Daily DIY

The Arduino open-source microcontroller platform can be programmed and equipped to perform a nearly endless list of functions. It's likely the best all-around centerpiece to a modern electronics project. But one of the tasks Arduino is best used for is straight-up fun - the open design means there's an Arduino board suitable for almost any project, and a wealth of add-on "shields" extends its abilities with ease.

Starter kits

Arduino Starter Kit - The best way to get going with the very capable microcontroller platform, the starter kit sets you up with a bunch of basic parts necessary for tinkering plus a wealth of knowledge in the included 400+ pages of Making Things Talk, by Arduino developer Tom Igoe. Features -

• 1x Arduino Diecimila
  
• 1x Mini Breadboard
  
• 1x 3 ft. USB Cable
  
• 10x 1K Resistors
  
• 2x 10k Resistors
  
• 3x Red LEDs
  
• 2x Green LEDs
  
• 1X Superbright Blue LED
  
• 1x Momentary Tactile Switch
  
• 2x Interlink Force Sensing Resistors
  
• 1x Protoshield Kit (unassembled)
  
• Making Things Talk by Tom Igoe
  
• 24" each of Red, Blue & Black AWG jumper wire
  
• 9V Battery Case w/DC Plug (some assembly required)
  
• Yes, even a 9V battery

Arduino Starter Pack - A different take on the Arduino survival kit, this pack from Adafruit includes potentiometers, a DC wall adapter, and a nice selection of LEDs -

• Arduino Duemilanove - including 4 rubber feet
  
• 3' USB cable
  
• Protoshield Kit
  
• Tiny Breadboard
  
• 9V DC regulated wall adapter
  
• 9V Battery case with switch and a 2.1mm plug
  
• 10K potentiometer, 1K potentiometer
  
• 2 small pushbuttons
  
• 5 red diffused bright LEDs, plus one each of red, green and blue ultra-bright LED
  
• 5 100 ohm resistors, 5 1K resistors, 5 10K resistors
  
• CdS photocell sensor
  
• 4 pieces of 18" long jumper wire in red, black, yellow and blue