(Part 3) Top products from r/arduino

I highly highly recommend the Elegoo super starter kit


It has everything you need. And it's cheap. It's a great knockoff of the Arduino. It's EXACTLY the same. Same parts and same layout. When I say exactly I mean exactly. Works with the same software. It's cheaper than Arduino kits and comes with more things. They also sell a kit with just add-ons for a good price too. They even sell a kit for making a car.

Get the super starter kit. It's amazing. It comes with a PDF that teaches you everything through small projects. It's one of the best things I ever got. It got it as a Reddit secret santa gift.

The auto mod keeps remeoving my post for some reason

Here's a link

https://www.amazon.com/Elegoo-EL-KIT-003-Project-Starter-Tutorial/dp/B01D8KOZF4

Also here is 37 add-ons for $30. Pretty good deal

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MG49ZQ5/ref=pd_aw_fbt_328_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4G6RRSZJX21NP8AQTGC8


Here is a link to their car project. But I highly recommend you finish doing the starter kit first
You need to build up your knowledge first. The cool thing about the car is that when you're done you can still work on it. Maybe learn how to make it do a maze.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0746DVP1J/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523573722&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=elegoo+car

Don't even bother. I know this is an "arduino" sub but the [ESP8266] (https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-Internet-Development-Wireless-Micropython/dp/B010O1G1ES) (which has a smaller form factor dev board as well) and the ESP32 are cheaper, have more capability, more memory, more GPIO pins, more of everything... Best of all they use the same dev tools, language and libraries that arduino uses. Virtually every single device you can run on an arduino will also run against one of these other microcontrollers.

The ESP32 is the newest microcontroller from the makers of the ESP8266. Way more memory & flash memory, faster dua core CPU, lower power, way more GPIO pins, much better PWM support than the ESP8266, etc. However, because it is newer the library & module support is still not quite as mature as it is for the ESP8266 (at least a year ago when I last used it).

Seriously, if I was in your shoes, I wouldn't even bother with the ardunio if I was going to include wifi. ESP8266 and ESP32 both have them built in.

Again, I know this is an arduino sub but I'm pretty sure it is more of an "cool shit using microcontrollers" sub than strictly an "arduino hardware only" sub. And ESP8266's / ESP32's outclass arduinos in almost every regard.

PS: Most of those wifi shields for arduino actually have an ESP8266 on them in order to get wifi :-)

PPS: The ESP stuff is strictly 3.3v and all the GPIO pins are 3.3v. Arduino is all 5v. If your components all expect 5v and won't work with 3.3v, you'll need to run them all through a logic level converter to step the 3.3v up to 5v and back...

If you choose to use a stepper, I would recommend the Nema 17. This is great for smaller-scale projects like a small 3-D printer, fair amount of torque but low speeds. If you main concern is controlling these motors to a precise angle but you aren't too concerned with high speed, this would be a good choice. All the specs are given in that link. A servo is better used in an application where you just want it to be either ON or OFF. If this is a mobile robot, like a little car or crawler, I would go with the servo, here is my recommended product, cheap and strong. Keep in mind that you will also need a driver to run either of these motors. Search Arduino motor sheild/hat/driver for that.

I'm like you and have a couple clear parts organizers full of random parts. I like the ones that /u/louky posted for larger items like power supplies. I've been looking at this one on amazon for a little bit and like the idea of having an organizer for my organizers and a place to put tools in the top.

I use the Milwaukee Stackable organizers for work. They have removable bins in the main unit. But I think that they may be too big and bulky for this application and they aren't able to make anything inside easily seen like a clear one.

Depending on how handy you are, you could always buy a bulk amount of those parts organizers and build a bookshelf style unit where you can slide in an individual organizer in to each shelf.

Edit: Formatting

https://learn.sparkfun.com

https://learn.adafruit.com

This is not Arduino specific though there is a chapter on it but it's a very good how to reference book: Practical Electronics for Inventors, Fourth Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1259587541/

It's sort of like getting a $20 textbook except with less theory and more about how to do various things, what parts to use, etc.

