Arduino DIY booth at UVARC

Main Arduino site

https://arduino.cc

Go here to download the IDE for your preferred OS (Windows, Linux, Mac). You can also buy boards and "shields" here but they are likely cheaper on Amazon. Arduino is an open hardware and open software project so "clone" boards are available as well as the original Arduino boards.

The Arduino UNO R3 is an excellent choice for prototyping and learning about coding. I strongly encourage you to start here if you are new to embedded programming, Arduino, etc. The boards are inexpensive (under $10 for "clone" board via Amazon).

The UNO is based on the Atmel ATmega328P processor. It has 14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, and runs at 16MHz and 5 volts.

The UNO board (clone) I was using at the DIY night is (currently, as of Nov 2024) available for $9 via Amazon (affiliate link).

After you get your project working with the UNO board and a breadboard, it's time to convert it to a permanent project. For this, I'd encourage you to look at some of the smaller Arduino boards:

The Pro Mini (ignore what the page says, these are still commonly available and in use) is a great board for small projects. It has the same capabilities as the UNO (14 digital input/output pins 6 of which can be used as PWM outputs, 6 analog inputs, 16MHz at 5V) but lacks a USB port. You'll have to buy an adapter to go from USB to the TX/RX pins on the board. It's easy to do and the adapters are commonly available (affiliate link) for a few dollars. Search for "usb to ttl serial" to find them

Pro Mini's are available for < $5 each on Amazon at 3 for $14, 5 for $18,  (affiliate links) and even cheaper as the quantity goes up.

Another option is the Pro Micro which has a USB port built in thanks to the 32U4 chip (vs the 328P on the UNO and Pro Mini).

These boards are basically the same in terms of capabilities: 9 channels of 10-bit ADC, 5 PWM pins, 12 DIOs as well as hardware serial connections Rx and Tx. Running at 16MHz and 5V.

They are available with USB micro or USB C on Amazon (affiliate links) for slightly more than the Pro Mini. Roughly $19 for 3.

There are literally dozens of other Arduino boards available, each with their own characteristics and capabilities. Everything from the Nano to the Mega (many more than are shown below). Some with BLE others with WiFi, etc.

Books about Arduino & Ham Radio

There are numerous books about using Arduino with ham radio. Here are a couple from ARRL:

Best of Arduino Projects for Ham Radio by Arduino expert Glen Popiel, KW5GP, includes 17 Arduino projects to build your programming and microcontroller skills. It’s a collection of the best projects presented in Arduino for Ham Radio, More Arduino Projects for Ham Radio, and More Arduino for Ham Radio.

More Arduino for Ham Radio introduces many of the new Arduino boards and add-on modules, followed by an overview of the software, tools, and techniques needed to bring projects to life. 10 practical projects showcase a variety of applications and include detailed descriptions of how the software “sketches” work.

Other books are available from Amazon (affiliate links):

Arduino Projects for Amateur Radio 

Do you want to increase the functionality and value of your ham radio without spending a lot of money? This book will show you how! Arduino Projects for Amateur Radio is filled with step-by-step microcontroller projects you can accomplish on your own--no programming experience necessary.
This practical guide provides detailed instructions, helpful diagrams, lists of low-cost parts and suppliers, and hardware and software tips that make building your own equipment even more enjoyable. Downloadable code for all of the projects in the book is also available.

Ham Radio for Arduino and PICAXE

introduces you to the fun and rewards of experimenting with microcontrollers. Editor Leigh L. Klotz Jr, WA5ZNU, and many other contributors have designed projects that will enhance your ham radio station and operating capabilities. Or, take it to the next step, using these projects as a launch pad for creating your own projects.

Sites about Arduino & Ham Radio

DX Zone has a page of over 100 Amateur Radio Arduino Projects (power meters, SDR, antenna analyzer, QRP transceiver, beacons, repeater controller, automatic antenna tuner, antenna rotator controller, etc.) as well as a sub page with dozens of Arduino Morse Code Projects.

The Instructables site has numerous projects for ham radio many of which use an Arduino.

The r/amateurradio subreddit has numerous projects and discussions about Arduino and ham radio.

Searching the Arduino forums returns dozens or discussions about Arduino and ham radio.

YouTube always has a little something for any subject.

And, of course, a google search will return a seemingly unending list of Arduino and ham radio pages.

Multi-function Shield

If you are interested in the multi-function shield that I was demoing at the DIY night, they are available from Amazon (affiliate link) for $8.

Documentation and sample programs are available here:

https://www.mpja.com/download/hackatronics-arduino-multi-function-shield.pdf

Starter Kits

If you want an all-in-one starter kit for yourself or perhaps a child or grandchild there are plenty available from Amazon (affiliate link).

The one shown at left (affiliate link) is one I've purchased before. There are numerous others shown at the link above.

In my experience ELEGOO is a good company with quality products.

If you like the idea of a bunch of sensors and other modules, you can buy a collection of them from Amazon (affiliate link).