Arduino is an extremely popular open source platform for hobby electronics, robotics, and even electronic art and music projects. Beginning Arduino provides gentle introduction to the world of electronics using the Arduino. You’ll learn basic electronics and programming as you move from very simple projects like controlling traffic lights to more complex projects like creating an RFID reader.

Michael McRoberts of Earthshine Electronics will show you how to build these projects using fritzing—a way to see exactly what to plug in and where—but you’ll also learn the basics of reading electronics schematics, too. You’ll see what parts you need for each project as well as the best places to find them. All of the projects can serve as the basis for more complex projects as you build experience with your Arduino.

This book assumes no previous electronics or programming experience. If you’ve ever wanted to get started with electronics or with the Arduino, this book is for you.

What you’ll learn

• Basic electronics concepts
• How to program using the Arduino language and IDE
• How to use the Arduino to read input from simple devices such as buttons up to more complex devices such as accelerometers
• How to output data from the Arduino to send serial communications
• How to control LED and LCD displays as well as motors and servos

Who this book is for

Electronics enthusiasts who are new to the Arduino as well as artists and hobbyists who want to learn this very popular platform for physical computing and electronic art.