There's also a free textbook here that is pretty good:

• http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/direct-current/
  
• http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/digital/

For sure! The best thing about the Arduino platform how versitile it is.
Do you have any sensors to play with?
I'd recommend buying one of those huge sensor bundles on Amazon or AliExpress and just playing with all of them. [There are tons of them!](
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_0_11?k=arduino+sensor+kit&sprefix=arduino+sen)

Another really fun thing to build is an obsticle-avoiding rover. You can grab really cheap robot chassis on Amazon along with the Hbridge and sensors.
Here is an awesome cheap chassis with motors and battery box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXY7CM3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_7rbszbCNNF6NA

You'll also need an H-Bridge for the motors
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014KMHSW6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_wubszbDX3Y6BR

An ultrasonic sensor for obsticles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M13S26V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_Jvbszb0HNDB95

You may also want a mini breadboard and a small USB power bank for powering the arduino. (The H-bridge does have a 5v output, but I've never gotten it to work with 4AA batteries.) You could probably splice the 6 volt line from the battery box to the Arduino Vin pin and the H-bridge Vin, but that's up to you.

Most of these things can be found on AliExpress too, if you'd be willing to wait a little longer for cheaper prices.

I did this for a while and honestly it sucked. It's way too fiddly and takes up too much space. Buy yourself one of these part bins and a box of the small baggies. The bags lay on their side and fit perfectly. I point the opening left and right alternating for each resistor group (i use number and decade order). I have over a thousand resistors in one drawer. Same thing with ceramic caps, electrolytics, and they're very easy to thumb through and grab one. If you want to get fancy you can put a piece of card stock between each group.

You now have all the other drawers to sort things and it only takes up a little bit of wall space.

Hey dude I just did some research and decided to get into this hobby. Like you, there was no way I am going to drop $85 on the starter kit. So I went and bought a $36.00 Arduino starter kit that included (1) Arduino Uno Rev 3, (70) wires, a breadboard, (1) 3' USB cable, (1) 9v battery snap, (1) Arduino/breadboard holder. link

I still wanted some miscellaneous items like LEDs and some resistors so I found this kit and bought it yesterday for $10 when it was their weekly deal. I just checked to see if the deal was still going on, but it doesn't appear to be. However, it may be some cookie that was installed so that I can't take advantage of the same deal.

If your sister is going to buy them in the states and then bring them to you in India, definitely check out some of the kits on Amazon.com. Some good deals can be found on makershed.com, however some kits seem way overpriced. I hope this helps.

Peace

I think you may want to look at a sensor kit like this: https://www.amazon.com/d/Computer-Motherboards/ELEGOO-Upgraded-Modules-Tutorial-Arduino/B01MG49ZQ5/

It sounds like he has an interest in sensors and this kit, or one like it, gives a good crash course with them.

That's similar to the one I've linked to on Amazon :) just choose the cheaper one or the one with faster shipiing :)

You will need a h-bridge module or some larger transistors/mosfets.

Simplest solution, https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014KMHSW6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475072347&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=h-bridge&dpPl=1&dpID=51o6MdHeT8L&ref=plSrch - 1-2 dollars elsewhere.


http://blog.pixelgiraffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/roboSketch3b.png (shematic with car kit, dual h-bridge, ultra sonic distance sensor for obstacle avoidance; sensor shield for easier connections)


Do you need to control it with an arduino if your goal is to simply make it go forward?

Get the one that has the maximum number of sensors at the price you're still willing to pay. The one you've linked on Amazon has almost nothing, just a bunch of LED's and resistors (arranged so it looks like you're getting a lot when you're really not getting anything).

Or you could get that an a sensors pack like this.

I don't know where you live, but if you'll google around for kits, I'm sure you can find them cheaper than on Amazon. And of course there's always AliExpress if you're willing to wait a little.

