(10 PTS+)Newbie in soldering and programing.?

Question

I am completely new to this so bare with me.

On a printed circuit board, what component is the brain/controls, what is some essential components, what programming languages I have to learn to program it?

Let say I wanted to build a robot, where can I buy custom metal/plastic molding?

Answer 1

Check out parallax.com

Paralax makes the basic stamp which is a micro Controller that can be programmed in BASIC via a PC serial port. (you may need to buy a USB serial port adapter for less than $30 if your PC doesn't have a serial port)

Also take a look at the Boe-Bot which is a simple robot kit designed to teach programming and circuit construction via a solderless bread board.

Answer 2

You have a lot of learning to do, and there is no space to do it here. Study electronics and programming.

But briefly, PC boards do not necessiarly contain a "brain". There are dozens of different programming languages.

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Answer 3

If you're based in England, go to Maplin Electronics and go to the 'Projects' Section, for less than £30 you can buy a selection of 'kit' robots. You can then investigate the circuits and work out what does what, for instance, transistors will need balancing using resitors etc.