Electronics All-in-One For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 1

Introducing Arduino

IN THIS CHAPTER

Looking at the various models of Arduino microcontrollers

Learning how to program Arduino

Creating a simple Arduino project

Arduino (pronounced ar-dwee-no) is one of the most popular microprocessor systems in use today. Arduino originally started in Ivrea, Italy, in 2005 and has become a global phenomenon. The original intent of the Arduino was to provide a less expensive alternative to the BASIC Stamp, which at the time cost about $75 (less expensive models are available now). Arduino is a little more difficult to program than the BASIC Stamp, but not much. Arduino boards can be purchased online for less than $10.

Arduino is formally known as the Arduino Project, reflecting the fact that Arduino is an open-source project developed by an online community. As a result, several different companies manufacture Arduino-compatible microprocessor boards. You can purchase Arduino boards directly from the Arduino website (www.arduino.org) or from other online retailers such as Amazon or Newegg.

Introducing the Arduino UNO

As of this writing, there are about two dozen different variations of Arduino boards, each providing different capabilities. ...