Due to the ease of communication via the serial and USB connections on Arduino and compatible boards, controlling them is a breeze from many different platforms - and can also provide a great bridge between hardware and PCs as demonstrated by Eric Bruno. Not entirely satisfied with the original tutorial, Eric describes for us how to control an Arduino from a PC running java.
His example describes how to control a digital output pin which is connected to an external mains-controlling device, however this demonstrates how serial data from the java app can be sent to and from the Arduino for control, and of course receving data from the Arduino for analysis.
Eric's tutorial is great for a fast start, so click here for his tutorial and code. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.
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The package includes a wide variety of parts, sensors and modules including: a servo motor, lights, buttons, switches, sound, sensors, breadboard, wires and more. Furthermore a Freetronics Eleven Arduino-compatible board is included to make this an extensive hobby experimenter, inventor and starter kit. However we don't leave you alone to figure it all out, included is a great project and instruction booklet, plus access to a supporting web page and software examples. In other words - this is everything you need to get started for a fun range of electronics and Arduino related projects! So to get started or for more information and to order, check out the product page.