Honestly, any starter kit will do. I personally like the one from PJRC, but I'm partial to teensy. Search for starter kit in this sub and you'll get a long list of people asking which starter kit to buy and everybody's recommendation on which is best and why. I've never seen one where you can go wrong. They're all the same thing usually: an arduino/compatible plus some minor components to get you through a few very simple projects.

The one thing I'll say is that the official starter kit is a little pricey. You can find something much simpler and cheaper to get started. Here are just a few examples from amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Arduino-Ultimate-Starter-Includes-Instruction/dp/B00BT0NDB8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395168961&sr=8-2&keywords=the+arduino+starter+kit

http://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-Tutorial-Projects-Beginners-Prototype/dp/B00BWL1744/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1395168961&sr=8-3&keywords=the+arduino+starter+kit

If you wanna go super-simple and cheap, then try the teensy:
Board: http://pjrc.com/store/teensy31_pins.html
Kit: http://pjrc.com/store/tutorial_kit.html
Breadboard: http://pjrc.com/store/breadboard.html

There is a link to the tutorial in the kit page.

I know this isn't what you were looking for, but I think it warrants a serious consideration. This toy was pretty much directly responsible for me becoming an electrical engineer:

http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-Electronic-Playground-Learning-Center/dp/B0035XSZDI/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1396530630&sr=1-1&keywords=electronics+lab

Considering you're at Uni check out the library for free resources too. My library had endless books on python and a couple arduino and raspberry pi books. I checked out The Arduino Workshop and enjoyed working through it.

https://www.amazon.com/Arduino-Workshop-Hands-Introduction-Projects/dp/1593274483/ref=pd_sim_14_7?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1593274483&pd_rd_r=ND704MCP7S0H8W3CAQDB&pd_rd_w=005dA&pd_rd_wg=32nYz&psc=1&refRID=ND704MCP7S0H8W3CAQDB

For convenience sake, I'd get the basic kit.

I bought the just the Arduino without accessories, and did a few simple projects with it. I found out my friend has a basic kit and borrow a few components (9v Adapter, Male to Female wires), and it eliminated a ton of hassle.

http://www.amazon.com/Starter-Kit-Newsite-Uno-Breadboard/dp/B0051QHPJM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370149120&sr=8-1&keywords=arduino+kit

It's only $5-$10 more than just the Arduino itself, but comes with a lot of very useful accessories.

I found Arduino Workshop and Arduino Cookbook to be very helpful resources.

This might be helpful for your gardening project.

Perhaps you might enjoy something more like this. https://www.amazon.com/Elenco-Electronic-Playground-Learning-Center/dp/B0035XSZDI/ref=asc_df_B0035XSZDI/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312003162663&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12376681281660115618&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052566&hvtargid=pla-434851101009&psc=1

The Arduino kits focus more on the microprocessor and getting things to work with that.

I ordered a nice plastic set of drawers. https://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-10144-20-Inch-16-Inch-Hardware/dp/B003P2UOCO

It's actually really nice, and labeling is a breeze.

I'm using a tackle box like this one It has four drawers for boards and a large space at the top for larger items like LCD screens, Pis and power supply bricks.

I keep the items in either anti-static bags or on anti-static foam.

Similar to what neuromancer_pl said: I have a little arduino-based remote that controls all of my lighting, TV, and A/C unit (obviously not anymore.. but I may extend it with a relay to work with my space heater).

For the lamp controls I use a 433 MHz transmitter to replace the remotes that came with these outlets.

For the TV and AC remote part I have two IR LEDs to replace each respective stock remote (used a IR receiver to discover which encoding to use for each).

Finally a HC05 bluetooth module that lets me talk to the arduino through an android app I made.

Right here make sure you scroll down because they have different setups you might like, also make you click on all the prices because some stores are selling them for cheaper on Amazon.

Today I got a configurable regulator, wireless adapter, and wireless pigtails so I could untether my Galileo.

Now it's operating off a 2s 7.6v lipo and ready to be the new brain of my good old tracked robot. The antennas came from an old router.

