Arduino Kit - Cheap

This page will attempt to put together a list of parts for a "cheap" arduino kit that might be suitable for school use. We will start sourcing on ebay and amazon, then perhaps branch out. Next i would like to look at https://www.aliexpress.com/ which seems to have even lower prices and longer lead times. Be aware that sources and prices change fast so this will get out of date fast.

= Components = Lets assume that we have 10 students and they will work in teams of pairs. For some components each team will need one component ( Arduino and BreadBoard ) for others one kit will do for a whole class. A few of the components we will scrounge up.

Here is what we are looking for:


 * Arduinos -- must be usb ( will need usb cables )
 * Prototyping Bread Board
 * Wire for proto board
 * LED
 * Power Supply
 * IR transmitter/receiver - cause remote control is cool.
 * More sensors and actuators.

Sourcing
I will assume that the buyer has Amazon Prime, and that the Ebay prices include ( the often free ) shipping. Note that Prime shipping is usually much faster than Ebay, and while its prices ( now ) seem to be higher, the time factor sometimes makes it worth it.

= Arduino =


 * Ebay $4.00 per unit with cable
 * Amazon $5.00- $7.00 per unit ( higher price has voltage regulator ) no cable


 * So for a class of 10, 10 units: Ebay $40., Amazon $50.

Criteria

 * USB it turns out there are two common types CH340G and FTDI
 * CH340G about $2.00 cheaper per unit, may be harder to find drivers
 * FTDI easier to find drivers?? more or less the old standard
 * Proto Board Friendly
 * Willing to do some soldering to save money
 * Indifferent to speed or lots of IO as long as it has the basics
 * Cable for usb nice but seems to add $1.00 on ebay

Some Links

 * Search sting suggestion: arduino nano usb with cable CH340G FTDI


 * arduino nano usb with cable ftdi | eBay


 * ir remote arduino in Industrial Automation Controls | eBay
 * Nano V3.0 with ATMEGA328P FT232RL FTDI Micro-controller Module for Arduino #D | eBay
 * Nano V3.0 with ATMEGA328P FT232RL FTDI Micro-controller Module for Arduino ST | eBay


 * Amazon.com: arduino nano usb ftdi
 * Amazon.com: Gikfun ATMEGA328 5V 16Mhz For Arduino Pro Mini Compatible Nano EK6013x3_P: Computers & Accessories
 * Amazon.com: Nano V3.0 Micro Controller, UCEC Module Development Board Atmega328p Ft232rl FTDI 5V-12V 16MHz 328, Compatible with Arduino, Pack of 4: Computers & Accessories

= Proto Board =


 * Ebay $2.50 per unit
 * Amazon $3.00 - $7.00 per unit ( higher price has voltage regulator )


 * So for a class of 10, 10 units: Ebay $25.00, Amazon $70.00

Criteria

 * 830 points, not a mini board

Some Links

 * Search sting suggestion: electronics breadboard 830 -mini


 * Amazon.com: electronics breadboard 830 -mini
 * 830 Ties Breadboard+5V/3.3V Power Supply Module+65PCS Jumper Wires Kit for Proto Shield Circboard Prototyping: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
 * QX Electronics 3.3V/5V MB102 Breadboard power module+MB-102 830 points Solderless Prototype Bread board kit +65 Flexible jumper wires: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
 * Amazon.com: Elegoo 3pcs MB-102 Breadboard 830 Point Solderless Prototype PCB Board Kit for Arduino Proto Shield Distribution Connecting Blocks: Industrial & Scientific
 * Amazon.com: Elegoo 4 pieces 830 tie-points Breadboard kits Solderless Breadboard with 4 Colors for Arduino kits compatible with UNO R3 Mega 2560 Nano: Computers & Accessories
 * Amazon.com: Ramsey WBU202 Breadboard - 830 Tie Points: MP3 Players & Accessories


 * electronics breadboard 830 -mini | eBay
 * Solderless Prototype Breadboard 830 Points Clear Bread Board Electronics | eBay
 * Solderless Prototype Breadboard 830 Points Clear Electronics Prototyping | eBay
 * Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard 830 Points Holes Clear Electronics | eBay

= Proto Wire =

Cost $0.00

Salvage from old phone wire or ethernet cable.

= Power Supply =

Cost $0.00

At low currents ( no motors for example ) use the computer's supply ( through usb ). At higher currents use salvage stuff, old wall warts, and computer power supplies.

