This is an interest check.
I have seen a couple of posts recently about wanting to learn to program, and the post from @Johnny5 offering an “experience required” workshop so I would like to see if there is interest in attending an Arduino 101 workshop. I have talked to @johnny5 a little about his workshop and the plan will be to make sure that anyone who comes to mine would be set up and comfortable attending the FastLED workshop without overlapping.
Goals:
- Plan a list of parts that will make a solid “standard” Intro to Arduino kit that can also be used for other workshops, and order a few kits worth so they are on hand
- Develop a handout that will get you started with the basics
- A brief intro to Arduino and the specific model we will be using (TBD, likely an Arduino Mini or similar)
- Work at your own pace to complete a number of projects and challenges, with code/answers provided and at least myself and preferably one Lovely Assistant™ around to help and answer questions
What I would cover: ((entirely up for discussion))
- Have a kit of parts that can be used for both workshops
- Leave with all software required to program an Arduino installed on their laptop
- Write and test code for a couple of basic uses including reading and writing to IO pins possible examples:
3.a. Blink the built-in LED to test hardware and software
3.b. Receive external inputs (Use an external switch to control the onboard LED)
3.c. Control external devices (Blink and external LED)
What I would not cover:
This workshop would be designed to lead into @Johnny5’s workshop, not detract from it, so I will not cover anything to do with RGB/RGBW lights or addressable LEDs other than perhaps discuss what they are and how working with them is different, if it comes up. It will not cover motors or motor control as that is a whole different monster.
Expected cost:
I’m of the opinion that money should never be a barrier (emphasis added so the header doesn’t scare anyone away) for someone who wants to learn, but I have run workshops in the past and the number of times people would RSVP then no-show left a sour taste in my mouth. So I would want to charge a few bucks for this, just enough to make clicking “register” require a thought plus the cost of the kits (at cost). I don’t like to put a number out there without researching current prices, but something in the ballpark of $20-$25 with the kit included (paid in advance) is likely more than enough. I am more interested in teaching the class than the money so if you want to learn and the money is an issue, I will happily consider barter or any other means of “collateral” that shows you are actually interested, willing to put in some effort, and will show up on the night if I spend the time and money getting this ready. I’m serious. If money is tight, be creative. Even an offer like “I offer to spend one hour organizing and cleaning the space before the workshop in lieu of the fee” would work.
CAVEAT: I would consider myself a novice and have not worked with Arduino in a while, but I have a couple of simple projects under my belt and can comfortably teach the basics. If someone with more experience wants to step up and run something like this, I’d gladly step aside. Feel free to post here or PM me if you want to step up.