30 Arduino Projects for the Evil Genius [Brossura]

I do not consider myself evil, nor do I consider myself a genius, maybe that is why I'm having so many issues with this book. This book contains great project ideas. That is why I bought it. However, as I am new to electronics and the arduino platform, some of the mistakes in the book can cause great frustration. In the few projects I have tried, the schematic diagram, breadboard layout, and photograph of complete breadboard do not match. The first example is Project 4. The program from project 3 says use digital pin 12. The schematic diagram Fig. 3-5 says digital pin 11, and the breadboard layout fig 3-6 and photograph of complete breadboard fig 3-8 shows it connected to digital pin 12. This one is easy to figure out, however, breadboard layout fig 3-6 also shows Luxeon LED connecting to the wrong pin on the T1-BD139. It is hard to see, but it is showing it connected to the same pin as the 270 Ohm resistor. You need to look at the photograph of the complete breadboard fig 3-8 to see the correct way to wire the circuit. This is also incorrect on Fig 4-6 Breadboard layout for project 6.

Second example: the Components and equipment for project 7: Shows "R4-5 4 Ohm 2W resistor" This doesn't match the Schematic Fig 4-9, where you need two 4 Ohm 1 Watt (not 2 Watt) resistors.

I then jumped ahead to Project 28, which I'm still trying to figure out how to configure correctly. The Schematic diagram Fig. 9-8 has the IC1 component connected to Digital pin 9. The Breadboard layout has it connected to digital pin 3. The photograph fig 9-7 has it connected to digital pin 9. The text says it is connected to digital pin 9, so I assume three to one this is correct. The 100 Ohm resistor in the picture fig 9-7 is connected to ground. In the schematic it is connected to the arduino on digital pin 3, on the breadboard layout fig 9-9 it is again connected to ground. The picture on the arduinoevilgenuis web site is currently showing it connected to ground [...]. The web site referenced in the book is showing it connected to digital pin 3. [...]

I understand everyone makes mistakes. I'm looking forward to a web page that will correct the mistakes in the book.

I had never even heard of Arduino boards but was lead here by the "Evil Genius" bit of the title whilst looking to improve my electronics knowledge. I have now bought the Arduino kit (clone because it is cheaper) and have had a go at a couple of the simpler projects which worked well. I was initially worried about the programming side given that it is C, but the Ardunio environment and clear explanation (and code listing) for each project made it a breeze. When I get time I will try more ambitious projects (particularly looking forward to the servo controlled lazer). Highly recommended.

Stephen

Simon Monk provides Arduino newbies a guide that goes way beyond "Getting Started With Arduino", yet deals with the subject in an easy to read, accessible format. His projects are also far more practical eg he deals with flashing a simple led (like every other Arduino text) but then scales this up to high power Luxeon leds in various different applications but based on similar circuitry. This lead me to adapting one of his circuits to a real-world interest of mine, involving led lamps.

I look forward to a sequel where he might take us into the (so far) murky world of timers and interrupts, an area not covered very well (yet) in the Arduino world.