Intro Parts

Parts needed for Intro Physical Computing
Note that there are some parts available in the physical computing lab cabinet. This cabinet is not meant as a constant supply for physical computing students. It is a place to get things the first time, so you know what they look like before you have to order them online. If you need a last-minute LED or regulator and there's one available, it's okay to take it, but please don't hoard parts from this cabinet, and please don't count on it as your main source for parts.

The NYU Computer Store carries kits to make your life easier. In it you will find enough parts to complete the basic instructions in each lab. They also carry a basic toolkit, with the minimum amount of tools you might need for the same (those tools can be handy around the house too). If you have none of your own parts or tools, purchase the basic parts kit and basic tool kit, at least.

Here's what's in the kit:

Kits supplied by adafruit The ARDX kit

Basic Parts Kit

$90.00 as of 9/2/10

This kit includes many standard parts used in the ITP physical computing labs. It includes samples of the most common components like resistors and capacitors; just enough to get you started. It also includes a servomotor, DC motor, motor controller ICs, power connectors, and switches. There's also an Arduino microcontroller in it as well.

What's in the kit (image courtesy of Adafruit):

Note: We won't be using the experimenter's guide in the kit. The standard circuits you'll learn in this class are different than those in the ARDX experimenter's guide. While the guide is useful, there are some circuits in it that can be built easier. We've opted for the simple versions, which you'll see in the lab tutorials on this site.

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Basic Tool Kit

The shop has tools you can use, but there are a few tools you should pick up for yourself. The NYU computer store carries many of these tools that do the job quite well. When you go to the bookstore to buy your kit, bring your student ID. The intro kits will be reserved for ITP students for the first few weeks of the semester.

If you don't want to buy a full drill bit index, you should at least pick up the following: 7/64", 1/8", 5/16", 1/4". You'll use these a lot, and to avoid other people dulling or breaking your bits, get your own. They're cheap, and it'll save you hours of aggravation.