Help getting Started

Hey guys,

I'm a first year EE student and I want to do some hands on work with embedded systems. I only learned some basic theories in school. So could someone point out what I should do to start out? Like if I get a kit, what should it contain ? What different flavour of micro controller are there out there ( Audrino , PIC ) ? Where can I find resources to finding these things? I am also looking into doing some soldering skills as well.

Any advice would be helpful !

 

I would second that, electronics can become quite expensive. Think of some $1000 to $2000 at least.

For the start I would recommend to get some basic components, like:

-resistors assortment, capacitors assortment
-transistors like 2n3904
-LEDs, character LCDs
-some electronic transformers
-small proto PCBs, many of them
-SMD adapters
-some 20 PICs for instance

The MPS430 is also good but it's a small MCU, quite limited in terms of memory.

For soldering at best get a 50W soldering station, and 1mm solder wire.
And 2 multimeters or also LED panel meters.

eBay is very good and prices are low, as well Farnell, Radionics, Mouser, Digikey.

Myself I never really bought any developement kits, started to build circuits with off-the shelf standard components. Often I did not even use schematics. But yes of course I have browsed 1000s of webpages with electronic circuits.

Breadboards and standard wall adapters I had around very early but quickly abandoned them.