Checkpoint 1: Download software from http://arduino.cc and put together your development platform.

Goals:

· Learn a little bit about Arduino and Microcontrollers.

· Put together your Arduino development platform.

· Start your Journal.

Step 1:

You should have received an invitation to join a DropBox folder from you instructor. Follow the instructions you received in the e-mail. One you are in the main class DropBox folder, create your own subfolder using your name for the folder name.

In this folder you are going to keep a running journal as well as pieces of code that you make.

You will also have access to everyone else’s folders. You are encouraged to take a look at what everyone else is doing. However, it is very important that you don’t move any files out of anyone else’s folder as this could delete files from other people’s computers.

This is also a good time to discuss plagiarism. In general, whenever you copy three words or more verbatim from someone else, you need to put quotes around those words and cite your source.

When it comes to computer code, you have to pay special attention to avoiding plagiarism. First: don’t ever use anyone else’s code unless you fully understand what is happening in it. Next: due to the nature of how code works, it is very likely that your computer code is naturally going to sometimes look just like someone else’s code. The way you make your code your own is by adding comments to the code – these comments should be 100% in your own words. Finally, when using anyone else’s code even just for guidance, in your program always include comments that include sources that you used for reference.

Step 2:

Go to the http://arduino.cc website and, before you download the software, read a little bit about the Arduino platform. In your journal, briefly discuss anything interesting you learn about the Arduino as you read about it.

Step 3:

Again, before you download any software, go to http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/HomePage

and choose your operating system and follow the guide for “Getting Started w/ Arduino on ...”

Step 4:

During the installation process, make sure that you discuss any problems that you encounter during the installation process. If you didn’t encounter any problems then make a note of how easy it was to install the Arduino software.

Step 5:

Attach the Arduino Uno to the development board using the provided screws. Attach the breadboard to the development board via the adhesive pad. If possible and where appropriate it is always a good idea to include pictures of your progress in your journal.