Introduction to Arduino with Kingston Fashion Design
Daniel Hirschmann
19/04/2010

Introduction

Physical Computing is an approach to design and making that positions the human at the center of the interaction. By focusing the learning on introductory electronics, sensors, and the Arduino platform, we will create an awareness of the tools available to design and make within this genre.

Considering this class is intended for fashion designers, I intend to demonstrate most aspects of this workshop with the LilyPad Arduino. In this class we're expecting to cover the following:

  • Installing the Arduino IDE: Download it from here.
  • PLEASE go through these instructions for connecting your Arduino for the first time to a MAC and for PC.
  • For those using the LilyPad Arduino, please look at Leah Buechley's (LilyPad's mom!) site for setup instructions.
  • Basics of electronics (please look at Tom Igoe's introduction page)
  • Basics of circuit schematics - reading and writing. (this site is helpful )
  • Look through this excellent presentation about the LilyPad Arduino and making fabric switches by Marrije Schaake
  • Introduction to the Arduino   and  (arduino tutorial on sketches). ( code )
  • Make 1 LED Blink.
  • Introduction to Serial. Please read Lady Ada's outstanding tutorial on Serial Communication
  • How to use a breadboard. ( Arduino lesson on LEDs in Breadboards )
  • What is Pulse Width Modulation ( PWM )
  • How to read a potentiometer (potentiometer

  • Notes

    Resources: Arduino components

  • Oomlout - for all the basic arduino prototyping components
  • Cool Components - for Arduino prototyping and advanced components (they have lilpads)
  • SKPang - for Arduino prototyping and more advance components (they have lilypads)
  • Robotiq - Some Arduino components and robotic sensors / motors
  • Sparkfun - One of the originals stores! For all sorts of components. Based in the US
  • Ada Fruit Industries - for all sorts of components and great tutorials. Based in the US
  • Acroname - Good for robotics and sensors
  • Resources: Electronic Components

  • Maplins - there are many stores around the UK. Their website isnt too bad either.
  • Farnell - Massive electronic components and tools distributors
  • RS Components - Massive electronic components and tools distributors
  • Rapid - Massive electronic components and tools distributors
  • Resources: Basic Tools

  • Larger bread board - Good for extending the size of a prototype before soldering.
  • Wire Strippers - Very helpful to quickly make wires bread board friendly.
  • Multimeter - One of the most important debugging tools you will ever have!
  • art  |  projects  |  contact   | thanks to Tom Igoe, and ITP for the incredible resources