Getting Started with Microcontrollers Workshop @ OpenTechSpace Oct 5, 7-9pm
Brad Pierce
The "Getting Started With Microcontrollers" workshop is coming up,
next Monday. It's at Techshop (10100 SW Allen Blvd, Beaverton OR
97005) from 7-9pm, in the upstairs area. Cost is $10 to $40 depending
on which parts you need. Here is the sign up link:
http://www.pjrc.com/store/workshop.html
This workshop is really intended for people who've wanted to build
electronic projects but haven't managed to get started. By using a
microcontroller (which is a tiny computer in a single chip), you can
connect simple circuits to the pins and then use code to actually make
your project function. The Arduino IDE provides a very simple,
beginner-oriented environment for writing that code.
If you've purchased an Arduino compatible board but is sat on the
shelf, or attended Don's Arduino Cult Induction but never put the
board to actual use, or you don't have any board but want to get
started, this workshop is for you. On the other hand, if you have used
Arduino for a project or two, you are probably already up to speed.
This workshop is really for beginners to get started.
The workshop will be arranged in 3 sections.
In the first section, we will be wiring a RGB LED and writing very
simple code to make it blink. Because the LED has 3 colors inside, you
can turn more than one on at a time to simulate almost any color.
The second section will cover using the serial monitor and
Serial.print, which allows you to see a record of what your program is
doing.
The third section will involve reading voltages with the analog
inputs. We will begin with a thumbwheel trim pot which you can easily
control the voltage, and if time permits move on to a simple
temperature sensor.
The $10 workshop fee includes components and wire we will be using.
All construction will be done on solderless breadboards. If you need a
breadboard, they are available for $7.
You will need an Arduino compatible board and USB cable. If you have
the Dorkboard and Benito from Don's Arduino Cult Induction, those will
work. A genuine Arduino board will work too. If you don't already have
a board, the Teensy ($21) and a USB cable ($5) are recommended.
A "full kit" including the workshop fee, is $40. If you have no parts
at all, that is your best option!
You will also need to bring a laptop computer and wire strippers.
Windows XP & Vista, Mac OS 10.5 and Ubuntu 9.04 are supported. We will
be using 22 gauge wire.
If you've been intended to start building electronic projects but
haven't known where to begin, or you've purchased an Arduino
compatible board or finished Don's Arduino Cult Induction but then it
sat and never got used, or you loaded up Arduino and stared at a blank
window and asked "now what do I do?", I hope you'll come to the
workshop on Monday and get started with microcontrollers!
For more information on what to bring, see
http://opentechspace.org/2009/09/20/getting-started-with-microcontrollers/