So, I’m thinking of running a introduction to Arduino programming workshop later this month. Something done over 3-4 hours on a weeknight or weekend.
Looking at (cheap-ish) kits out there, this one seems to fit the best: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13160 for around $62
I’ll put something on the wiki later on, but for now what I’m looking for is interest (or ideas for better kits) from the community.
Thoughts?
Good idea Stephen.
And the Sparkfun Inventor’s Kits do provide a nice selection of parts for a beginners’ workshop.
I’d probably base the workshop around the eight projects that come with that kit, but advise people of the option of purchasing the SIK Version 3.: http://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/products/sparkfun-inventors-kit-v3-2 which allows for an additional eight projects with the included parts (including an LCD and Relay). Just a thought.
I’d be happy to help set this up and be there on the day to help people get the IDE working etc.
I’d be interested in this.
Regards,
Darren
Having seen students doing projects, I wonder it a simple plate like this one
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11235
(if it fits the parts in the kit) will help keep a project when moved around.
Then again a suitable base can be manufactured…
Hi Stephen,
feel free to use any or all of the slide material on C programming I created last year. There are PDF copies on the MHV website. Originals were created using Apple Keynote, will provide privately if requested.
Cheers,
Steve
Eyal - I like that plate 
tronixstuff has some nice starter kits too. http://tronixlabs.com/starter-kit/
I particularly liked the DFR one http://tronixlabs.com/youngster/beginners-kit-for-arduino-v3-0/
and the Freetronix one http://tronixlabs.com/youngster/freetronics-exp-arduino-starter-kit/
Both have boards based on the Uno R3 - which I think is the best Arduino beginner board
We could come up with our own design (not much to it really, but could brand them MHV). If the quantity is within reason I’m happy to laser cut them.
Nice idea Derryn. There’s a nice simple design here. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:716
Just add a few nuts/bolts and some plastic feet.
Cool, I’ll have a play around with it tomorrow and see what I can come up with.
Thanks @Harvs!
We’ll likely need 10-15 of them. I let you know when I’ve settled on a particular Arduino so we can make sure it fits.
Here was take 1:
Mechanically very happy with it, but I went a bit over board with the engraving etc. Once I assembled it I realised you wont see any of it once the Arduino and BB are on it. Fail…
It consists of a bottom layer of 6mm MDF, and 3mm Clear Acrylic top layer. These are the clips I made to hold them together, and double as feet. There’s was quite a bit of pain in getting them right, as they needed to flex inwards and “upwards” so that you push the clip through and squeeze the bottom up for them to clip in. That way it clamps the two pieces together.
And here’s take two, a little simpler… Maybe a bit boring???
Very cool 
+1
It will not be boring when the two boards are installed and wired.
BTW, how will the uC attach to the three mounting points - I assume there will be nuts/screws below/above? The last image does not show it (or am I missing it?).
Attachment is just screws up through the bottom (which the heads recess into the MDF), then some sort of small standoff or nut, the board then nuts on top.
The Freetronics board in the last pic has got components right up to the edge of the mounting holes, so it’s sitting on the screws but doesn’t have nuts put on as these would damage the components. However I assume normal Arduino’s will be used which shouldn’t have a problem.
I’ll drop it off in the space tonight. Feel free to try it out, I just don’t have a standard Arduino.
Hi everyone, Will there any more Beginner’s Arduino Workshops in the future ?
Or maybe about some Beginner Raspberry Pi workshops ?
thanks.
I should probably run more Arduino workshops
I’m actually heading off overseas in 4 weeks and won’t be back until mid-July. So earliest I could run another workshop would be late August.