Electronics Basics - Arduino Sketches: Tools and Techniques for Programming Wizardry - page 45

CHAPTER
3
Electronics Basics
You can have a lot of fun with an Arduino, but without some electronics, you
won't get far. Without adding a single electronic component, you could program
an Arduino Robot to run around racetracks, or program a games controller
with an Arduino Esplora, but how about an Arduino Uno? Of course, you can
add shields to add some functionality, but the real fun comes when you add
your own electronics. This chapter shows you how to add your own electronics
components onto an Arduino. No, don't run away! It is easy, I promise.
Electronics is often shrouded in mystery, conjuring images of highly complex
and advanced components requiring weeks of calculating, just to choose the
right one. Although some components are indeed incredibly advanced, and
although some electronic circuits do indeed require weeks of work, this tends
to be true in advanced i elds, not basic electronics. At the end of this chapter,
you will understand some basic electronic components, and you will be able to
create your own electronic circuit.
Electronics is fun, but should be taken seriously. In this chapter, you will see
a few warnings for particular components. Some components can't handle high
voltage; others may be damaged or destroyed if handled incorrectly. Throughout
this topic, there are numerous electronic examples, but none of them use high
voltage, AC voltage, or any other dangerous factors. Still, be careful! You will
not hurt yourself with the 5 volts used in the examples, but a short circuit will
damage any components in the circuit.