Hardware-Arduino
From Physical Programming
This class is based around the Arduino micro-controller. The Arduino is an open source platform. Boards with the 'Arduino' name are from the original manufacturer, boards labelled as 'Arduino compatible', 'Freeduino', or 'Boarduino' are from third-party manufacturers. All boards listed here are suitable for use in this class (and outside it). A list of all official Arduino boards can be found here.
For additional information see the SparkFun Electronics buyers guide (note however that they do not stock the Modern Device bare bones boards and so these are not included in their overview).
Arduino Duemilanove. Also called the Arduino Main Board, this is the basic Arduino board. This is the type of board we will be using in class.
Arduino Mega. Four times the connectivity of the Duemilanove (at three times the price) - 54 digital input/output pins. Note: this board is also larger than the Duemilanove.
Arduino Bluetooth. Identical to the Duemilanove except with a bluetooth interface instead of the standard USB connection.
Arduino Nano. The Arduino Duemilanove in a tiny package. Comes with a mini-USB connector on the board. Availability is limited, check the Make Shed.
Arduino Pro. Same pin spacing as the Duemilanove except supper thin.Can be used with all the standard Duemilanove shields. Comes in 3.3 and 5 volt varieties. Note: this board requires an additional adapter to connect to USB (see below).
Arduino Pro Mini. This board is about as small as it gets. Like the Arduino Pro it comes in 3.3v and 5v and requires an additional adapter to connect to USB (see below).
Arduino Lillypad. The Arduino Duemilanove as a tiny washable disc. Designed specifically for wearable devices. Note: this board requires an additional adapter to connect to USB (see below).
Bare Bones Board. Modern Device's version of the Duemilanove. Available in kit form this board starts at US$16.00. Note: the board requires an additional adapter to connect to USB (see below).
Really Bare Bones Board. Possibly the cheapest Arduino compatible board available. In kit form it sells for US$12.50. Available from Modern Device. Note: the board requires an additional adapter to connect to USB (see below).
USB Adaptors
Some boards require an additional USB adaptor (noted above). The adaptor connects the Arduino to the computer and you will need this to upload programs to the Arduino. Once the Arduino is programmed it can run independently from the PC and does not need the adaptor to operate. It is common practice to buy a single USB adaptor for use with multiple Arduinos. There are a number of different adapters available. All those listed below do basically the same job however pay attention to the voltage, the adaptor voltage needs to match the Arduino voltage (either 3.3v or 5v).
USB BUB Board from Modern Device. Switchable between 3.3v and 5v.
FTDI Basic Breakout Board from SparkFun. Available in 3.3 and 5 volt varieties.
FTDI Cable from SparkFun. Similar to the adaptors above except housed inside a USB cable. Available in 3.3v and 5v.
Australian Suppliers
There are currently three local suppliers of Arduino products (they are all on-line retailers - no storefronts).
Little Bird Electronics
Toys Down Under
RobotGear
International Suppliers
SparkFun Electronics - a good range of Arduino boards and accessories.
Modern Device - some of the cheapest Arduino compatible boards available.
Adafruit Industries - a basic range of Arduino boards and some interesting Arduino add-on kits.
Make - a range of Arduino boards and special project boards based on the Arduino.
