Start at http://arduino.cc/
Starting will be easier If you chose a "Leonardo" style to begin.
The USB connection will provide initial power to the proper places.
Whatever you get, be sure you determine what the limits are on the pins=20
you are using.
Get careless and they will leak magic smoke. If you can be patient you=20
can save a lot on accessory items from dx.com.
The problem with buying in quantity is that new stuff you would rather=20
have comes out every week!
You cannot buy parts as cheap as you can buy modules...

On 7/3/2014 6:03 AM, RussellMc wrote:
>>
>> I'm also kind of thinking about
>> getting just the processor and building my own board. Lots of decisions
>> to make. Yes, things do change but I still believe that the books stay
>> relevant.
>>
> Building you own is liable to be very unworthwhile  unless the exercise i=
s
> meant to be a useful one in it's own right.
>
> You can get Arduino mini's for under $US3 with free shipping from sellers
> on Alibaba and Nano's for< $4 and Uno's? for under $6.
> The Mini is very basic and has no USB hardware BUT you can buy a plug in
> USB to serial FTDI board for under $3 from the same sellers and use it fo=
r
> eg bootloading from PC.
>
> I have not yet used Arduinos but am about to 'have  a play'. I order 10 x
> Minis for $US21.50 for 10 (yes, $2.105 each)
>
>       http://www.aliexpress.com/store/213957/search?SearchText=3Darduino
>
> How well that deal will fare is TBD. I chose the free shipping option so =
it
> will be some weeks before I find out.
>
> Bait(e) electronics is not the most inspiring name :-).
>
>
>               Russell
>
> _____________________
>
> 2 x Mini + 2 x USB interface + free shipping $US6.16 total (!!!)
>
> http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/2PCS-1PCS-CP2102-Module-1PCS-Pro-=
Mini-Module-Atmega328-5V-16M-For-Arduino-Compatible-With-Nano/213957_124258=
4516.html

--=20
John Ferrell W8CCW
    Julian NC 27283
  Ethics are not absolute. What is considered
    right one decade can be considered
      inconceivable in another decade.


--=20
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