Anonymous
Posted January 1, 2011
The cover of Robert McRobert's Beginning Arduino under-promises and over-delivers. True, the book provides an introduction to the popular open-source microcontroller platform but then goes on to beginning programming, beginning prototyping, and even a smattering of beginning circuit design, all while assuming very little background on the part of the reader. The book starts by describing the Arduino platform, its advantages and the various board models (including the latest, Arduino Uno). Next come step-by-step installation instructions for the the development software on Windows and Mac. (For those using Linux, the text tells where to find the directions on the Arduino website.) After the introductory chapter, the author presents complete projects, each with an illustrated parts list, color wiring diagram for breadboarding, the c-like code (called a "sketch," which mercifully can be downloaded from the publisher's website), and a full explanation of how the sketch works. The text is clear and complete. One small quibble: I would have appreciated a schematic diagram for each project, but the author does introduce a number of the component circuit diagrams that one would find on a schematic. And what a range of projects! The fifty projects run the gamut from blinking an LED (the "hello, world" of embedded programming) to interfacing with sensors, running displays and dc motors, reading and writing to an SD card, even connecting to the internet. Not every project will appeal to everyone, but the book gives a solid overview of what can be done with Arduino. Electric motors once brought childhood construction projects to life. The microcontroller is that motor for our times, and one of the best and easiest to use is Arduino. This is an outstanding book, one accessible to beginners, but one that will not leave them there. I commend it not just to those looking to learn about the platform, but especially for use in the classroom setting.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.iVir
Posted January 6, 2011
I Also Recommend:
This book introduces Arduino to newbies via many project examples. It is suitable both for beginners without any electronics knowledge and also for advanced users. Every project contains project description with a pictorial circuit diagram, hardware components used, source code and its explanation. In-depth explanation it occurs only if you need to know more details. Initial projects start with individual LED diodes (e.g. semaphore, simulation of flare, chase effects etc.), the later works with matrix LEDs, to the LCD handling include animations. The book puts accent on building interfaces with environment. The reader is instructed how to apply motors (stepper motors, DC motors, servo motors), sensors (temperature, pressure and ultrasonic ones), additional Arduino shields extending Arduino's functionality (Ethernet shield, SD reader shield). The text is very explicative and clarifies all aspects of problems but I would prefer using a schematic diagrams in parallel to the pictorial circuit diagrams, for better understanding of more complicated projects. The book contains color pictures on extra pages and ebook is colorful. This book recommend everyone who interesting basic interaction with Arduino. For general information recommend "Programming Interactivity: A Designer's Guide to Processing, Arduino, and Openframeworks" from O'Reilly, where is via Arduino explained complex processing from retrieve physical data to show on screen including using OpenCV. Heavier projects are in "Practical Arduino: Cool Projects for Open Source Hardware (Technology in Action)" from Apress, which is mainly consist of real using without sufficient explanation of basic. Ideal for inspiration but no for learning without any electronics knowledge.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 27, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
More About This Textbook
Overview
In Beginning Arduino, you will learn all about the popular Arduino microcontroller by working your way through an amazing set of 50 cool projects. You'll progress from a complete beginner regarding Arduino programming and electronics knowledge to intermediate skills and the confidence to create your own amazing Arduino projects. Absolutely no experience in programming or electronics required!
Rather than requiring you to wade through pages of theory before you start making things, this book has a handson approach. You will dive into making projects right from the start, learning how to use various electronic components and how to program the Arduino to control or communicate with those components.
Each project is designed to build upon the knowledge learned in earlier projects and to further your knowledge in programming as well as skills with electronics. By the end of the book you will be able create your own projects confidently and with creativity.
What you'll learn
- Controlling LEDs
- Displaying text and graphics on LCD displays
- Making a line-following robot
- Using touch screens
- Using digital pressure sensors
- Reading and writing data to SD cards
- Connecting your Arduino to the Internet
Who this book is forElectronics enthusiasts who are new to the Arduino as well as artists and hobbyists who want to learn this very popular platform for physical computing and electronic art.
Table of Contents
Product Details
Meet the Author
Michael McRoberts is the founder of Earthshine Electronics in the UK that specializes in Arduino Starter Kits and other project components. He is actively involved in electronics and Arduino projects since discovering the Arduino about three years ago. One of his hobbies is astronomy and specifically astrophotography, and it was during researching how to hook up temperature sensors to a PC (to make a Cloud Detector) that he discovered the Arduino.
Since then he has worked on numerous projects for self amusement and he is currently involved in creating a flight computer, using an Arduino programmed Atmega328 chip to control the telemetry and camera control systems on a High Altitude Balloon project. He is an active member of the Arduino forums and takes pleasure in using his experience and knowledge to help beginners learn the Arduino.