I was at your stage not long ago and had the same concern. Then I stumble on this book, available in electronic version that start you at the very begining and explain very well the basic of electronic, each excercise add a little bit more complexity till you reach arduino stuff.

http://www.makershed.com/products/make-electronics-2ed

And

http://www.makershed.com/products/make-more-electronics

And a good reference book:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1259587541/ref=dbs_a_w_dp_1259587541

Can’t help you with programming but you could eliminate the pump and use gravity feed and a valve like this
https://www.amazon.com/DIGITEN-Solenoid-Connect-normally-Closed/dp/B016MP1HX0/ref=pd_aw_fbt_328_img_3/140-4689437-7402416?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B016MP1HX0&pd_rd_r=7e732eb6-69bd-4334-8901-5ebb49bc7e82&pd_rd_w=UV8Al&pd_rd_wg=BJTUS&pf_rd_p=0bda97b1-9615-4960-b748-b906a3521083&pf_rd_r=0FX3BC956PNFJ3R82N43&psc=1&refRID=0FX3BC956PNFJ3R82N43

I've really keep my self busy buying this sensor kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MG49ZQ5?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Along with this basic starter set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6BFGWA?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
But it didn't include an arduino so I also bought one separately. However, you can easily buy a kit that includes one as they are a plenty, just make sure to get a very diverse one with resistors, wires, breadboard etc. That'll keep you busy for the next couple months going through all the different sensor functions.

Get the one with the zipper chip and heatsink, that looks like this: https://www.amazon.com/Qunqi-Controller-Module-Stepper-Arduino/dp/B014KMHSW6/ref=asc_df_B014KMHSW6/?

You don't need to buy it from this link, tons of places sell them. This is just to show you a photo of what it looks like.

In general, what you want isn't a transistor but a MOSFET. From a high level, transistors switch based on current, MOSFET's switch based on voltage.

These are as close to foolproof as you can get.

Unfortunately, a lot of MOSFET's won't open their gate all the way with 3.5v logic-level controllers. I've even had trouble with the ones I just linked to. I've had to use a logic level converter like this to go from 3.5v to 5.5 in order to give enough "umph" to fully open the MOSFET gate. (Also got the one I linked to working with 3.5v if I unsoldered pull down resistor as mentioned in the reviews...)
Maybe somebody else has a better way. In my case this was all being dimmed via PWM.

You're may be paying many times more sourcing "locally" if you can't wait until chinese new year is over next month. On amazon anything that is 'prime' should be warehoused stateside


Search for water solenoid example
Compatible diameter tube for above example
and any relay board example.

Moisture sensors are literality just wires shoved into the soil. But beware of electrolyses degrading the metal, you can used galvanized nails or even pencil lead (carbon rods) instead

You shouldn't need a pump unless using a reservoir, but just in case 12V water pump example--note this has a bigger diameter hose connector you may be able to just shove a 1/4" inside and glue around for seal but look around at the different search results for matching hose diameters all around or possible legit adaptors


And don't forget the 12V power adaptor capable of powerint all that. ~2+A should be fine example

I got this kit on Amazon for $52 and it seems pretty complete to me.

I wrote a book which would be perfect for your students: http://www.amazon.com/Arduino-Workshop-Hands-On-Introduction-Projects/dp/1593274483

These things are your best bet. Then you just need to control the remote using the arduino, and nothing on your end is exposed to line voltages. You'll be hard pressed to source the parts yourself and build something cheaper than what you can buy pre-made.

Well here is some other stuff to add to your list to check out:
Clone board for the nano. It's what I am using for my buzzer instead of the uno. Does the same job.

[Wifi modules] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O9O868G/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Haven't messed with these yet, but for that price, i just bought em.

Bluetooth module Same deal, haven't messed with it yet.

Looks like OP just cut up a strip of WS2812's like this one.

What about this? http://www.amazon.co.uk/SainSmart-Tutorial-Beginners-Prototype-2-Channel/dp/B00BWIPDQA/ref=sr_1_2?s=kids&ie=UTF8&qid=1396354531&sr=1-2&keywords=arduino+starter+kit

EDIT: Why is this more expensive if it includes the same thing as the one above??

