes to learning about it, there are hundreds if not thousands of places to start. There is of course www.arduino.cc and the associated forum. Another good place to start is any one of the Arduino books, such as those from O'Reilly. There really are thousands of good sources for information and a variety of kits (Such as the one from Oomlout.co.uk) which come with their own tutorials. Last of all, there is of course E-14 and the Arduino group! Always a friendly place to get help. Good luck with getting started. Any questions, you know where to ask