Arduino Sketches: Tools and Techniques for Programming Wizardry

CHAPTER3

Electronics Basics

You can have a lot of fun with an Arduino, but without some electronics, you won't get far. Without adding a single electronic component, you could program an Arduino Robot to run around racetracks, or program a games controller with an Arduino Esplora, but how about an Arduino Uno? Of course, you can add shields to add some functionality, but the real fun comes when you add your own electronics. This chapter shows you how to add your own electronics components onto an Arduino. No, don't run away! It is easy, I promise.

Electronics is often shrouded in mystery, conjuring images of highly complex and advanced components requiring weeks of calculating, just to choose the right one. Although some components are indeed incredibly advanced, and although some electronic circuits do indeed require weeks of work, this tends to be true in advanced fields, not basic electronics. At the end of this chapter, you will understand some basic electronic components, and you will be able to create your own electronic circuit.

Electronics is fun, but should be taken seriously. In this chapter, you will see a few warnings for particular components. Some components can't handle high voltage; others may be damaged or destroyed if handled incorrectly. Throughout this book, there are numerous electronic examples, but none of them use high voltage, AC voltage, or any other dangerous factors. Still, be careful! You will not hurt yourself with the 5 volts used in the examples, ...