One of the best things about the Ultimate Microcontroller Pack is that there's a multitude of projects you can do without sourcing additional components. This variety makes it a great choice for both beginners and advanced users.
Are you interested in starting out with Arduino but don’t know which kit to get? Check out the Microcontroller Quick Launch Pack from the Maker Shed! It’s the perfect “in between” kit for Arduino. This bundle includes a few more components than the Getting Started with Arduino Kit (like a Maker Shield) but not nearly as many as the Ultimate Microcontroller Pack (making it cost less.) So if you have been stuck “in-between” kits for a while, you’ve found the solution!
Pack Includes:
For Maker Camp, our virtual summer camp for teens, most of the materials for the projects use common household items, others, such as the Compressed Air Rocket Kit in the picture, can be purchased in the Maker Shed.
To celebrate the launch of Maker Camp, the Maker Shed is offering free shipping on all orders over $50! Just use coupon code MAKERCAMP upon checkout to get the deal. It’s the perfect way to stock up on camp supplies or to take your new found skills to the next level. With everything from Arduino, to guitar kits, to tools, the Maker Shed has something for every maker.
Want to attend Maker Camp? It’s easy and free, just follow MAKE on Google+!
My first hands-on experience with robotics and microcontrollers came from using a Parallax Boe-Bot kit with a Basic Stamp. I had no programming experience but using the included documentation and my PC, I was able to figure out how to build a robot that would react to obstacles and navigate its environment. Since then I’ve switched over to the Arduino but I still miss the experience I received from the Boe-Bot. Parallax must have read my mind because they released the Robotics Shield Kit for Arduino which is now available in the Maker Shed. They’ve taken their excellent Board of Education and transformed it into a shield (also available separately) which fits on top of an Arduino. The rest of the kit remains largely unchanged from the original Boe-Bot, which I consider a good thing. Full documentation with over 40 activities is available online so you’ll be learning in no time. Simply add your own Arduino and a USB cable and enter into the fascinating world of robotics and Arduino!
Features
- Board of Education Shield PCB
- High-quality aluminum robot chassis, continuous rotation servos, and wheels
- Boe-Boost Module
- All the assembly hardware needed (nuts, screws standoffs)
- Parallax screwdriver
- Detailed online documentation and tutorials
- All the electronic components and sensors needed for the tutorials
- Note: Requires Arduino and USB cable
If you’ve ever wondered how to use the potentiometer on the MakerShield (available in the Maker Shed) to control a servo with an Arduino, wonder no more. Now there is a simple tutorial to show you how on Make: Projects!
Servos are very useful things; they provide precise movement in 180 degrees of motion. This guide will show you how to hook a servo up to your Arduino and use the potentiometer on the MakerShield to control it.
All the parts you need are available in the Ultimate Microcontroller Pack. There’s just something fascinating about seeing a servo rotate to a position dictated by your fingertips!
