Oammar

Hey all,

Another new prospective software developer here looking to delve deeper into the electrical engineering world in terms of working toward bringing programing to literal life. As well as understanding how programing and physical interfaces can connect within the Universe. I currently have a netduino, breadboard, shield and various other basic components on order, and I can't wait to dive in.

I don't have much experience in electronic assembly outside of assembling computer parts, but I am eager to learn. What would you recommend kit wise, or learning wise from the get go? First foot in the door project I have lined up is just a photocell interfacing with a Diffused RGB (tri-color) LED. From reading a post about that Diffused RGB I know it is recommended to use resistors, but that is an aspect where I get a bit lost. I don't know why it is recommended to use a resistor, when do I know when to use different / other components for other projects?

I've been wrapping my mind around how everything interfaces electronic wise, such as the digital and analog pins. When do I know when to use which i/o pins (UART 1 RX, UART 2 RX, TX, PWM, UART 2 RTS, SPI MOSI, MISO, SPCK). Power pins (/RESET, 3v3, 5v, Gnd, Vin, Aref) what type do I use and when? Or analog in pins (I2C SDA, SCL), are the 0-3 pins different on the analog in then the 0-3 for the digital i/o pins?

Most importantly and boggling aspect is the conversion(s) between 3.3v and 5v (vice-versa), when would I encounter this? How do I know what to look for and how do I solve it? Do I have to use a resistor, diodes, transistors, or some other component?

As you can see I'm pretty much walking in the dark, haha. However, I am oh so very excited.

Thank you for any guidance,

- Oammar