====== Recommendations ======

Getting a started in the embedded space isn't easy. There are a lot of articles, tutorials and tipps. We also want to provide you with some of this information, and add reasoning why we recommend those things.

===== Beginners Kit =====

This is the kit we use in the [[workshops:intro_to_embedded|Beginners Workshop]]. It is tailored to give people an easy introduction to embedded, while also not being too restricted in what can be done. The selected components both allow a very easy and simple interaction, but also cover digital I/O, analog signals, communication protocols, PWM and more.

^ Component           ^ Description                              ^ DigiKey Part Number   ^
| Breadboard          | The base for building on                 | 377-2094-ND           |
| RaspberryPi Pico    | Microcontroller Development Board        | 2648-SC0915CT-ND      |
| USB-Serial Adapter  | Generic purpose communications interface | 1568-1195-ND          |
| Jumper Wires        | Interconnections between components      | 1568-1633-ND          |
| Potentiometer       | An adjustable voltage divider            | 987-1714-ND           |
| Encoder             | Converts rotation to digital signals     | PEC11R-4220K-S0024-ND |
| Servo Motor         | A position-controllable motor            | 1528-1076-ND          |
| Header              | Pins for the RaspberryPi Pico            | 2057-PH1-20-UA-ND     |
| 2× Usb Cable        | micro-USB cable for programming          | AE11229-ND            |

**NOTE:** You need two micro-USB cables, but we assume you have too many of them anyways, so only get them if you really need them!

===== Basic Tools =====

If you want to get started in embedded, you should get these tools. For beginners, a cheap tool will do the job, but later on you might want to get a better one when you know what requirements you need.

^ Tool                ^ Description                              ^ Recommended Product ^
| Soldering Iron      | Allows you to connect parts on a PCB     | [[https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/|Pinecil]] |
| Multimeter          | A basic measurement tool. Voltage, current and resistance are most important. | - |

===== Advanced Tools =====

These tools listed here are definitly not needed by a beginner, but are useful to have later on. Most professionals own not only one of these, but collect several different ones over the years.

^ Tool                ^ Description                              ^ Recommended Product ^
| Oscilloscope        | Measures high frequency analog signals over time. Think of a "wire inspector" | - |
| Logic analyzer      | Measures digital signals. Usually has way more channels than an oscilloscope, but cannot measure voltage, only HIGH or LOW. | - |