How Do I Start with Microcontrollers on a Budget?

Microcontrollers are really fun! I'd suggest starting with the Arduino Uno; it's affordable and user-friendly, but it requires programming in C/C++. Get yourself an Arduino, a breadboard, some jumper cables, and a few basic components like LEDs, sensors, and maybe a servo motor. It's also a good idea to brush up on some basic electronics, like understanding resistors and transistors.

An Arduino kit is a great choice; it's easy to set up, fully featured, and very budget-friendly. I personally started with the Pi Pico and used Circuit/MicroPython. Ultimately, what you need depends on your project goals, but consider starting simple and expanding from there!

Definitely check Amazon for various options; you can find microcontrollers for under $10! Think about the project you want to build and choose your components accordingly. It might be helpful to buy an electronics kit that includes some breadboards.

If you're looking for something a bit different, you might consider a Raspberry Pi, though it's technically a microcomputer rather than a microcontroller. Just keep in mind that you might need some basic programming in C, and it can be a bit more complex than starting with an Arduino.

I recommend getting the Elegoo Arduino Starter Kit from Amazon. It comes with all the basics you'll need. After that, download the Arduino IDE and follow along with instructional videos online to get you started with practical projects.