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SainSmart-Available-description-Beginners-Prototype/dp/B00BWL1744/ref=sr_1_3?s=kids&ie=UTF8&qid=1396354531&sr=1-3&keywords=arduino+starter+kit

EDIT 2: I just realised it's not a solderless breadboard. Is that recommended for nubs?

RF. Hes probably talking about these. It's what I use, I soldered into one of the controllers, and have the other one to use.


You can also directly control them with 433 transmitters, people ha e decoded the protocol required.

I've just bought random ones off amazon and haven't had issues.

example; (i didn't buy these, just examples)

https://www.amazon.com/Adafruit-NeoPixel-Digital-Weatherproof-ADA1461/dp/B00SLYAHSW

$25 per 1m

https://www.amazon.com/240pixels-programmable-Individually-addressable-Waterproof/dp/B00K7UHPEC/

$32 per 4m (or $8 per 1m)

for power supplies i've picked up a few 12v ones from ebay, you should be able to find some 5v 80w (what that 4m strip would need) for ~$25.

Most of what i've bought are solid color 12v rgb strips (non-addressable). The 12v power supplies are a little bit cheaper.

Sure!!

ws2812 on amazon

You can get them on AliExpress, but I've never ordered there before. Planning for next time though.

Here is the led strip. A little cheaper than neopixels but uses the same exact libraries.

For this demo, It is powered off of Arduino's micro usb. Seems to work fine for 18inches of strip. I do have a cheap 12v 3A power supply and a 5v step down to power it later, as I do not think that the micro usb arduino power can supply the TWO 18" led strips the final design will have wired to it.

If you're looking for a book to get started, I'd highly recommend Practical Electronics for Inventors. It's not arduino specific, but there is a whole chapter on microcontrollers.

Neopixels are a quality brand name, they might be expensive. Try Amazon searching "addressable LED"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7UHPEC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_NjDwzb26767CQ

Here's my storage

edit: Here's an Amazon link to the cabinet.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/review/B00O9O868G/R17LBHRQM98GK6/ref=cm_cr_dp_mb_rvw_2?ie=UTF8&cursor=2

Amazon had a listing for another module using the same nRF 24L01 chip. It appears to be a 2.4GHz transmitter/receiver. Looking through the reviews you can see some libraries that work with it, pin out, etc. The info should be relevant for your board even if it's made by another company since it relies on the same chip.

You don't want to use a linear regulator for this big of a voltage drop - you're going to waste a LOT of power (and you're going to need to dissipate that power loss as waste heat).

Easiest solution here is to use a Buck Converter - you can easily achieve >90% efficiency with this. You can either build one yourself, or if you look on amazon there's tons of them available (e.g. this one for <$10)

I think solenoid valve is indeed the way to go.

You could hook up something like this Amazon link to a relay and a 12v power supply. I guess that particular one gets hot if you power the solenoid continuously for hours at a time, so it might not be the best for you project.

You want a logic level shifter. Some examples:

• 74LVC245 IC: adafruit digikey
  
• Breakout board for i2c based sensors: adafruit amazon.co.uk

you are going to be pushing it with this unit. Without no load, the 24V tranformer of an HVAC system can output almost 29V. It is designed to drop down to the 24V range under full load. You could see spikes of almost 39Vdc after rectification in some cases. That might be too much for this guy. I had the same dilemma as you and went with this unit that can accept up to 40V Dc instead. I have had 0 problems with these in my circuit.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BYTEHQO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This unit is nice because it will show you the input voltage and output voltage without having to break out the volt meter.

