Ok I am a long time 3d designer and have just got my 3d printer makerbot replicator 2, Now I want to place place lights and timers and much much more in my new models that I have printed and painted. I have been looking everywhere on where to start.
I dont mind learning coding since I have been learning C# and Java for the last few years for my 3d.
What type of software do I need to learn to create my own PCB Board that will communicate with my work and how would I build one. Are there any courses online that I could watch or buy.????
I recommend prototyping everything on a solderless breadboard before trying to do everything in the shape and scale of the final product. An Arduino could certainly handle the interaction.
The Arduino cost quite a bit if I want it too do separate things :(, Anything else out there that could help me I could buy 1 Arduino too try things out and learn abit.
There are alot of micro controllers out there that can you can use for basic things such as timers, flashers and even respond to inputs. I use the Atmel ATmega series as the base. These are basically a PLC on a chip. You will have small amount of extra circuitry outside the chip but I usually spend only around $15 for everything. There are several good starter kits out there that come with a programmer, display and breadboard to get you started prototyping
I still recommend getting an Arduino to start with; if you're just learning, it's a great platform. The microcontroller used by an Arduino is the same Atmel ATMega mentioned above; you can use Arduino code on one if you install the Arduino bootloader, so you can prototype everything on a full Arduino first, and then use the cheaper, naked chips in your final projects.
At the moment I am trying PixAxe micro chips and it seems very basic and I can test things out before having to go into building anything. I am learning its code which is very basic and what I am after. Hopefully I can get something out of this :) Thanks again guys!