What is Arduino?
Arduinos are a type of microcontroller that are able to read inputs – such as sensors and buttons, and turn it into an output – such as turning on an LED or sounding a buzzer. The user writes their program, called a Sketch, in the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE), then uploads it to the Arduino which executes the code. The Arduino IDE uses a language very similar to C++.
Do I need to know C++?
In the kit we loan there is a Projects Book which guides you through the code and electronics needed, so no coding or electronics experience is necessary to start with. You can also find a wealth of free resources and projects to try online.
What else would I need to know?
The Arduino Starter Kit is aimed at beginners in coding and electronics and helps you to learn the basics of both. No soldering is required as the ‘breadboard’ has push fittings.
One thing to remember is that LEDs have a positive (the long leg) and negative side (the short leg), so they must be put in circuits the correct way around in order to work. Also, never connect LEDs straight to voltage pins as they will burn out. Always put a current limiting resistor (at least 220 ohm) in the circuit.
So what can I borrow?
We have a number of kits to complete some simple code and electronic circuit projects, see individual bags for contents listing. All are 7 day loans:
- Arduino Starter Kit includes a Projects Book (with sample code and wiring diagrams), a breadboard and numerous electronic components (Arduino included)
- Inventor’s Kit for Arduino by Kitronik also contains a Projects Book, a breadboard and numerous electronic components (Arduino not included)
- Sidekick Basic Kit contains a selection of popular components (Arduino not included)
- LED Kit for Arduino contains amongst other things LEDs, a breadboard, a battery holder (Arduino not included)
To use it you will need
- To power the Arduino you will need to connect it to a USB socket on a computer using the cable in the kit
- To code the Arduino you will need either:
- A computer (Windows, Linux or Mac) with Arduino IDE installed. Instructions are in the Projects book or online at arduino.cc/guide Or
- A computer with a reliable internet connection so you can use the online IDE and cloud storage.
Please note: When you return the Arduino kit please make sure all the components and cables are returned.