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34 of 34 found the following review helpful:
 best µC out there! Apr 29, 2010
By FakeName Jones
"name"
I've used a couple other microcontrollers (pic, picAXE, and messed with a few others) and this is by far my favorite. It is programmed over USB, so it is very easy to set up. There is software available for windows, OS X, and linux. It supports hardware serial communication with a UART (don't worry if you don't know what these mean). The programming language is the absolute best microcontroller language out there, a mixture of processing and wiring. Processing is a language based off of and very similar to c++ (when I started with arduino, the only experience I had with the language was previous casual use of c++). Wiring makes it very easy to use, with low to high level features, which means that a beginner can easily do simple things like blink an LED with just a few lines of code, or do very powerful things like "bit-bang" serial communications at a hardware level or actively modify the program memory. The chip also has built in EEPROM so that you can store data easily after the chip loses power (like if you turn it off). If you are good with computers, you can even make your own firmware and upload that (I won't get in to that). The great thing is, if you need to embed your arduino project you can pick up an ATMega chip and a 16mhz crystal for just a few bucks, and then upload your code to the ATMega over "avrISP" (a program included with the free arduino software) without spending any extra cash. This board is great for experts and beginners alike. It took me, a complete microcontroller novice, about 2 days to become good enough with the language to make usefull programs (like home automation) and now a few months later I can do some really crazy stuff like overlay text to video, or interface with electronic devices like GPS units or phones in ways I never would have been able to before. The arduino also has a huge and experienced userbase. This means a huge and helpful forum, not to mention LOTS of documentation and software libraries that let you use the arduino with GPS, phones, touch screens, LCDs, memory cards, video modifying chips, sound chips, the internet, wireless communications, and much more. A simple google search will probably turn up how to use something with an arduino. I say buy it! By the way, this is far from a toy. It's a powerful tool.
24 of 25 found the following review helpful:
The Arduino's great, but it's not a toy Dec 13, 2009
By Paul Bianchi
If you need to automate anything - make something happen based on some sort of sensor - the Arduino can probably do it easily, and cheaper than almost anything else. It's is a terrific platform for electronic and robotic projects, and any project that needs some kind of automation. I'm a high school Physics teacher, and my seniors put together some incredible projects for class with only two weeks or so of programming and circuit-building instruction: light-sensing robots, model elevators with call-buttons, vending machines, a motorized car-wash, even a Pong game. In my after-school club, sophomores and juniors have also taken a real interest in it, though they need a bit more direction. I don't think it's appropriate to call this a toy, because typically you'd have to be high-school age or older to work out the programming - it's more properly a hobbyist's tool, and a lot more adults than kids work with it. Any hobbyist with a bit of an interest in programming should definitely check out the Arduino.
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Fantastic Device, opens up the world of electronics to everyone Sep 04, 2010
By Charles R. Jones
The Arduino is a wonderful, inexpensive device that has numerous inputs and outputs. In the old days we had to burn a chip, put it into a circuit, and then figure out why it didn't work. The arduino was designed to solve that problem. Simply plug it into USB, download the free software from Arduin.cc, and you're up and running. Very simple to program and learn about electronics. Features and onboard programmable LED, and hundreds of plug in boards called shields that can be plugged into extend its functionality.
My problem is with this vendor, however. $79 is far above the suggested retail value of this board. I'm sure some people will unknowingly pay that, but the retail value of this board is below $35. Look around, you can find it much cheaper. Overcharging like this is criminal.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
It's Alive! May 07, 2010
By Christopher A. Paul
"Mad AP Scientist."
This product requires minimal c+ programming and minimal knowledge of electronics, but WOW does it work! I have never been able to interact with sensors and motors from my computer before. There is a lot of support and a hugh user community.
The Arduino can be used either to communicate between a computer, sensors, motors, and other compatable devices, or to act as the brains to automate them.
I am using this as the brains for an automated germination bed. It (allows me to use a sensor to monitor the moisture and automate watering and lighting.
I will be purchasing more products in this line. Amazon calls this a toy. It is fun, but it's a lot more than that!
7 of 8 found the following review helpful:
 Arduino 2009 board very good for learning microcontrollers Sep 01, 2009
By Antonios S. Andreatos
Arduino 2009 board is very good for learning microcontrollers.
Because everything is ready, available.
Easy to use, connects to PC via USB, uses Java technology efficiently.
Hundreds of projects available FOR FREE, since it is OPEN SOURCE.
A. Andreatos,
Athens, GREECE
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