because I've never really dealt with it before...but I have no good ideas. Anyone have any simple suggestions?

8/30/2008 12:05:39 PM

C

unless you need to do some math, then use fortran

8/30/2008 12:12:31 PM

write a program that blinks your keyboard lights like the car on Knight Rider.

8/30/2008 12:14:15 PM

depends almost entirely on what kind of hardware you're talking about.
robotics? home automation? LCD?

does the "hardware" have an interface like a Serial or USB port? if so, some kind of microcontroller kit would work.
home automation, you can use an X10 kit or something similar

8/30/2008 12:14:52 PM

^^^ Just looking for project ideas

^^ lol, not a bad beginner idea.

^ Was hoping to do something w/ a USB port, actually, but it doesn't matter. And some very simple robotics would be nice, but I have no idea what....I want something SOMEWHAT useful

8/30/2008 12:19:10 PM

http://mindstorms.lego.com/eng/Overview/default.aspx

This actually uses the same microcontroller they teach with in ECE 212 (or whatever the intro to microcontrollers class is).

8/30/2008 12:30:42 PM

then look into a Microcontroller Kit. We used a Misubishi kit back in ECE 292K (i think), but i haven't messed with one in probably 8 years

looks like Make.com has a kit and some sample projects
http://makezine.com/controller/

none of this is just plug-and-play, though. you'll have to get into some pretty serious programming, probably

8/30/2008 12:31:55 PM

Awesome - exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[Edited on August 30, 2008 at 12:43 PM. Reason : l2google, right?]

8/30/2008 12:40:30 PM