unstdio.org

unstdio.org is going to be sponsoring a small hardware/electronics workshop. Here is some detailed information on the event:

FAQ

What is it?

This event is open to anyone who would like to come and learn a little bit about getting started building and programming micro-controllers. If you don’t know what a MCU is click here. Basically, you will be provided a kit to build a development board. You will need to solder the parts on the board and then you can program to it to do cool things like blink some LEDs, control servo motors, display output on LCDs, and tons more.

Where is it?

It will be in Kalamazoo, MI at the Computer Club of WMU. They have agreed to put up their space for the event. It will be in 2244 Kohrman Hall on the WMU campus.

I am flying back from Seattle to visit some people and thought it wold be cool to hold a small event for anyone who wants to learn or build a cool hardware project.

When is it?

It will be held on Nov. 23 6pm.

How much does this cost?

It’s FREE! I will be putting together kits and giving them away at the event. The goal is to get people interested in doing some hardware based projects. Since this is coming out of my pocket, there will be a donation jar if you feel like throwing a couple bucks in. It’s by no means required and the point is to get people to come out learn something new.

Tell me about the kits. What are they and what do they do?

I have found the best intro development platform to be the Arduino platform. To find out more about the Arduino stuff check it out here, or google “arduino” and there is a ton of information about it. That being said, I have tried to find something that is compatible with the Arduino platform but is super cheap. The kit I will provide for people to build will be the Metaboard. The Metaboard is a development board that is (mostly) compatible with the Arduino platform. There are a few tweaks that we will have to make to get it to work with the Arduino IDE but it will be relatively easy. I will also provide the Atmel ATmega168 chip with the kit. The ATmega328 chip is twice as good, I know, but they are a bit hard to find at the moment. I could also get the 168′s less than half the price and since this is an intro kit, it’s just to get you started. You can easily upgrade later or buy a fully assembled board with a better MCU.

Why not just get a Duemilanove?

The Arduino Duemilanove is a great board although 1. They are a bit to expensive for me to provide for free and 2. They are lot harder to put together (surface mount components). If you are interested in getting into this more I would suggest buying one. You can find them here or on ebay. Adafruit is a cool company so if you have the extra couple bucks buy it from them and support the open source hardware community.

How many kits are you providing?

I’m giving away 10 free kits. If for some reason this event gets more interest than I anticipate I will have other Arduino boards (not giving away) that you can play with. If you would to make sure you get a kit, post up at the bottom with your email address and I will try to make sure you get one. You can also ask someone else if you can build the kit with them.

Note: I might have a couple Duemilanove Kits (assembled w/ ATmega328) for sale. ($25 each) Don’t count on these since I’m not sure I’ll have them

What’s the structure of the event?

It will be broken into two parts.

1. Building the kit. Making sure all the parts are soldered in correctly and the board is functional
2. Programming the kit. This is the fun part. You can write whatever software you want for board and make it do cool stuff

I will try to bring some some external parts so that you can do some cool projects. I will also make a couple sample demos for everyone to walk through.

Well, I’m not really a programmer and I don’t know anything about electronics, should I still come?

Of course! This is geared towards beginners. The programming language is Wiring (based on C++ with some simplifications and modifications) and is really easy to pick up. If you have problems there will be a couple good people there that can help you work it out any problems.

What should I bring?

There are few things you will need to bring:

1. A laptop with a USB port (w/ Arduino IDE)
2. A USB cable A/B (Most common printer USB cable)
   (cables will be included in the kit via drc’s donation)

Optional items:

1. Any electronics parts you have laying around (speaker/buzzers, LEDs, buttons, etc.)
2. Wire (22 gauge works best)
3. breadboard if you have one
4. wire cutters or strippers
5. Soldering Iron / Solder

I will try to get some of this stuff together but it might be limited.