Hello. Trying to follow directions to make a DIY polygraph test. It says to buy an arduino but doesn't specify what kind. While I'm mechanically competent, I'm an electronics idiot, so the more simple, the better. What do you recommend I purchase? Again, not trying to do anything fancy, just simple and effective.

Thanks for your help.

 

Haha. Told you I'm an electronics idiot! It's arduino!! NOT alguino! Ooops.

 

i think this is what your looking for.
http://www.adafruit.com/products/50



i program PIC brand microcontrollers myself. Here is a video to help out the microcontroller novice. This might be handy to you if you decide to seriously pursue this hobby. Its really fun!
check out my awesome video! )
http://youtu.be/qGv5FbpF1-U

 

You simply need an UNO
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10356
Sparkfun is an excellent source.. Of course adafruit is too.

 

Arduinos can be purchased at your local RadioShack store.

hgmjr

 

If you have most of the "other" electronics, the UNO is your best bet as it has female headers soldered on and takes a simple Type "B" USB input for both power and communications.

If you are breadboarding the electronics onto a 0.1" pitch breadboard, I'd suggest buying an Arduino Nano. They have a "Mini B" input, and you can solder 0.1" headers to the board, then plug the board into your breadboard.

Avoid the "Mini", "Pro" and "Mini Pro" -- they are much harder to program, unless you have a supply of MAX232 or FT232R chips lying around, or you happen to own an ICSP programmer ...