Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Solderless breadboard
These inexpensive boards are great for prototyping electronics because
they make it easy to make connections between components. (Make-
rshed.com part number MKEL3, Adafruit.com part number 64, Spark-
fun.com part number 12002)
Jumper wires
To connect Galileo's expansion pins to the breadboard, or to connect
components to each other on the breadboard, you'll use basic male-to-
male jumper wires. (Makershed.com part number MKSEEED3, Ada-
fruit.com part number 758, Sparkfun.com part number 08431)
LEDs, assorted
LEDs are a part that I reach for all the time when I'm experimenting or
building a project. I usually buy them in three colors: red, amber, and
green. (Makershed.com part number MKEE7, Adafruit.com part number
299, Sparkfun.com part number 12062)
Resistors, assorted
These are inexpensive electronic components that come in different re-
sistance values. Vendors like Maker Shed and Jameco sell multi-packs
of resistors that contain a variety of values. Any multipack of 1/4-watt,
5%-tolerance resistors will be perfect to get started. (Makershed.com
part number MKEE4, Sparkfun.com part number 10969)
Buttons and switches, assorted
These are the kind of components that you can harvest from old elec-
tronics and appliances. Or you can stop by your local RadioShack and
browse the selection in their component bins, which is one of my favorite
things to do! (There are a huge variety of buttons and switches. For the
most basic type of switch that will fit in a breadboard: Adafruit.com part
number 00097, Sparkfun.com part number 00097)
MicroSD card
Galileo has a limited amount of on-board storage. With a MicroSD card,
you can boot from a version of the Linux operating system that has more
features and can store data from your projects. Galileo can use a card
that's up to 32 gigabytes in size. (These days you can get MicroSD cards
at supermarkets, drugstores, or any place that sells electronics.)
USB OTG adapter
If you want to connect USB devices to your board, you'll probably need
a USB OTG adapter with a USB A female end (which is where a USB
device will plug in). I've found them to be as cheap as $3.50 online (see
Figure 2-3
). (Monoprice.com part number 9724, Adafruit.com part num-
ber 1099, Sparkfun.com part number 11604)
