I am extremely interested in getting started with making robots, but I don't have much of an electronics background other than hooking up gaming systems, tv's, and other misc household items. I've been reading the Start robot tutorial over and over, looking up PICAXE and Arduino info, and trying to find out what I'll need to know to build a successful robot. I know the tutorial is very step-by-step, but I just don't want to drop ~85 dollars and brickwall because I'm unsure of what component does what, goes where, or if it is even the right thing. Some thread in this section posted a link to this site - http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Electronics/Component_Identification
which I've read a couple times so far, but I'm convinced there must be more I should know. Is there anywhere else that gives an overview of just basic, common (or maybe slightly more than basic) aspects of electronics I should be familiar with to not go crazy when I start building the Start robot? Also, is it necessary to have a "soldering iron/gun" to solder things? Would I be able to get by without one while I build my first couple of robots? I'd like the first couple of projects to just learn the basics, then start experimenting and getting more efficient.
If you want to build up some capabilities using electronics, I’d suggest buying a breadboard and solid core hookup wire for prototyping. Then you can buy some basic stuff like LEDs, resistors, capacitors, and transistors and learn by experimenting. This is pretty inexpensive and no soldering required. Once you are comfortable with these basic components, you might consider adding an integrated circuit (ICs) like the 555 timer.
There are lots of simple circuit designs you can find on the web. You can have fun with LEDs and speakers making flashers and buzzers. Build up some confidence and then come back to the start here robot when you are ready.
Breadboards, resistors, capacitors, transistors, basic ICs and wire are all available at RadioShack. You might find them cheaper elsewhere.
When I decided to commit to electronics and robotics as a hobby, I put together a list and bought a large variety of components online in one order, since shipping for lots of small orders can be a killer.
Well I was thinking I could Well I was thinking I could go get all the starting items (breadboard, capacitors, wire, and the other items) locally. Then once I play around with those some I can just order the PICAXE 28X1 starter pack + other items online to get started on the Start robot.
I started out with the Radio Shack Electronics Learning lab, comes with 2 books with examples and all the components needed to get started with general electronics. Not microcontrollers in particular, but will get you familiarized with using resistors, capacitors, relays, leds, switches… potentiometers… etc, it’s also got some ICs to get you started to build some functions, such as a simple encryption system.
It’s actually on sale right now… good deal, I paid $85 after tax for it. (got some batteries too, need some AA’s)
