Starter pack or Experimentation kit?

[BAC5.2]

Which is typically recommended for a beginner? I'd like to get more into microcontrollers and want the best way to jump in.

Input would be really great.

Thanks!

[adafruit_support_bill]

Both are excellent. The Starter Pack plus the online Adafruit Tutorials are enough to get most people started. The ARDX is a little more structured if that is what you are looking for.

Or, you can mix and match. With a few spare parts, you can do the online Adafruit Tutorials with your ARDX kit or download the ARDX projects and do them with your Starter kit!

Have a look at the Adafruit Tutorials and the ARDX documentation and decide which fits your style of learning.

[ahochman]

Does the Experimentation Kit include all the same parts as the Starter Kit plus more parts and more tutorials. If not what additional parts would I need to purchase to be in parity? I'm a beginner and not looking to get totally confused off the bat.

[adafruit_support_bill]

The included parts are listed on the respective product pages:
http://www.adafruit.com/products/170
http://www.adafruit.com/products/68

Overall, the experimentation kit includes an acrylic base and more small parts. The Starter Pack includes a regulated 9v adapter and a ProtoShield kit.

The Adafruit Tutorials can be used with either set. The experimentation kit also includes an experimenters guide and circuit layout sheets (both of which are available for download online as well).

[papercutprince]

I recently received the Experimentation kit as a birthday gift. I did an un-boxing with detailed images and a write up if you want to take a look you can check it out here.

http://www.papercutprince.com/wordpress/?p=155

I really like the idea of the experimentation kit, it rounds out the usefulness of the included Arduino.

[adafruit_support_bill]

Nice writeup. Thanks!

[papercutprince]

Thank you.

I'm trying my hand at writing informational pieces. When I order something else, I'll most likely get another unboxing article up on the site. Feel free to share with your friends.

Anyway, to stay on topic. The first lessons of the Experimentation Kit are basic enough to get even the novice up and running. Yet, it has the legs to give the experimenter more options for the future even after the lessons have been completed.

+1 Experimentation Kit

[chiragpatnaik]

The included parts are listed on the respective product pages:
http://www.adafruit.com/products/170
http://www.adafruit.com/products/68

Overall, the experimentation kit includes an acrylic base and more small parts. The Starter Pack includes a regulated 9v adapter and a ProtoShield kit.

The Adafruit Tutorials can be used with either set. The experimentation kit also includes an experimenters guide and circuit layout sheets (both of which are available for download online as well).

I think you need to update the contents page. The unobxing pics done by papercutprince shows that there is a battery holder in the kit. The parts list on your page does not show it.

I also have a questions: Is it a good idea to get the 9V power supply along with the ARDX?

[adafruit_support_bill]

Is it a good idea to get the 9V power supply along with the ARDX?

Most of the experiments can be completed using USB power from your computer. But for standalone use, a 9v adapter is a better solution than a 9v battery.