Arduino

I am a recently retired engineer, counting myself as computer literate, across the likes of MS Office, GIS, CAD etc. with extensive coding and scripting experience in the latter two, as well as ‘turnkey’ development in BASIC. I’ve dabbled in a number of computer languages but not C (the basis of Arduino coding). With more time on my hands, I have been looking at the Arduino platform to facilitate mechanising some aspects of my erstwhile hobby - photography – specifically panning and tracking for video clips, both realtime and in timelapse. This book seemed to be the ideal first step and I was pleased to read in the Introduction that it seemed that the book was written for me! The author setting out roughly who his target reader is - those having a little computer knowledge but little hands-on electronics experience. The book is a black & white imprint (via Amazon); unfortunately, it is more a greyscale impression rather than B&W. Some of the illustrations lose their impact and clarity, with coloured wires etc. with detail in the diagrams merging. It is therefore useful and very commendable for the author to offer a free service of forwarding, via email, a PDF of his original text, with full colour images. Amazon offers the same but I couldn’t see how to achieve this “two in one service” via the Amazon app . The book is very well structured, with explanations for those with no electronic experience; the basic components explained and their applications outlined. Number systems e.g. binary are covered, including why and how computers, microcontrollers, etc. need to operate at the simplest level (off and on!) The book then approaches the Arduino platform, from its beginnings, to the various current ‘flavours’ of the hardware and related ‘bits and bobs’ and then on to the IDE (integrated development environment) i.e. the software within which Arduino programming (sketches) are formed and uploaded to and run on the hardware. Examples are given, explained and walked through, so that the reader develops a clear understanding of how things work and how their own projects may be approached. Advice on avoiding potential pitfalls will certainly be useful later. The book would seem to have been translated from the author’s native German. Conventions widely used in Europe are used (e.g. commas for decimal points and full stops for thousands dividers) and have not been converted for this edition, to those adopted by most English speaking nations. The choice of some words seems a little out of the ordinary but not to the point of confusing or misleading. A couple of times I spotted errors e.g. “A potentiometer, often called a potentiometer for short,”, which will likely get picked up in future editions, either of the printed version or the kindly supplied PDF. Not wishing to unduly criticise the author, I will offer him my thoughts with a marked up copy of his PDF for constructive observations on potential use of words, phrases, etc. that might make it more ‘natural’ for the English reader: plus point out the typos (very few) I have spotted. In summary, the book is well structured, with the various subjects explained in sufficient detail so that the subject is covered but not to put the reader off, or leaving them fealing like there was more to explain. Clearly, the Arduino platform is already used extensively and becoming more widely adopted by a whole host of developers for a whole host of reasons and projects. This book, of just over 100 pages, cannot do the subject full justice but it achieves what it sets out to achieve – a good grounding, providing enough knowledge and capability to develop one’s first project, with a whetting of the appetite to delve deeper into the subject. The cover of the book states that is aimed at those without prior knowledge and promises the creation of first project within a week – a goal which it easily achieves. I am extremely happy that I used this book as my guide, as a first foray into the world that is Arduino, and to be able to achieve what I set out to gain from using the platform. I have no doubt that other readers will think likewise. A truly useful text, that keeps one interested, captivated, and wanting to keep on coding. And besides, great value for money. Well done Benjamin !

Great book, had quick glance through it and the guides and explanations are excellent. If you're getting into arduino or wanting a new hobby, like myself, this book is a great starting point.

This book is really useful and informative. It also comes with a E book which is better as the images are clearer and easier to see. And also very useful pages for faults and common mistakes. I would really recommend this book for beginners and people with little knowledge.

Likes: simple enough for dummies. Dislikes: price could be lower.

Menny thanks

A bit disappointing. Was hoping for a reference list of basic commands. A few typos - but I cannot be sure, perhaps they are correct and I expect something different. Useful but could be better.

The book is much better presented, I would go for the Kindle version next time!

Really found this useful and informative, easy to read style and layout.

Ik heb 3 uitgaven van Benjamin Spahic, samen met de 3 gratis aan te vragen eBooks. Het zijn gemakkelijk leesbare interessante boeken.

This is the book to read first. It is a short book, just over 100 pages, but packed with knowledge you need to get started on Arduino. Arthur Benjamin Spahic wrote a very fine book: He cuts through the fluff and gives you what you need to begin the Arduino adventure. The first dozen pages cover the fundamentals of electrical engineering in a language one can understand. Next, comes a nice bit of detail on the make up of the Arduino family of devices and how to use them. There is a good rundown of programming basics, so you will know what all that code you type in means. Then comes information on how to download and install the IDE that lets you load the code into your Arduino. Included are 3 projects to hone your skills. The book ends with a great summary of beginner mistakes and how to prevent and correct them. When you get your book, be sure to look at the end of the book for information on obtaining a free PDF of the book (With Excellent color illustrations and photos) Plus the .INO files for the projects that you can quickly load without typing in all the coding by hand. The Arthur personally responds and actively encourages questions and feedback you may have. This is a very inexpensive but rich book that I recommend for beginners and experienced alike.

I had recently purchased 3 books from this series (Arduino, Python, and 3D Printing). I bought them because I plan to send kid to the STEM camp, and those are on the program description. So I thought having some background study wont hurt, for both kid and myself. All 3 books have the right amount of information for the beginner, the scope and the depth of the knowledge are just right, things are explained clearly yet concisely, easy to understand, and I enjoyed reading them. The author is friendly and sent me the free PDF eBooks quickly upon my request. For 3D printing book, the PDF has a much clearer color pictures of the screen captures of the control app UI, so don't be shy to ask for it (email is in the book). The author, Ben, is willing to answer questions raised from the reading, so that is plus.

OK as an intro, but quite basic and probably better using free internet docs and youtube tutorials. Having said that the book covers the basics for anyone with NO knowledge of electricity and computers and so in that respect it is a 5 star but as just an into to Ardiuno only 3 stars IMHO.

Nice work. IT should have included more practical experiments.