Week 6

Arduino

Arduino is an open-source project that has designed a family of simple computers that provide an interface between sensors and control of physical devices. Because the schematics to design the products are open-source, other companies may freely reproduce the models as well. These unofficial devices are often cheaper and generally reliable. The Arduino “Uno” is a good starter model with a fair amount of inputs and outputs.
Arduino devices are programmed using a simplified version of the C language. A user writes code on a computer and transfers this code to the Arduino by USB. Then, the Arduino can be powered by USB or a battery without the need for a computer. The Arduino website has useful Getting Started Guide and Tutorials.

I choose to use arduino for this project due to the simplicity and the form factor that is important for the function of this project.