Arduino etc

K

Kitt3h

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Hi guys!

So I want to start experimenting with micro controllers and such. I am however on a very limited budget of R400, excluding delivery costs. I'd just like some honest opinions. Should I go for the Arduino, Netduino, Radpberry Pi, or what? There doesn't seem to be a direct comparison between these on the internet. Before you ask, yes, I do know some programming. I want to be a computer engineer one day, so I thought I might as well make a start on that. Also I find this type of tech fascinating. So, any ideas on what to buy, where to buy, and a rough idea of cost? I just want to start with some basic projects, nothing specific. Any help would be appreciated!
 
Sounds like your budget is just a little to low to really get started. That said, I'd go with an Arduino over a Pi, since the Pi is more expensive, and less capable (no analogue inputs, etc). Check places like Netram for starter kits.
 
In broad terms:

  • The Pi was designed as a low-cost computer that could be used to learn how to program.
  • The Arduino was designed as a low-cost method for putting together electrical circuits (bread-boarding).
  • The Netduino (sp?) is an Arduino that runs on .Net (for the C# guys). With your budget you can safely ignore this.
That said, all can be used for either purpose, though possibly with limitations.

Your budget is definitely too low: you will probably require closer to R1000. And then there is the need for a monitor etc.

Have you checked Gumtree for the availability of a second-hand unit ?
 
If you are willing to wait a while, you can get an Arduino from ebay, some really cheap 'imitations' on there from Hong Kong. They work perfectly fine - I have several of them. You can usually pick them up for around the R150 - R180 mark. Very easy to program and there are loads of resources on the web - I think much more than for the PI. Use the rest of the money to pick up a breadboard, some jumper wires, basic components and maybe some sensors (there are loads on ebay for as little as $1).
 
Like sugested above you can get cheaper ones from china or ebay you also have the choice of building a smaller version but you will then need a usb to serial ftdi convertor to program the ATMEGA chip. I got 2 ATMEGE328 chips for R60 some proto board and a few caps and resistors and a ftdi "programmer" was R180 so all in all it was under your budget. But you then need some soldering skills and there are a few things you would need to know before atempting to go this route.
 
Can you please recommend ebay supplier that you used?
Just to make it easier a bit to find reputable one.
Thanks!
heartbroken said:
If you are willing to wait a while, you can get an Arduino from ebay, some really cheap 'imitations' on there from Hong Kong. They work perfectly fine - I have several of them. You can usually pick them up for around the R150 - R180 mark. Very easy to program and there are loads of resources on the web - I think much more than for the PI. Use the rest of the money to pick up a breadboard, some jumper wires, basic components and maybe some sensors (there are loads on ebay for as little as $1).
Click to expand...
 
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