Arduino



Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments. An operational Arduino consists of both hardware and software.
 * Arduino**

The Arduino hardware is an open source, microcontroller circuit board. A microcontroller is a very basic and simple computer with a microprocessor (or brain) smaller and less capable than the ones found in today's laptops. The original model was developed and built in Italy, but cheaper knockoffs can be bought from China for about half the price on websites such as Ebay. The various models of Arduino have been used for years by people to operate small robots, control lights, etc. Most of the official Arduino boards are manufactured by SmartProjects in Italy. The Arduino Pro, Pro Mini, and LilyPad are manufactured by SparkFun Electronics (a US company). The Arduino Nano is manufactured by Gravitech (also a US company). A portion of the price of genuine Arduinos is used to fund further research and development of Arduino related projects Many RepRap printers use the ArduinoMega 2560 board, because it can handle more stepper motors than most of their other models. If the Mega is used, it requires another board be attached that contains the motor controllers. Most builders buy or construct a board known as a RAMPS (__R__eprap __A__rduino __M__ega __P__ololu __S__heild). A shield is the term used for an auxiliary board attached to an Arduino and the Pololu refers to the the company that designed the small motor controllers that plug into the RAMPS. A genuine Arduino Mega 2560, built and tested by the developers in Italy, typically retails for about $60. You may find them discounted to about $50. Ebay lists hundreds of Arduino Mega 2560 boards from $25 - $40, but understand these are actually Arduino "compatible" boards, that is, they are inexpensive knock-offs that have been designed to look like the originals - some right down to the protected Arduino logo. They may be more than adequate, just understand what you are purchasing. There are a number of Arduino Mega compatibles that should work in this project. In addition to those specifically designed to look like the real Arduinos from Italy there are a variety of inexpensive Chinese clones at about half the price of the Italian original. Most of these compatibles are shipped directly from China and will take at least two weeks in transit. You can even build your own Arduino controller board, as empty printed circuit boards are widely available. Sourcing all of the numerous parts may not be an option for most builders. Consider this only if you are a hardcore "builder".
 * Arduino Hardware**

The Arduino software is used to communicate and operate the Arduino hardware and attached shields(auxillary boards). You can download the Arduino software from the link below. The software runs on various versions of Microsoft's Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. The current version during our build is v1.0. []
 * Arduino Software**

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