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Where to start?


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#1 Ultra_Newb

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Posted 31 July 2011 - 05:31 PM

I've been using Arduino for a while, and before I started using it, I basically had no programming skills. My only programming skills came from writing scripts in .lua for GTA:San Andreas. So now I've been programming in Javascript (for you haters, I'm aware that this is NOT java. Stop whining about it.) on my Arduino. Thing is, I probably would've given up if it wasn't for the countless examples that came with the Arduino software. Now to the point: I bought a Netduino plus. I did a very stupid thing by doing so, thinking the "duino" part of its name, ment it would just be a Ethernet verision of Arduino Uno as they looked very similar. This thing was flying out of the sparkfun store, and I got one of the last ones before it ran out of stock in the beginning of the year. So I got it in the mail, and I checked out the manual. To my horror, it demanded Visual Studio, and the only support I got was "Here, let's show you how to get a light to blink". Well, the lightpart worked out great at least, so that's something. Now I got Visual Studio. Though, I barely even open the program, I'd rather program for the Arduino with something I understand and where I can read examples if I'm clueless. They even got a searchdatabase for the programming expressions. So where do I start with Netduino Plus? I don't want this to just be sitting on my shelf. And I'd really like to learn the language it's programmed in. Suggestions?

#2 Glen

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Posted 31 July 2011 - 06:25 PM

A good starting book is "Getting started with the internet of things", which is specifically written with all examples using the netduino plus. The 40% discount on the e-book version mentioned in this thread worked for me when I bought it last week. http://forums.netdui...k-oreilly-make/ Otherwise, your best source is probably right here on these forums for guides, hints, and help. Do you have specific project in mind that you are looking to do with the netduino?

#3 Nevyn

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Posted 31 July 2011 - 06:25 PM

So where do I start with Netduino Plus?
I don't want this to just be sitting on my shelf.
And I'd really like to learn the language it's programmed in.
Suggestions?


Firstly, welcome and let's see if we can get you started.

As you have Visual Studio you are off to a good start as you will either need to work with Visual C# or Visual Basic.NET. If you have worked with JavaScript then C# would probably be a better option to get you up and running. Visual Basic.NET would also require you to start by updating firmware etc. and it's probably best to keep the number of things needed to be learned to a minimum.

When I started learning C# I bought the O'Reilly book programming in C# which I found to be a good read. There is also a book aimed at the Netduino Plus - Getting Started with the Internet of Things. Have a look around the forums as several people have a copy and have commented on the content. I think a working knowledge of C# is required.

There are a few community member who have some articles which may help:

- Check out the Wiki - ItsDan has converted some of the Spearkfun tutorials to the Netduino platfom.
- Stefan has a section of his web site discussing his Netduino projects.
- I also have some examples on my blog.
- The project showcase forum here has a lot of examples where members of the community have developed drivers for particular hardware.

Hope this helps,
Mark

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Blogging about Netduino, .NET, STM8S and STM32 and generally waffling on about life

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#4 Chris Walker

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Posted 31 July 2011 - 07:11 PM

Hi Ultra_Newb, If you've been programming in Javascript on an Arduino (I didn't even know that was possible...the Arduinos are typically programmed in C or the Arduino variant of Processing)...then C# should feel really similar. It's easy to do simple things...and you can scale up to ridiculously sophisticated projects as well. It would be a waste to let your Netduino Plus sit on a shelf. As you can see, several of us in the community are happy to help point you in the right direction. Welcome to the Netduino community, Chris

#5 Ultra_Newb

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Posted 31 July 2011 - 08:37 PM

Ok, to be honest: I'm not completely sure it's Javascript I'm coding in. (Code sample can be provided). Thanks for the great amount of response! Glen: I will check out the book as soon as I get enough free time (this day is coming to an end). Thanks for your reply. I've actually got several ideas in hand for a project. I bought an ethernet shield for my Arduino Uno (actually not Uno but the old one called Duemilianove or something) (since my understanding of the Netduino Plus is rather limited.). So I'm actually well underway. Wanna know what my main project goal is? Ok: Like a half year ago, I saw a video on youtube about 2 engineers that was tired of showeling snow. So they sat down and built a remote controlled snow plow. ( ). First of all, they had access to professional equipment to make this, and probably welding equipment. I got neither, but this isn't gonna stop me. Though, I want to take it to the next level: -No wheels, but homemade tracks. (Already got an idea for how to do this). -GPS unit: To determine speed and location. -2 compass modules: One for the vehicle itself, and one for the camera, so if I turn it around, I will know what direction it's pointing as to what direction the vehicle is pointing. Good for low visibility. -Either a network camera, or a webcamera through a small laptop I got. -Voltage sensors: Always good to know if you're about to run out of power. -Temperature sensors: You don't want the batteries freezing, do you? -Onboard lights: To drive at night and yellow blinking lights to make sure people knows it's coming. -Proximity sensors: Make sure I don't hit anything. And have it all run through an internal network, over TCP/IP. Oh, and hopefully once I get more familiar with C#, I can manage to produce some sort of interface. Nevyn: Hi. And thanks alot for your reply! People are very helpful here. I'll look into the sites you listed tomorrow. Thanks a ton! Chris Walker: Hi. And thanks alot for your reply! God I feel dumb now. I'm pretty sure I've been programming in the Arduino variant of processing, as when I downloaded (you guessed it) "processing", it turned out to be the same deal. I guess I got a long way to go to be able to use the Netduino Plus.




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