Here are a few links to information relevant to last night's post-meeting
discussion of the Raspberry Pi, Arduino, etc. 

 

The Raspberry Pi <http://www.raspberrypi.org/>  is a credit-card sized
computer with Ethernet, USB, SD and HDMI ports that allow it to be connected
to a keyboard, mouse, monitor and/or other peripherals. It runs a very
capable Linux-based operating system, and can serve as a simple web device;
however it is primarily intended as a platform for experimentation. A simple
web search can identify any number of discussions groups and instructional
videos to help you explore this little device (I paid $35 for mine when it
was first issued, but there is a $25 version available with less RAM and no
Ethernet connectivity). The R-Pi can be purchased through Newark Element 14
<http://www.newark.com/> .

 

The Arduino <http://arduino.cc/>  is an open-source electronics prototyping
platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software (containing a
programmable IC on a circuit board with built-in interfaces and digital /
analog connections). It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and
anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments. Numerous
versions / knockoffs are available online through outlets like SparkFun
<http://www.sparkfun.com/>  and Maker Shed <http://www.makershed.com/>  (and
at Radio Shack) - the price for the basic board is about $30. 

 

AmateurLogic.TV <http://amateurlogic.tv/downloads.htm>  is an online video
series hosted by George Thomas, W5JDX. George and his compatriots have
covered a variety of ham radio topics during the past 7 years (it's fun to
watch the evolution of the show over that period, too), and all episodes are
available online via their web site, YouTube, or Roku. Some of the segments
are very useful and informative (e.g. Episode 42 - Raspberry Pi setup and
configuration instructions and Episode 49 - voltage regulator). George also
has a regular segment on Bob Heil's "Ham Nation <http://twit.tv/hn> " show
called Smoke and Solder (focused primarily on beginner electronics and
kit-building) - the rest of the show is occasionally interesting.