I am a tech at a school with a programming background with zero knowledge on the electronics side. I would really like to start learning the hardware side. I want to get kids excited about science and engineering and almost every kid drools over programming and robotics. The current target project is to use Unity3d with a Kinect to send commands to an external hardware device such as a robotic arm or a RC car.
Though the software side isn’t a problem, the hardware side is. Though I have spent a few days looking up what I think I may need as a good start for me to learn (Arduino beginners Kit), I would prefer suggestions from pros such as yourself for guidance with the target project at hand instead of me blindly purchasing books and materials. I’m also in a very rural location (3-4 hours from a K-Mart, Radio Shack or College) so taking an electronics class isn’t an option at this time.
To confirm, your objective is to purchase one kit so you can learn more about electronics and mechanics? What would your budget be, and what are your preferences for the type of kit (parts, something mobile, a construction kit etc)? There is no one absolute best kit we can suggest to everyone - it’s really up to you based on your wants and needs (which we’ll try to help you pinpoint here).
VEX IQ Super Kit (RB-Inn-331) robotshop.com/en/vex-iq-super-kit.html
This is reusable, and students can make many different kinds of robots.
The main controller may be a bit low level for your needs
LEGO Mindstorms (RB-Leg-06) robotshop.com/en/lego-mindstorms-ev3-us-version.html
This is also reusable, and students can make many different kinds of robots.
The main controller may be a bit low level for your needs.
There are sensors and parts from other companies which greatly adds to the versatility (GPS and more)
Wheeled & Tracked
There are many possible wheeled and tracked kits, so if you want to go in this direction, we would need to know some additional details such as size, payload, features etc.
