Make Ultimate Microcontroller Pack w/ Arduino® Kit

Comments about RadioShack Make Ultimate Microcontroller Pack w/ Arduino® Kit:

This is just what I needed to keep me busy during summer break. Hopefully will give me a jump-start back into robotics, might even program my own speedo/tachometer/enduro computer for my dirtbike.

As far as it not coming with a USB cable... seriously you are complaining??? I have literally dozens sitting around in various boxes, under the couch, under the mattresses, in the garage, under the front seat of the car....

Comments about RadioShack Make Ultimate Microcontroller Pack w/ Arduino® Kit:

Complaints about no link for software:
See http:arduino.cc

Complaints about USB B cable not included:
These are quite common. You can get them
on eBay for a buck or two.

Comments about RadioShack Make Ultimate Microcontroller Pack w/ Arduino® Kit:

My wife and I use the Arduino in a number of applications. We are software programming students and we got our start with the Arduino. I very much recommend this product, it is absolutely amazing.

Comments about RadioShack Make Ultimate Microcontroller Pack w/ Arduino® Kit:

You should include software download links for this kit or a new user will simply couln't use it...!

Comments about RadioShack Make Ultimate Microcontroller Pack w/ Arduino® Kit:

Personally, I wanted to get back into microcontrollers after years away from them - maybe experiment with robotics and automated control applications also. So far, I'm very impressed with this kit overall.

While not "throw-away" priced, it would be hard to put together a similar, custom kit for less money. It's also convenient to have so many parts in one kit ready-to-use. The Arduino is really impressively easy to use - much moreso than my earlier uController experiences with assembly language. :) Kit provides a wide range of components, sensors, basic servos, motors, etc., to experiment and create rapid prototypes.

I agree that it would be nice to either have a USB cable of the right type included or explicitly mention that one isn't included. It would be nice also if the 9V battery connector were already soldered together - no point making that the only must-solder bottleneck. Finally, the jumper wires are great to have but in my opinion could fit more snugly into the breadboard holes.

Overall, a great and well thought out kit at a reasonable price. (Incidentally, mine came with the R3, and it seems likely that having NO Arduino included was a fluke that could be readily corrected by exchanging the product for another of the same - not an indicator of poor quality or low attention to detail overall.)

Comments about RadioShack Make Ultimate Microcontroller Pack w/ Arduino® Kit:

No Arduino was included, only the components.

Comments about RadioShack Make Ultimate Microcontroller Pack w/ Arduino® Kit:

Needed to build a prototype for work. Two of these and two of the other smaller kit later we had our prototype ready and on the boss's desk.

Mind you we know nothing about electronics. the Arduino community helped us make it happen.

Bottom line, if you are an inventor, maker, tinkerer or just dabble as a hobby this is the kit for you.

Comments about RadioShack Make Ultimate Microcontroller Pack w/ Arduino® Kit:

It's hard to go wrong with an Arduino. I love how much smaller the Uno is than the Duemilanove, and the maker shield is snug and just feels like it belongs there.That being said.. this micro controller uses a USB B connector. In 2012, that is a pretty darn RARE type of cable (except in cheapo [@] printers). It wouldn't be such a big deal, but the box DOES NOT TELL YOU THAT YOU NEED TO BUY A SPECIAL CABLE TO USE IT. So now I'm sitting at home with no way to use my new [$] toy until random computer store opens tomorrow morning. What a disappointment."USB Cable Sold Separately" somewhere on the box would at least have been thoughtful.

Comments about RadioShack Make Ultimate Microcontroller Pack w/ Arduino® Kit:

I'm a little disappointed that the Arduino UNO provided in this pack is a R.2, not a R.3, but I can get past that. The RGB LEDs provided in the pack are common ANODE. I'm so rusty on my electronic skills it took me a bit of time to figure that out, plus I was afraid of frying something and having to buy it new. This pack is very durable, and very versatile. I soldered the MakerShield together and have been having a blast with it. There are plenty of resources on the internet to spark ideas as to what to do, and the Arduino is simple enough to learn to do it.