Beginner’s Guide to Arduino: Getting Started (Part 1)

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Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

(The article is a bit long, key points are highlighted)

Are you a complete beginner wanting to get started with Arduino but don’t know where to begin?
This article will guide you through the basics!
The article is divided into two parts, introducing you to:
– What is Arduino?
– How to choose an Arduino board?
– What software is needed for Arduino?
– Implementing a small function using Arduino

First, take a look at Massimo Banzi’s TED talk about Arduino.

Getting to Know Arduino
To understand Arduino, we first need to know what a microcontroller is. The Arduino platform is fundamentally based on the AVR instruction set microcontroller.
1. What is a microcontroller?
A working computer consists of several parts: Central Processing Unit (CPU) for computation and control, Random Access Memory (RAM) for data storage, Read-Only Memory (ROM) for program storage, and Input/Output devices (I/O) like serial ports and parallel output ports. In personal computers (PCs), these parts are divided into several chips installed on a printed circuit board called the motherboard. In a microcontroller, all these parts are integrated into a single integrated circuit chip, hence it is called a microcontroller, and some microcontrollers also integrate other components like Analog/Digital conversion (A/D) and Digital/Analog conversion (D/A).2. What is the use of a microcontroller?
As the saying goes, “Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut?” Not every situation requires high performance. Imagine a voice-controlled lamp using an Intel i7 processor; its cost-effectiveness would be off the charts. The key to application is whether it is sufficient and whether it has a good performance-to-price ratio, so microcontrollers fill this gap well.Now, what is Arduino?
Arduino is a convenient, flexible, and easy-to-use open-source electronic prototyping platform that includes hardware (various models of Arduino boards) and software (Arduino IDE). It is suitable for artists, designers, enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to tinker.Its characteristic is its simple shape, allowing interaction with people, and even a ten-year-old child can use it to create what they want.Arduino can sense the environment through various sensors and can control lights, motors, and other devices to respond to and affect the environment. The microcontroller on the board can be programmed using Arduino’s programming language, compiled into a binary file, and uploaded to the microcontroller. Projects based on Arduino can consist solely of Arduino or can include Arduino and other software running on a PC, communicating with each other (such as Flash, Processing, MaxMSP) to achieve functionality.
If you find the above too difficult to understand, just remember the following three points:
1. Arduino is a microcontroller
Arduino is the “brain” of your tinkering project, or at least a loyal and efficient “civil servant” that processes “input” and “output” commands. “Input” refers to sensors (like light sensors, temperature and humidity sensors, gyroscopes, etc.) and human-machine interaction (buttons, switches, knobs); “Output” refers to any electronic components that you want to control, such as lights, displays, motors, and servos. As a “civil servant” that integrates all the essential parts (processor, memory, input/output pins) onto a single chip, Arduino acts according to your original “instructions” (the uploaded program) based on the “input data” (data from the input side) to “act accordingly” (control the output devices).
2. Arduino is open-source
Open-source means high flexibility and playability. We don’t need to ask anyone for permission to create many great things. Anyone can download design files from the internet and create or modify them for learning, including downloading various files and teaching resources.
Software is open-source and extensible – Arduino software is open-source, and experienced programmers can extend it. For example, our company’s Mind+ is based on the Arduino IDE environment.
Hardware is open-source and extensible – Arduino boards are based on Atmel microcontrollers and Creative Commons licensing, so electronic engineers can design their modules according to their needs, extending or improving them. Even users with relatively little experience can understand how Arduino works by creating experimental boards, saving money and effort.
3. Arduino is affordable
An original imported Uno costs less than 200 yuan, which can be saved by skipping two meals! Moreover, due to its open-source design, you can now purchase some affordable and high-quality domestic Arduino boards and accessories, such as those from DFRobot.