= IR Sensor =

For now get with transmitters.

= IR Transmitter = Seem easy to get with sensor so go for both.


 * Ebay, about $1.50 per unit
 * Amazon arout $6.00 per unit


 * So for a class of 10, 5 units: Ebay $7.50, Amazon $30.00

Some Links

 * Search sting suggestion: ir remote arduino
 * ir remote arduino in Industrial Automation Controls | eBay


 * ir remote arduino in Industrial Automation Controls | eBay


 * 1Pcs Infrared IR Wireless Remote Control Module Kits for Arduino NEW | eBay
 * HX1838 VS1838 Arduino Infrared IR Wireless Remote Control Sensor Module Kits ESU | eBay


 * Amazon.com: Infrared Remote Control Module

= LED and Suitable Resistor = Get in kits, one kit per class of 10 ( or more ) should do.
 * Some color
 * Some some white
 * No multi colored or built in blink at leas for now.
 * will need current limiting resistors, see resistors section.


 * Amazon.com: led for electronics
 * Amazon.com: Elfeland 750pcs ( 5 colors x 150pcs) LED Light Emitting Diodes 3mm Round Assorted Color 2pin Diffused LED Electronic Parts White Red Yellow Blue Green Box Kit: Home Improvement
 * Bluecell 50 PCS White LED Electronics 5mm Ultra Bright - Led Household Light Bulbs - Amazon.com
 * Chanzon 60 pcs(6 colors x 10 pcs) 5mm LED Diode Lights Arduino Assored Kit Pack (Diffused Round DC 3V 20mA ) Lighting Bulb Lamps Electronics Components 5 mm Light Emitting Diodes Parts - - Amazon.com
 * eBoot 100 Pieces Clear LED Light Emitting Diodes LED Lamp Assorted Kit 10 Colors 5 mm - - Amazon.com
 * Chanzon 60 pcs(6 colors x 10 pcs) 3mm LED Diode Lights Assored Kit Pack (Diffused Round DC 3V 20mA ) Lighting Bulb Lamps Electronics Components 3 mm Light Emitting Diodes Parts - - Amazon.com
 * led assortment in Electrical and Test Equipment | eBay
 * 200 pcs 3mm 5mm LED Light White Yellow Red Green Assortment Kit for Arduino | eBay
 * 200Pcs 3mm 5mm LED Light White Yellow Red Blue Green Assortment Diodes DIY Kit | eBay
 * 500pcs White Yellow Red Blue Green 3mm LED Light Assortment Diodes Kit Set Tool | eBay
 * 300pcs Five Colors 3mm 20mA Round Bright Light LED Diode Lamp Assortment kit | eBay

= Resistors = for LED and what ever

Ebay about $10.00 per kit

One kit per class $10.00


 * 470 ohm resistor 1/4 watt in Electrical and Test Equipment | eBay
 * resistor assortment | eBay
 * 2600 pcs 130 Values 1/4W 0.25W 1ohm 3M Resistor Resistors Kit Assortment Set | eBay
 * 64 values 1280 pcs 1ohm-10M ohm ¼W Metal Film Resistor Resistors Assortment Kit | eBay
 * Set of 1000x 1/4W 50 Values 1 - 1M ohm Carbon Film Resistors Assortment Kit J9N8 | eBay
 * 64 values 1280 pcs 1ohm-10M ohm ¼W Metal Film Resistor Resistors Assortment Kit | eBay

= LCD =

Nice to have a backlight but not necessary

= Stepper Motor and Driver =


 * Ebay   $2.50
 * Amazon $3.00    ( 5 at a time )


 * Amazon.com: 28byj-48 stepper motor and uln2003 driver
 * Stepper Motor 28byj | eBay
 * Amazon.com : LAFVIN 5 sets 28BYJ-48 ULN2003 5V Stepper Motor + ULN2003 Driver Board for Arduino : Camera & Photo
 * DC 5V Stepper Motor 28BYJ-48 + ULN2003 Driver Test Module Board fit for Arduino | eBay
 * 28BYJ-48 Arduino 5V 4Phase Stepper Motor+ULN2003 Driver Test Module Board | eBay

= Servo Motor =

= Laser =

= Tools =


 * Needle Nose Pliers
 * Wire Cutters
 * Wire Strippers
 * Multi Meter
 * Soldering Iron and solder ( beware )
 * Small screw driver and similar tools