Answering questions streamed live on April 2, 2022....
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By Fran

18 thoughts on “Put down the arduino, and step back!”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars PracticalCat says:

    As someone who can't program to make a led blink I am proud to say I have made small automated machines using cmos logic, diode steering and relay logic 🙂

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Amne Sie says:

    I do not agree with you. Programming makes a lot of fun too, but if you don't "into" this kind of stuff, this is not for you. But to generalize this and say, building things with "discrete" logic makes more fun… I am out. Elegant code for me is fun. Everyone has it's own opinion, thats why I don't like this generalization here.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ozmo Syd says:

    Seriously, Fran, you're a legend – Love ya work!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars AnimationGoneWrong says:

    You nailed it Fran! For over a decade I built animatronic Halloween props… all relays and wiper motors and 555 timers and big honkin' "micro" switches. I have only just decided to build a project using an Arduino simply for the space… I needed a lot of logic in a tiny space, so individual TTL/CMOS chips were out this time. But usually, it's discreet components all the way! ❤❤❤

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Franko Walker says:

    When this sudden explosion of Arduino's happend, I said, (and I still say), it's not electronics, it's programing with plug and play PCB's. I don't like them.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Scott Grammer says:

    "Over-reliance on micro-controllers…. Build it out of discrete stuff." Amen!

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars YensR says:

    Fun is subjective 😉
    There are advantages to not using an Arduino, but fun is certainly not one for me.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Christian Seifert says:

    too late, all the electronic part shops in my city has been closed 15 years ago

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Null Null says:

    I'm very much with you here, but I don't think there's anything wrong with people using MCUs for everything either. Methinks modern 'electronics' as a hobby is really two different ones mashed together for historical reasons. Many seem more into the computer/programming/automation/IoT end of things, with the electronics just being a means to that end. Likewise, I think there are plenty of EE nerds that don't give a toss about computers or programming outside of practical utility. To each their own!

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alan Abbott says:

    It using the 'Right tools for the job'. I use lots of micro controllers but to make emulators of old computers etc. It's a bit like programming. Lots of times I just use scripts(Bash) to do things. They are simple and work and usually a LOT smaller then a python/c#/etc prog. p.s. Still no subtitles 🙁

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cherry's DIY says:

    I really gotta agree. Building and learning makes the result much more satisfying 😄

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! Maxusboostus says:

    I'm afraid analog electronics is beyond my limits, but I do use Mirco controllers programed in assembly to keep it "more" real. that's where I get my satisfaction from.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shawn Bergin says:

    " Analog is preferable to error " love you Fran stay Classy !

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pappa Bear says:

    Right on point, Fran! 👏🏻🙋🏼‍♂️

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Martin says:

    I'm reminded of the electronics magazine projects from the early 1980s where it was usually a game of spot the 4017.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Fightosaurus says:

    Analog electronics is a whole other world

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars fluffy says:

    I totally agree with this sentiment, and the only reason I ever use Arduino for electronics projects is if I need it to interface over USB which is way too fiddly to build from discrete parts.

    And in the other direction I get really annoyed with how many projects involve a big pile of Arduinos when a single Raspberry Pi would suffice – or multiple Raspberry Pis for no good reason either. Like, a Pi is an amazingly powerful piece of hardware and it can run more than one program at a time. If you’re worried about running out of GPIO pins, that’s what a mux is for!

    I feel like there’s been a strong tendency from the Instructables crowd to see Arduino and Pi as the hammer for every nail out there, but don’t even really understand how to use it so they’re hitting them with the claw or something.

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Albert Edlhuile says:

    Greetings from France, I agree but here it can be difficult to find some quite (old) standard "through-hole" components for analog electronics hobbyists! For instance, if you ever bought or read "Learning the Art of Electronics" (Thomas C. Hayes/Paul Horowitz) as a complement to the great "AoE", and wanted to find the full bill of materials, good luck with your quest of CA3096 or equivalent!

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