## Prereq

### Arduino
What is [Arduino](http://arduino.cc/en/)?

> Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments.

Build "sketches" (combo of C/C++) in a Java based IDE and upload to Arduino via serial port.

    /*
     Blink
     Turns on an LED on for one second, then off for one second, repeatedly.
 
     This example code is in the public domain.
    */
 
    // Pin 13 has an LED connected on most Arduino boards.
    // give it a name:
    int led = 13;

    // the setup routine runs once when you press reset:
    void setup() {                
        // initialize the digital pin as an output.
        pinMode(led, OUTPUT);     
    }

    // the loop routine runs over and over again forever:
    void loop() {
        digitalWrite(led, HIGH);   // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
        delay(1000);               // wait for a second
        digitalWrite(led, LOW);    // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
        delay(1000);               // wait for a second
    }


### Firmata
What is [firmata](http://firmata.org/wiki/Main_Page)?

> Firmata is a generic protocol for communicating with microcontrollers from software on a host computer. It is intended to work with any host computer software package.

This firmata protocol uses the MIDI message format, but does not use the whole protocol.

## Shout outs

* [Rick Waldron](https://github.com/rwldrn) for [johnny-five](https://github.com/rwldrn/johnny-five) and his [NodeConf presentation](http://2012.nodeconf.com/theatre/rick_waldron.html)
* [Chris Williams](https://github.com/voodootikigod) for his [NodeBots - The Rise of JS Robotics](http://www.voodootikigod.com/nodebots-the-rise-of-js-robotics) post 
* [Emily Rose](https://github.com/nexxy) for her [Security system NodeConf 2012 presentation]( https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1m1MiyNffoqeYQMLrtqnY990kJdfaPKhtyEXh5MQ6rC0/edit#slide=id.g14c70e36_0_0)
* [jgautier](https://github.com/jgautier) for his [firmata](https://github.com/jgautier/firmata) implementation in JS
* [NodeUp 27 - a robotics deep dive show](http://nodeup.com/twentyseven)


## Current Ruby Options

* [ruFirmata](https://github.com/PlasticLizard/rufirmata)
  
  Port of pyFirmata. No longer active.

* [rad](https://github.com/atduskgreg/rad/)

  A full IDE aimed at replacing the Arduino IDE.

* [arduino](https://github.com/HashNuke/arduino)

  Requires custom sketch. Implement own command wrappers.

* [ruby-firmata](https://github.com/patcoll/ruby-firmata)
  
  Not fully implemented or currently active.

## Hacking

* [firmata](https://github.com/hardbap/firmata)

  [LED blink](https://github.com/hardbap/firmata/blob/master/examples/blink_led.rb) with firmata

* [wall-e](https://github.com/hardbap/wall_e)

  [LED blink](https://github.com/hardbap/wall_e/blob/master/cookbook/Led/blink.rb) with wall-e

The wall_e prompt (built on [Pry](https://github.com/pry/pry))

What about [EventMachine](https://github.com/eventmachine/eventmachine)?

## Demos

* [LED](https://github.com/hardbap/wall_e/blob/master/cookbook/Led)
  
  [pulse](https://github.com/hardbap/wall_e/blob/master/cookbook/Led/pulse.rb)

* [Piezo](https://github.com/hardbap/wall_e/blob/master/cookbook/Piezo)
  
  [morse code](https://github.com/hardbap/wall_e/blob/master/cookbook/Piezo/morse_code.rb)

* [Servo](https://github.com/hardbap/wall_e/blob/master/cookbook/Servo)
  
  [sweep](https://github.com/hardbap/wall_e/blob/master/cookbook/Servo/sweep.rb)

## Fun stuff
* claw with Websockets

## Short term goals...

* enhance cookbook with vids, [Fritzing](http://fritzing.org/) schematics, parts lists
* implement pulseIn in firmata so we can [Ping)))](https://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/92/Default.aspx?txtSearch=ping)
* components, components, components

## Reference

* [Arduino bit math tutorial](http://www.arduino.cc/playground/Code/BitMath)
* [Manga Guide to Electricity](http://nostarch.com/mg_electricity.htm)