| 15 | | The Arduino Uno is a single-board computer based on the AVR ATMega32 microcontroller; you can read more about it [https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/arduinoBoardUno here]. We use the Arduino Uno because it is easy and low cost (often available for [http://www.gearbest.com/development-boards/pp_62975.html less than $5]). A microcontroller is a single integrated circuit that contains a microprocessor, memory, flash storage, and a host of peripherals to connect to other devices such as USB ports, serial ports, digital and analog input and output ports, etc. The Uno provides a standard interface (two rows of black connectors) that allow you to interface with many other devices. There are a wide range of off-the-shelf devices available that can plug into those black connectors; many are the same shape as the Uno and are referred to as "shields". You can purchase Ethernet shields, !WiFi shields, Motor controller shields, etc. Shields have the same set of black connectors and are stackable. You can (and should) read about arduino shields [https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/arduino-shields here]. Your kit includes a prototyping shield and in later lessons you will use a motor control shield to drive the motors in a mini-bot. |
| | 15 | The Arduino Uno is a single-board computer based on the AVR ATMega32 microcontroller; you can read more about it [https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/arduinoBoardUno here]. We use the Arduino Uno because it is easy and low cost (often available for [http://www.gearbest.com/development-boards/pp_62975.html less than $7] or less than $10 via [https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-ATmega328P-Development-Compatible-Microcontroller/dp/B01AR7YJ3O/ amazon prime]). A microcontroller is a single integrated circuit that contains a microprocessor, memory, flash storage, and a host of peripherals to connect to other devices such as USB ports, serial ports, digital and analog input and output ports, etc. The Uno provides a standard interface (two rows of black connectors) that allow you to interface with many other devices. There are a wide range of off-the-shelf devices available that can plug into those black connectors; many are the same shape as the Uno and are referred to as "shields". You can purchase Ethernet shields, !WiFi shields, Motor controller shields, etc. Shields have the same set of black connectors and are stackable. You can (and should) read about arduino shields [https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/arduino-shields here]. Your kit includes a prototyping shield and in later lessons you will use a motor control shield to drive the motors in a mini-bot. |
