Make MintDuino

Comments about Make MintDuino:

Get on your Googling hat, because assembly instructions are not included in the box. Instead, what you get is a card telling you that the instructions can be found at a page that no longer lists the instructions. You should be able to dig them up with a quick web search, though.

Also note that what's in the box is NOT everything you need to experiment with microcontrollers. Programming the unit requires an FTDI adapter, which Radio Shack does not seem to carry. You'll also need to bring your own Arduino know-how to be able to do anything with it, as the instruction sheet (which, again, is not in the box) neglects to even provide any hints about how to program an Arduino.

Overall I like what's in the box, but I have to rate it low because the packaging's suggestion that this would be a good kit for beginners couldn't be further from the truth. If you are a beginner, don't cheap out - get one of the more expensive kits that really does contain everything you need instead.

Comments about Make MintDuino:

This kit does not include instructions, you must pay for them. You can find them on google.

It also does not include an adapter necisary to program it.

Comments about Make MintDuino:

Fun little project till you get to the programming part, that's when you need an FTDI USB bridge to connect to a PC. If you have one, good, if not the project stops here and you got a pretty blinking LED. I got some converters but it would be nice if RadioShack sells the FTDI Friend too. The cables you get with the tin can are a little short, an extra inch would make it easier. Maybe a little speaker or something what makes it more fun when assembled would help, a blinking light can be build much cheaper. Overall a need idea and good to get started with microcontrollers. I give it only 2 stars because of the missing part to make it work as it says on the tin and the single blinking LED.

Comments about Make MintDuino:

An FTDI programmer is required to upload code to the MintDuino. Also, you will need to download the instructions online.

Otherwise, this is a great little kit to get a better understanding of how the Arduino is put together. It's easy to assemble in an hour or two.

Comments about Make MintDuino:

Out of the box it does not contain a FTDI programmer which enables you to program the Atmel 328 processor. You would need to purchase it at Make website or use an arduino board to upload code. Great way to learn the arduino board layout and make your arduino projects smaller. The clear breadboard is awesome.

Comments about Make MintDuino:

This was purchased at my local Radio Shack. The idea here is great! And I love the packaging inside - it packs a lot into a small space. BUT - the only instructions send you to a web site at MakerSHED. And true enough, if you look hard enough you will find instructions to build it. BUT what the box does not say is you CANNOT PROGRAM IT WITH WHAT COMES IN THE BOX! Even though the back says 'Easily programmable from almost any computer.' The instructions provide no links to the next step (how to get the thing programmed), but they are happy to sell you the part that was not in the box (an FTDI interface). Also, the image on the box does not represent the contents. That is no big deal, really, in that what was in the box was quite good as long as you already know what you are doing. This is less a Radio Shack problem and more a MakerSHED issue. It appears they are selling these so they can get you to their web site to sell you more. Radio Shack should insist they correct the box labeling to be clearer or stop providing them this outlet. If you had bought it off the MakerSHED site you would have clearly seen the fact you needed more than just the components in the tin.