Getting started

To get you started Scitech's workshop has come up with a list of useful tips and tricks to building home-made inventions as well as handy websites to purchase parts from. Have a browse through this page – we hope it helps you kick-start your ideas!

What is Ardunio?
Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments. Arduino can sense the environment by receiving input from a variety of sensors and can affect its surroundings by controlling lights, motors, and other actuators.

It uses a variation of C and C# as the programming language but there is a graphical programmer much like the Lego NXT robotics system which makes it much easier to program. It uses plug-in boards called a 'Shield' to interface to sensors, motors, displays etc. It's programmed via software via an onboard USB connector.

Information on Ardunio:
The official site has lots of code to copy and use, plus a community forum for questions and answers.

Arduino graphical programming.
This is very easy to use but is still only in beta stage at the moment. It's online and you must use another browser than Internet Explorer.
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/09/modkit-a-graphical-programming-en.html
http://www.modk.it/

Arduino and Arduino Robotics: Here are some sites you can browse through:

Arduino shield list:
http://shieldlist.org/

Maker and DIY sites:
http://makezine.com/
http://www.makershed.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/makemagazine
http://www.makerbot.com/
http://www.instructables.com/

Where to get parts:
http://www.gravitech.us/
http://www.evilmadscientist.com/
http://www.trossenrobotics.com/c/arduino-robotics.aspx
www.sparkfun.com

eBay key search words:
Arduino
Arduino Shield
Robot Chassis arduino
4 wheel mobile platform

Local places to buy parts:

www.oatleyelectronics.com - Great for scooter motors, wheels etc for larger projects
http://www.robotgear.com.au - Local, Perth-based
http://toysdownunder.com/ - Local Perth-based

Other cool sites:
http://www.howtoons.com/
Tri colour 8x8x8 cube: http://v3spin.blogspot.com/

Another new graphic programming environment for Arduino (Still in development!):
http://blog.minibloq.org/