As you might know, there are some forum members heavily involved in building their own hardware for sensors and/or controllers.
And all this is done based on Arduino or compatible boards (like RBBBs or JeeNodes).
Be warned: once you've started using your first Arduino-based piece of hardware, there's no way back; it's highly addictive!
This is the reason why we decided to see if organizing a Arduino Workshop is viable for the near future.
We have some goals we want to achieve with this workshop and some thoughts about the contents of this workshop, but there are also some things you have to consider before you decide to let us know you're interested.
What are our goals?
That after the workshop you will have:
- Learned more about the Arduino (& compatibles) platform;
- Built (soldered) your own first JeeNode;
- Connected sensors and/or actors to it and created your own software for the I/O interfacing;
- Finished your first self made and working Arduino project!
Of course this workshop will particularly focus on Domotica, since that's what we're all here for, right?
A starter kit will be made available with all the hardware needed during this day; second, a basic Homeseer Plugin will be provided (including source) to guarantee the necessary connection with Homeseer.
But hold on, before you get all excited and eager to dive into this Arduino-world: there are a few things however, you'll have to consider.
Programming
If you've never ever programmed before, this workshop can be a tough one; maybe too tough to finish succesfully.
So you'll have to have some programming experience; not specifically in the Arduino programming language (which is C/C++ based), but you have to be familiar which some basic programming techniques; if you've used other languages like VB, Pascal, Perl, Python or any other that's fine; you'll learn the Arduino language on the job
Soldering
You'll have to solder your own board during the workshop and use it that same day!
Can this be a show-stopper? We think not; soldering actually isn't that hard as you might think; it's a matter of taking the first step and just do it.
You managed to ride a bike too once, didn't you? Never stop learning!
This workshop might be a good opportunity to take that first step in soldering...
And we'll be around to lend you that extra hand, if needed!
For additional information some Q&A:
Who will organize this workshop?
Lennart Herlaar (lennart) and Robert Hekkers (Digit).
I want to know more about this Arduino platform; do you have some links?
Look here: http://www.arduino.cc
When will this workshop take place?
Somewhere in the last quarter of this year.
Where will this workshop take place?
Preferably somewhere central in the Netherlands.
We're open to suggestions, tips or ideas for a suitable location; please let us know if you know a good (free) place!
What's the duration?
The whole day, we'll have a lot to do!
Is there a minimum to the number of attendees?
Yes, 15.
How about the costs?
We don't know; too many variables are still unknown.
Once we get a clearer picture, we'll let you know.
Since there will be a starter kit included in the price, it may be a bit higher than you're used to, although the kit price will be based on streetprices (hopefully even a bit lower!) and we will not charge you with a personal fee of course.
So the price will be purely based on real costs; no trip to the Bahamas for us afterward
What do i do to let you guys know i'm interested?
Reply to this topic!
I have a really good idea!
Great; create a new topic in this forum so we can discuss it.
