In this video I explain why I chose the Arduino open source electronics development / prototyping platform. I also show what parts / components are included in the Netram Technologies starter kit I received.(http://www.netram.co.za/Electronics/K…)

Handy websites:
http://www.toddfun.com/
http://www.arduino.cc/
http://tronixstuff.wordpress.com/
http://www.timnolan.com
http://www.timnolan.com/index.php?pag…
Dave Jone EEVBlog: http://www.eevblog.com/

Parts List:
1 1x Arduino UNO R3
* ATmega328 microcontroller
* Input voltage – 7-12V
* 14 Digital I/O Pins (6 PWM outputs)
* 6 Analog Inputs
* 32k Flash Memory
* 16Mhz Clock Speed
2 1x Breadboard 840 Point White
3 1NPA-AS3 Relay (3V , 3A)
4 6x 5mm Colour LED’s
5 1x NPN transistor (P2N2222A)
6 1x Triple Output RGB LED
7 5x 5mm Microswitches
8 1x Jumper Wire Kit
9 1x LDR (Photocell
10 1x Temperature Sensor (LM35)
11 2x High Bright LED (White)
12 1x Small Servo Motor
13 1x Potentiometer
14 2x Resistor Packs (220, 10k)
15 1x USB Cable
16 1x Zener Diode (1N5225)
17 1x Piezo
18 1x LM317 Voltage Regulator
19 1x 9V Battery Connector
20 1x Protoplastic 100g
21 1x Resource CD

My addition add-on: Serial Enabled 16×2 LCD – Black on Green 5V

Projects I plan to attempt in the near future:
* Digital thermometer with stand alone data logging
* DC power and temperature data logger for solar panel performance comparisons
* An MPPT solar charge controller to investigate the various tracking algorithms used in these devices.