What is an Arduino? Lego technic turned up to 11! It’s physical computing allowing interaction with the environment. Can build anything from flashing lights to robots that can interact with the internet. The Arduino is extensible with plugin modules to add fucnctionality: ethernet, lcd displays etc. The Arduino is open source hardware and software: inexpensive and fun!

There are different flavours of Arduino, including the Lilypad, which is waterproof so can be sewn into clothing!

Sample projects include:

• Robots
• Cars with optical sensors
• Sound and light effect controllers
• A device that tweets whenever a plant needs watering / has just been watered(!)
• Bike “indicators” built into clothing
• Gas sensors that tweet when you fart [Ahem: enough of that! --ed]
• 1001 other ideas – limited only by your imagination.
• Central heating controller that can be set over the Internet.
• Greenhouse heater controller.

The Arduino comes with its own cross-platform IDE. There are two primary functions: one which initialises the Arduino (void setup()) and one that loops indefinitely (void loop()). Very simple to get going.

Example project demonstrated by Richard: temperature readings posted to a website. Website displays temperature readings as user refreshes the page. Also switches a fan on and off depending on temperature.

Learning Arduino:

• Arduino Website
• Ladyada.net
• Book: getting started with Arduino

Wii nunchuck uses a protocol that the Arduino can read. Plug it in and the Arduino can read the buttons and accelerometers etc. Plugged in the nunchuck via USB and could make an on-screen cube rotate and move according to the motions of the controller.

Questions:

How much does one cost? Arduino board itself costs about £25. Ethernet boards start at £13 but good ones cost £30.

How can projects be productised? Arduino is open source so can download board PCBs etc and embed into products.

How much power does it consume? Runs on +2-5V and consumes 0.3mA in active mode!

Richard’s presentation led to an Inspired Ideas submission: Arduino Club. Get the latest news and join up on shacknet.

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