When designing an Arduino-based project that relies on first setting parameters before operation, then changing those parameters again - one can often baulk at creating the required user interface. Examples of this might include a light show, robot control, or perhaps a musical device controlled by an Arduino. However if you can have a PC nearby, the tutorial by Scott from "Arduinobasics" may prove quite useful. He has documented a method of using a PC and processing to read data from a text file and convert it to commands which are sent to an Arduino connected via USB. His example reads numbers from the file and controls LEDs connected to matching digital outputs, however with a little work you could modify it for your own needs. Here's a quick video of Scott's example:
Very well done. and thanks to Scott for his interesting tutorial. Check out his website to get started. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.
If you found the project above interesting - but not sure how to start with Arduino and servos - then the best way to learn is with our Experimenter's Kit for Arduino:
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.