Well, you may have already watched Banzi’s TED talk, searched for Arduino on Baidu, and are looking for Arduino-related books on Dangdang, and have a pile of Arduino beginner videos in your favorites, with some great plans in mind. What’s next? Let’s get started.
Choosing Arduino
Unfortunately, there are too many Arduino boards available on the market. Ignoring the original factory’s dozens, there are thousands of various Arduinos on Taobao, which is just brutal for beginners. Choosing the right Arduino for your project is half the success, so let’s take a look at the most common Arduino boards and how to distinguish them.
Beginner's Guide to Arduino: Getting Started (Part 1)
Arduino Mega
To distinguish so many boards and choose the right Arduino, mainly look at the following three aspects:Performance、Features and Size。
First, look at performance.That is processor memory, clock frequency, and bit width. The hardware processing capability usually entirely depends on the chip of the board, and the chip also limits the software that can run.
Secondly, look at features.Including everything on the board except the microprocessor, such as input/output pins, integrated components (buttons, LEDs, motor drivers, etc.) and the types and numbers of available interfaces (USB, Ethernet, etc.).
Finally, look at size.Due to different project requirements, the volume and weight allocated for electronic components can vary greatly. For example, to make a tracker for a dog, if you use a Mega with a battery box and expansion board, it would at least be 10*5*5cm in size and weigh 200g. Is that a tracker or a sandbag? This is why there are so many siblings of Arduino.
Having said so much, let’s take a look at some mainstream Arduinos.
Arduino Uno
Processor: ATmega328 (8-bit CPU, 16MHz clock frequency, 2KB SRAM, 32KB flash memory)
Features: 14 digital I/O ports, 6 analog input ports, replaceable processor design
Size: 75 x 55mm
Price: $30
Beginner's Guide to Arduino: Getting Started (Part 1)
Arduino Uno
Meaning “first” in Latin, Uno is perhaps the most popular member of the Arduino family. After three generations, Uno has become the most suitable Arduino platform for beginners. The compatibility of Arduino Uno with other expansion boards is the best in the Arduino family, and its replaceable processor design is also a thoughtful feature: Mom no longer needs to worry about me burning the board!
The main drawback of Uno is that the static memory (SRAM) or flash memory of the ATmega328 chip it uses is not large enough. If your project requires displaying preloaded images or sounds, 2KB might not be sufficient!
Arduino Leonardo
Processor: ATmega32u4 (8-bit CPU, 16MHz clock frequency, 2.5KB SRAM, 32KB flash memory)
Features: 20 digital I/O ports, 12 of which can be used as analog ports, native USB support
Size: 75 x 55mm
Price: $25
Beginner's Guide to Arduino: Getting Started (Part 1)
Arduino Leonardo
Leonardo can be considered a minor upgrade of Uno. Although it looks similar, the ATmega32u4 chip integrated into Leonardo has 0.5KB more static memory than that on Uno. You might ask, what does an extra 0.5KB matter? The Atmega32u4 chip on Leonardo can natively support USB and can simulate a mouse and keyboard, greatly enhancing its application scenarios, and it also has more analog ports than Uno.
More importantly, Leonardo is cheaper than Uno! However, before you rush to hit the “Buy Now” button, you might want to know that based on user feedback, it is currently not as stable as Uno and has some minor bugs that need fixing. Therefore, if you have been using Arduino for a while and are familiar with it, choosing Leonardo can be cost-effective; if you are a beginner, it’s better to stick with the more stable Arduino Uno.
Arduino Due
Processor: Atmel SAM3X8E ARM Cortex-M3 (32-bit CPU, 84MHz clock frequency, 96KB SRAM, 512KB flash memory)
Features: 54 digital I/O ports, 12 analog input ports, 2 analog output ports, native USB support
Size: 100 x 55mm
Price: $50
Beginner's Guide to Arduino: Getting Started (Part 1)
Arduino Due
If Uno is the backbone of the Arduino family, then Due is definitely a rising star. The onboard 32-bit ARM processor has computing power that can be considered extraordinary, and thus, Due was born to meet the needs for more complex computations or more input/output ports. Due’s powerful computing ability means it is larger than Uno, so before purchasing, consider whether your project requires such strong computing power and whether you have enough space for it.
No one is perfect, and neither is a board. Due has a hard flaw: its 3.3V operating voltage means it is different from most of its companions, which results in the fact that many expansion boards and components that are compatible with many companions may not be compatible with Due. If a component attempts to send a 5V signal to Due’s input/output ports, it may damage it! Therefore, if your project requires a powerful board with a 5V operating voltage, it is better to choose Arduino Mega 2560, even though its performance is slightly inferior to Due.