I have something resembling http://amzn.com/B000LDH3JC and http://amzn.com/B003P2UOCO

Have you considered buying a relay set for Arduino:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KTELP3I/ref=s9_simh_gw_g147_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-2&pf_rd_r=08M1J7AV1JBJ5VYMM299&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2437869762&pf_rd_i=desktop

I got a 4-By Rack System for Christmas, I use it for this exact purpose.

the box

Here's a list of the parts for everyone:

LED Strip
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ALTHLLG/ref=oh_details_o01_s02_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sound Sensor
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BOM93VK/ref=oh_details_o01_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Power Supply
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034GUEY4/ref=oh_details_o01_s02_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

IRF 520
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HFD7N4/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Arduino Starting Kit
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051QHPJM/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You could build controllers using another arduino and communicate to the robot over nRF24L01 modules.

As long as a different "pipe" address is programmed into each bot/controller pair then they won't interfere with each other.

Here are the relays i purchased - http://www.amazon.com/JBtek-Channel-Relay-Arduino-Raspberry/dp/B00KTELP3I

2nd on the 32u4 pro micro

​

https://www.amazon.com/OSOYOO-ATmega32U4-arduino-Leonardo-ATmega328/dp/B012FOV17O/ref=pd_cp_147_3/132-3809563-0920343?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B012FOV17O&pd_rd_r=8fec098c-239d-4541-97e3-59106963d348&pd_rd_w=Lpv0T&pd_rd_wg=uqvUG&pf_rd_p=0e5324e1-c848-4872-bbd5-5be6baedf80e&pf_rd_r=F1H84YQK1SN98KMXAADN&psc=1&refRID=F1H84YQK1SN98KMXAADN

https://www.amazon.com/OSOYOO-ATmega32U4-arduino-Leonardo-ATmega328/dp/B012FOV17O/

I'll try reflashing the bootloader once I have access to a programmer.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KTELP3I/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apap_jY8cf6tsXGwS9

Or just ws2812b (or apa102 for dotstar)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZHB9M6A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nqNwzbPATKY1R

Just pick up a craft bin cabinet for storage.

Depending on your distance you might check these out.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O9O868G?pf_rd_p=183f5289-9dc0-416f-942e-e8f213ef368b&pf_rd_r=GMWWWCYRCR9MMFV63J4X

This library talks about networks and mesh but I haven't used it
http://tmrh20.github.io/RF24/

I just got some but I plan on only using it to communicate between 2 arduinos in about a 5 foot distance.

sure thing. i use this chip

OSOYOO Pro Micro ATmega32U4 5V/16MHz Module Board with 2 Row pin Header for arduino Leonardo Replace ATmega328 Pro Mini https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012FOV17O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CT.KDb6KJNP05

crappy code that works
https://pastebin.com/e9Pr73eR

i use arduino ide for programming and it was actually a pain adding the pro micro board to ardunio ide. this site gives a good idea on how to set up your board for xinput library

https://www.partsnotincluded.com/tutorials/how-to-emulate-an-xbox-controller-with-arduino-xinput/

you can also use a keyboard, or joystick library instead of xinput.

you can see more of the controller here https://www.twitch.tv/noycebru i make arduino projects live on stream.

Alright, I have a motor shield but I have no idea how to use it. Here is the motor shield I have, and here is the stepper motor I have. Is it possible to use this stepper motor with this shield?

Was it like this?
https://www.amazon.ca/Elenco-Electronic-Playground-Learning-Center/dp/B0035XSZDI/

I considered it but I figured that it would not be much more difficult to just use real components and then he wouldn't be stuck with such a rigid platform. But maybe something like that would make it less intimidating.

The motor is a Nema 17 with 63.7 oz-in of hold torque.
The drive controller doesn't seem like it has the ability to do micro stepping which I didn't see as a problem because the resolution of it is more then i really need already.
Links to both that i got from amazon below.

The application is raising a skylight, which involves the motor turning a hook which grabs the loop to open the skylight.

As far as I can tell it doesn't have to do with resonance but whenever its not actually moving a step its losing all current. This could be my problem as the drive started to over heat when it was not moving. So at the end of the move I disable the driver because the window doesn't need to be held open.

Motor:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PNEQI7W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Driver:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014KMHSW6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1