Hardware / Arduino hacking True Beginner guide 101

Module 0: Pre-reqs.md

Module 0: What you'll need to get started

Notes: Intro (All the cool stuff you can build)

M1 (should m1 be blinking light alone?) Then we reinforce it with each module… YAS

• blinking LED

Structure:

• what’s the action we need to take next?
• what’s the mechanism for doing that (then very brief explainer)

M1.0 - What you'll have at the end of the Module (do this one last)

M1.1 What do we have here? What is a microcontroller?

M1.1 blinking LED (start with actions then add explainers as needed)

• order microcontroller
• explain the VERY basics (short)
• explain the lights on the board
• explain bootloader / firmware (start with need)
• show how to change the blinking
• then give them assignment to do it
• m1 ends with changing the blinking pattern on the board itself.

THEN move on to plug-in in the light

THEN move on to breadboard (or whatever the next abstraction is)

Approach:

• very few variables and abstractions. Then slowly add layer on layer. Mini steps.

Module 1: Blinking LED.md

Module 1: Blinking LED (on board)

Notes: Intro (All the cool stuff you can build)

M1 (should m1 be blinking light alone?) Then we reinforce it with each module… YAS

• blinking LED

Structure:

• what’s the action we need to take next?
• what’s the mechanism for doing that (then very brief explainer)

M1.0 Intro - What you'll have at the end of the Module (record this one last) M1.1 What do we have here? What is a microcontroller? M1.2 Connect to power. Explain the LEDs and patterns. M1.3 Let's change the blinking pattern on board. Arduino IDE. Simple code instruction. Upload to board. M1.4 Recap & Summary

M2

M1.1 blinking LED (start with actions then add explainers as needed)

• order microcontroller
• explain the VERY basics (short)
• explain the lights on the board
• explain bootloader / firmware (start with need)
• show how to change the blinking
• then give them assignment to do it
• m1 ends with changing the blinking pattern on the board itself.

THEN move on to plug-in in the LED on the board THEN move on to breadboard (or whatever the next abstraction is)

Approach:

• very few variables and abstractions. Then slowly add layer on layer. Mini steps.

overview.md

Intro

Video: (All the cool stuff you can build with Arduino-like devices)

So you want to try out hardware / arduino / raspberry pi. Now what...?

This guide assumes that you know close to nothing about hardware and hacking, just that you've seen some things...

What is this?

This is a hands on guide to steer you through your first hardware projects.

What will I be able to build after?

(TODO: add some WOW video here. Maybe Colin's arduino project?)

How do I get started?

You'll need 3 things to get started:

1. A computer of some sort
2. A microcontroller (raspberry pico or arduino uno or adafruit metro). For this guide we'll use the adafruit metro.
3. A tutorial that matches your hardware (this guide provides that)

What is a microcontroller?

It's essentially a small computer like you'd find in a calculator.

What do I need to know before I get started?

Basic usage of computers is all you need.

What device should I start with?

If you're a true beginner, then order this starter kit:

Adafruit Metro 328 Starter Pack at $44.95
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3345

This is an arduino-like device. So anything you learn here you'll be able to transfer to arduino uno.

Later

Consider 2 options forward.

• The try one tiny thing. (maybe even point people to used pieces)
• or the "get the starter kit"

Outline the costs & prices.

What tutorial should I start with?

This one