Freeduino SB

This my Freeduino SB! Freeduino is a hardware kit based on Arduino. From the Arduino website it is "an open-source electronics prototyping platform..." Basically, you program this little board to do whatever you want from blinking lights to running an autonomous lawnmower.

Why Freeduino?

The Freeduino SB is 100% compatible with the Arduino Diecimila. Arduino produces these 'open-source' boards for hobbyists and artists. However, I chose to buy a Freeduino instead for a couple of reasons.

• First, the Freeduino SB has a few enhancements over the Diecimila. It uses a mini-USB connection, very small compared to the behemoth plug that comes on the Arduino. It also has a power switch, which is nice to... well, turn it off.
• The Freeduino SB is available as a kit, for $26, compared to the Diecimilia which I can only find assembled for $34. One of my main reasons to buy it is for the building experience.
• Freeduino is also more open-source than Arduino. Arduino protects their name as a trademark, and don't release any PCB drawings, just schematics. Freeduino is 100% open-source to my knowledge.

What do to with it...

This is the first project I've used my new Weller WES51 soldering iron on and it turned out pretty well. Could definitely impove but it's still good. I don't have any big projects planned completely for it yet. For now I will be experimenting with it until I feel comfortable to make something more ambitious with it.

Photos