Is this a good deal?

[blaze15301]

like the title says is this worth the money? i have never bought anything like this before so im asking you guys for your opinions.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Arduino-DIY-Starter-Kit-Duemilanove-ATmega-328-LCD-1602-/150529598296?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230c436358

[SXRguyinMA]

Get it, that's a steal. The Arduino usually goes for ~$30 by itself, all the extras are a bonus :D

Looking at the Arduino in the pictures though, it's not a genuine one, but that shouldn't matter at all. The one I have is a Chinese knock-off, but it's all open-source and under CCL, so anyone can make it. I've never had any issues at all with mine, so I'd say get it.

Also, I recommend going to sparkfun or someone and getting an extra ATMega or two, as it doesn't take more than one wrong hookup to fry it (trust me, I've got 3 or 4 burnt ones already).

[blaze15301]

Get it, that's a steal. The Arduino usually goes for ~$30 by itself, all the extras are a bonus :D

Looking at the Arduino in the pictures though, it's not a genuine one, but that shouldn't matter at all. The one I have is a Chinese knock-off, but it's all open-source and under CCL, so anyone can make it. I've never had any issues at all with mine, so I'd say get it.

Also, I recommend going to sparkfun or someone and getting an extra ATMega or two, as it doesn't take more than one wrong hookup to fry it (trust me, I've got 3 or 4 burnt ones already).

thank you for the fast response. this will be my first board. so i wanted to make sure i wasn't going to waste money on something crappy.

[SXRguyinMA]

nah, go for it. I got my Arduino clone on eBay as well, but just the board without all the goodies, and I paid like $12, and it's still going strong and I use the crap out of it :D

[blaze15301]

its a Chinese knock off definitely. its coming directly out of china.

[x88x]

Well, it's about half the price of a similar kit off adafruit with the new Uno, so I'd say it's a good price. And for the reasons SXR mentioned, I wouldn't worry about it being a Chinese knock-off. Worst case, some caps blow or something and you spend a dollar or two fixing it. :P

[blaze15301]

i just bought it. it will be here march 11-28 lol. so that gives me a few weeks - a month to get the coding down and to figure out some fun things with it. any suggestions?

[SXRguyinMA]

do the basics, also if you want I'll send you my "Getting started with Arduino (http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=9780596155513)" book. It's helpful to learn the basics. I bought it when I bought my Arduino, but I haven't used it lately. if you want it pm me your address

[Oneslowz28]

Woot another arduinophile

[blaze15301]

Also, I recommend going to sparkfun or someone and getting an extra ATMega or two, as it doesn't take more than one wrong hookup to fry it (trust me, I've got 3 or 4 burnt ones already).

can someone link me to some where i can get the chip hes talking about please. i searched spark fun but i cant find them.

[SXRguyinMA]

here you go :D

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9217

[blaze15301]

here you go :D

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9217

thank you so much.

[Oneslowz28]

You want to search for "Atmega 328" http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9217

[Oneslowz28]

One thing to remember when ordering one, make sure it has the arduino bootloader already on it. Otherwise you will need a AVR programmer to flash the bootloader on.

If anyone needs their 8, 128, 328 or any Atmega flashed that will work with a UASB ASP programmer , I can do it for you.

[blaze15301]

thanks cj. that is some very useful information. what code language is used for these?

[Oneslowz28]

Well for the arduino, the arduino language is used. download the Arduino IDE from http://arduino.cc/ and take a look at some of the sample codes. Also take a look at SXR's and My codes in our post. We can help you understand what parts of it mean. Also check out this page http://arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/HomePage and take SXR up on that book offer.

If you meant the bootloader, I believe it is coded in either C or Processing.

[blaze15301]

i already took him up on the offer. i have looked over you guyes codes especially your water temp monitor code. i thought it was C so i figured id ask. thanks for being so helpfull everyone.

[crenn]

There is no 'arduino' language >.<
It's C/C++ with a library of functions to make using the microcontroller (ATMEGA328P) easy. The bootloader is most likely going to be programmed in C.

If you have problems, don't be afraid to post either here or even the Arduino forums, you'll find friendly people willing to help you. And don't worry, I don't bite.

[SXRguyinMA]

...And don't worry, I don't bite.

often :whistler: :facepalm:

[crenn]

I should bite you for that.

[AmEv]

vvvvv
^^^^
\____/