Arduino Micro
Processor: ATmega32u4 (8-bit CPU, 16MHz clock frequency, 2.5KB SRAM, 32KB flash memory)
Features: 20 digital I/O ports, 12 of which can be used as analog ports, native USB support
Size: 50 x 18 mm
Price: $27
Beginner's Guide to Arduino: Getting Started (Part 1)
Arduino Micro
For small projects like wearable devices, size is a crucial factor that can limit creativity. Arduino Micro is a control board that integrates all the functions of Leonardo into a gum-sized area, still retaining up to 20 digital input/output ports and native USB features. Although Micro’s size makes it unable to pair with other expansion boards, it is very convenient for quickly prototyping with a breadboard.
LilyPad Arduino
Processor: ATmega328 (8-bit CPU, 16MHz clock frequency, 2KB SRAM, 32KB flash memory)
Features: 14 digital I/O ports, 6 analog input ports
Size: 50mm diameter circular
Price: $22
Beginner's Guide to Arduino: Getting Started (Part 1)
LilyPad
LilyPad is a control board designed specifically for wearable and textile projects. Its round PCB and minimal pin design make it easy to sew onto clothing, allowing the clothes to emit colorful lights through connections!
The hardware design of LilyPad is basically the same as that of Uno, with many different styles, such as LilyPad Arduino Simple Snap, embedded with a rechargeable lithium battery and a spring connector, making it easy to snap onto SimpleSnap Protoboard or other textiles, so you can easily remove the board when you want to wash your textile.
Arduino Esplora
Processor: ATmega32u4 (8-bit CPU, 16MHz clock frequency, 2.5KB SRAM, 32KB flash memory)
Features: Rich input/output hardware environment
Size: 165 x 61 mm oval
Price: $60
Beginner's Guide to Arduino: Getting Started (Part 1)
Arduino Esplora
Arduino Esplora is an integrated control board based on Leonardo, containing a series of directly soldered input/output hardware. On the input side, it has a joystick, four buttons, a slide potentiometer, a microphone, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, and a three-axis accelerometer. As for the output side, it has a buzzer, RGB full-color light, and a connector for connecting an LCD screen.
At first glance, doesn’t it look like a game controller? Esplora is a programmable “controller”. Although it doesn’t have standard digital and analog pins and cannot connect other hardware via jumpers, its simplicity and powerful playability make it a worthy creation.
Arduino Yun
Processor: ATmega32u4 (8-bit CPU, 16MHz clock frequency, 2.5KB SRAM, 32KB flash memory), chip integrates Atheros AR9331 router
Features: Supports wireless Linux system, Wi-Fi enabled Linux based system on a chip, 14 digital ports, 12 of which can be used as analog ports, native USB support
Size: 70 x 50mm
Price: $65
Beginner's Guide to Arduino: Getting Started (Part 1)
Arduino Yun
Arduino Yun is named after the Chinese word “cloud”, symbolizing Arduino’s attempt to enter the field of IoT and cloud control. The birth of Yun is to make it easier for users to connect Arduino to cloud services because traditional low-bandwidth, low-storage capacity controllers struggle with detailed communication protocols. Yun integrates a separate Linux-based system on the chip, specifically designed to handle all network-related tasks without affecting the normal functioning of other features.
Arduino Robot
Processor: 2 ATmega32u4 (8-bit CPU, 16MHz clock frequency, 2.5KB static storage, 32KB flash memory)
Features: 2 wheels, 8 analog input ports, 6 digital I/O ports, LCD display
Specifications: Two 190mm diameter circular circuit boards
Price: $275
Beginner's Guide to Arduino: Getting Started (Part 1)
Arduino Robot
As a member of Arduino’s “diverse” product line, Arduino Robot is the most significant. It is both an Arduino board and a robot platform. In fact, it contains two circuit boards: one for processing and one for motor control, both integrated with the ATmega32u4 chip from Leonardo, along with two wheels, batteries, and infrared sensors. The top circuit board integrates an LCD display, 4 buttons, a speaker, a compass, and some LED lights.
As a crossover product between control board and robot platform, Arduino Robot retains more presets than other Arduino main control boards. If you want to DIY a robot platform but lack the basics, then Arduino Robot is an excellent choice. Otherwise, you can buy a wheel, two motors, an Uno or Leonardo, and a motor driver board, and achieve similar results.
There are many more Arduino boards, and interested students can check out the second article published today – “The Most Comprehensive Selection Guide, Not Just Arduino”
Beginners are generally advised to choose Arduino Uno, and the next article will use Uno as an example to briefly introduce the use of Arduino IDE.

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