When I first started to learn microcontrollers, I found it really intriguing. Thought about the possibility of writing the code was so exciting for the electronics control! But what is a microcontroller?
At that time I had already started messing with the programming. And I am working with a microcontroller I saw that I can interact with the real world through the programming! Then I was really pleased and excited.
But despite the fact that I was delighted with the microcontroller, I began to use it until years later. The fact that it seemed then very difficult to use. Now I understand that if I spent a little time to learn about it, I would have quickly mastered.
Believe me, nothing difficult in it is not! There is just basic things about which see below.
What is a microcontroller?
Microcontroller - an electronic component, similar to the brain. He receives electrical signals and make decisions based on these signals. He then responds according to some algorithm, which you programmed, giving the output as electrical signals.
Incoming signals are received, e.g., from the sensors. The sensor may be a camera that takes a picture and converts the light into electrical signals. Similarly, as the eye does to the human brain. Or it may be a microphone that converts sound into electrical signals. As the human ear.
Output signals can be used to do something in the real world. As an example, the engine control or audio playback.
How to manage the micro-controller?
You can control the microcontroller, if write code for it and download it to perform. The code is written on any programming language, for example, such as C.
I remember that I found the C bit difficult when just starting out. But now a lot of books and online resources, learning that you can easily learn the programming language. Therefore, there is nothing to fear! In addition, many commands and strings of the same type code. It is only time to master them.
What you can use a microcontroller?
Yes, for anything!
The microcontroller is one of the most important components of many technologies that you will surely use in my life.
You can make robots. You can make games. You can make your own cell phone. You can connect your plants to the Internet. You can even make your own flaming pony like in the video below:
Cool after all! Yes?
When you are ready to start - the fastest and easiest way to start - is to buy the Arduino board. Arduino board is made on the basis of the microcontroller, and has been developed in order to non-technical people to easily create interactive devices.
And, of course, is to find a pair ready projects on the ArduinoFor example, here these and just repeat. You'll like it!