Is it possible to easily interface with a microcontroller (such as Arduino) without a large amount of hacking?
1775514
I think that it's not possible becasue it's wired controlled, battery and controls are not in the toy.
2285087
I use the free pc software iSpy (http://www.ispyconnect.com). Maybe you are looking for a hardware solution - I would be interested in answers about those, too.
1242829
No not at all, all you need to do is follow the steps in the book, although there are things it wont tell you, but there are other sanple codes and tutorials online and in the arduino program that you install on your computer.
1004446
I just bought it to put something together, but I have seem a lot of Youtube videos show this same set being use and operated by Arduino. So I Know it can be done.
1259118
In addition to the arduino micro controller base or similar you will need the arduino motor shield to interface the micro controller to the motors. And of course a computer to run the software.
1304863
Yes, download the FTDI drivers on the Arduino website, won't work without them
1319323
I would recommend going to miklor.com that she the best resource I have found. Manual programming is very hard but it can be done.
2219480
That is a very good question. If the 3rd grader has demonstrated an interest in learning programming and electronics skills, or already has developed some of those skills, then by all means inspire the child to learn more with an Arduino. I wish I could have worked with these at such a young age. There are many things one can do with a micro-controller board like the Arduino Mega 2560 R3. I chose this board because of its expanded memory and IO pins over the smaller boards. I've had mine since February, and have yet to use more than half the IO pins. Just beware that starting on this board may inspire the child to experiment with electronics circuits where some soldering might be required. Most circuits can be built on a solderless breadboard, but for permanent installations, soldered components usually make more reliable circuits. I hope this helped you!
2242499
To be honest man i am not sure but i don't see why not. There not that expensive you can try it, if anything you would have and extra one if you couldn't. but as far as programing the controller is easier then ever.
1513944
I haven't used it yet, bit what version are you wondering about? It should be a generic USB to serial programmer to flash PIC microcontrollers. It is a pretty simple protocol to implement.James
662214
Yes, from what I've seen it is zigbee as well, I'm guessing you could hardwire thro USB or a serial port if you wanted something a bit cheaper and easier to implement
329696
Best to check out differences on the Arduino web site. As mentioned, it is freeware, so anyone can produce it. Quality may not be up to the Arduino standard, and Arduino does not benefit from the purchase of second party products. Price and functionality are a positive.
239230
I use "Home Genie" an image for the Raspberry Pi for my DIY system that I am developing. Seems to work pretty well so far. Basically it turns a computer into a home automation server that can process requests. Ideally you'd want that system to be as minimal in power consumption as possibly which makes small microcontrollers like the Pi a perfect platform for this.
180711
I don't see why not. I believe you'll need an app to emulate serial data via the connection. I've paired this with my MacBook Pro and was able to wirelessly transmit serial data using the Arduino Serial Monitor.
1771579
I didn't try communicate it between a Raspberry Pi and an Arduino, but probably it will work fine.
2024514
I think it would be theoretically possible. I'm not personally aware of any other controllers, but if you're into it you can hack your own together with something like an Arduino. I've had some success with that myself.
1564650
The diagram hook up is bellow plenty of documentation is available via google search. http://arduino-info.wikispaces.com/SmallSteppers