New to Arduino - Idea help

[Bubba333302]

To all,
I am very new to Arduino but do have a very specific idea of what I want but do not know if Arduino can do it.

I need device that will run a program to randomly activate multiple solenoids for a random or specified number of seconds. Basically switch one on and off at a specific time for a specific duration while also switching other solenoids on and off in a similar fashion. It also needs to be wireless from the control switch to the solenoids. (Minimum needs)

I have it all in my head but can not explain it very well.

Does this sound like something the Arduino could do? And how would I teach myself how to built/program it?
Any help is appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

[Franklin97355]

The Arduino could do part of the job. It could do the brains part selecting the randomness and solenoid valve and sending the info to the device. you would need radios to send the info wireless to the solenoids and some power and switching to activate the solenoids. If you want to learn the Arduino get the starter kit http://www.adafruit.com/products/68and start with the projects as you progress. You could start by switching LEDs and then go on to switching LEDs remotely then to the solenoids.

[Bubba333302]

Thanks for the info. What about the Raspberry Pi? I have seen some video project where people are controlling a Roomba and garage door through the Raspbery Pi. To be honest I do not know the difference.

[Franklin97355]

Start with the Arduino before you progress to the pi if you have no experience with Linux. The pi is a computer and is not the easiest thing to work with unless you have a good grasp of your project and you sound like you are just starting out.

[adafruit_support_bill]

The starter kit recommended by franlklin97355 has the basic components you need to get started. And we have a whole series of tutorials to walk you through the basics.

Once you get to the point where you can switch solenoids locally, we have more tutorials that can show you how to do wireless control: http://www.ladyada.net/make/xbee/usermanual.html

[Bubba333302]

Is there a big difference between the:

a. Starter Pack for Arduino (Includes Arduino Uno R3)
b. Adafruit ARDX - v1.3 Experimentation Kit for Arduino (Uno R3)
and
c. Arduino Starter Kit from Arduino.cc

Since I appear t be a total beginner is one more helpful to start me out than the other? They appear to be very similar in components included, some seem to have more paper diagrams and reading material.

Sorry for so many obtuse questions, just don't have an idea where to start.

Thank you all for your help.

[adafruit_support_bill]

The Adafruit Starter Pack is a good companion to our On-Line tutorials: http://learn.adafruit.com/search?q=learn+arduino
The ARDX Kit has online documentation from Oomlaut: http://oomlout.com/a/products/ardx/

These kits are similar and you can do many of the Oomlaut tutorials with the Adafruit kit and vice-versa. Both tutorial series take you through a progression of circuits and programming and will give you a good basic knowledge of microcontrollers and electronics.

The Arduino.cc starter kit is designed around 15 fun projects and works with this video series: http://www.youtube.com/rswwwchannel