Thumb rules

1. Lower the current in a circuit by adding resistors. Example: an LED will burn if the current is not lowered by adding large resistance.
2. Most motors can not be driven directly by an Arduino out pin as they can't supply enough current -- use a motor driver (shield) or transistors to amplify current.
3. Motors are a great source of interference that can make the rest of your electronics misbehave. This can be countered by isolating the motor power supply to a greater or lesser extent.

How to get started from Scratch

How to get started with the programming from scratch.

1. Download & Install Visual Studio 2010 from anywhere.
1. https://www.dreamspark.com/
2. http://it.cc.stonybrook.edu/software/students
2. Download & Unzip the Arduino Software from 'arduino.cc'.  Take note of where you unzip it to.
1. Note:  (I placed my arduino-1.0.1 in my Documents Library in Windows 7)
3. Download & Install the Arduino Visual Studio Plug in
1. Google:  "Visual Studio Arduino"
2. Download the Arduino for Visual Studio IDE  
3. Run & install the arduinoforvisualStudio.msi
4. Re-launch Visual Studio 2010 - you should get this message
5. Be sure to properly set the location of your Arduino Installation.  You can read the install guide online.  (http://www.visualmicro.com/page/arduino-visual-studio-getting-started.aspx).  You can set the location of your arduino installation as follows.    
1. Launch Visual Studio 2010
2. Tools->Options
3. Visual Micro
4. General -> Arduino->Arduino Application.  
5. Set this location to wherever you unzipped your arduino software to in step #2.  See the below screenshot for assistance.
6. Confirm that you followed the directions here properly:  http://www.visualmicro.com/post/2011/10/04/How-to-test-a-new-installation-of-Arduino-for-Visual-Studio.aspx
7. Test everything to make sure it worked using the above link in Step 6.
8. I also went to YouTube and searched for "Arduino Visual Studio".  People are awesome.
9. If you need other libraries, download and install them.  http://www.arduino.cc/playground/ComponentLib/servo

Electronics and Arduino tutorials.  

Free Circuit Design software

An open-source program called Fritzing, which makes use of a nicely illustrated parts
library to give the user a visual feel for how the circuit will look, as well as a proper schematic for each project. There is even an Arduino board available in the parts library for you to use in your schematics

Download Fritzing at: http://fritzing.org/

How to Convert a Servo to Continuous rotation

Building a Robot

Express your creativity by designing and building whatever you can imagine. This process usually starts with a few pieces of metal or wood and some nuts, bolts, screws, glue, tape, and whatever else you can find to make your bot come to life. 
Make, test, tinker, break, remake–tis’ the cycle of design.

Basic Building Tools 

• Soldering iron Hakko 936
• Hammer 
• Crescent-wrench
• Pliers (standard and needle-nose) 
• Wire-strippers and crimpers
• Vice-grip pliers
• Screwdrivers—Phillips-head and flat-head 
• Measuring tape 


multi use 6-in-1 screwdriver (top-center), 25-foot tape-measure (top-right),
(from left to right) hammer, crescent wrench, lines-man pliers, needle-nose pliers, wire strippers, wire-crimpers, wire-snippers, and vice-grip pliers.

• A computer

• Voltage-meter (multi-meter): This does not have to be expensive, typically the
cheapest one you can find will measure AC/DC voltage, resistance, and around
250mA of DC current.

• Electric drill: If you don’t already have one, you need to get one. You can get an
electric drill for under $20 at just about any hardware store. If you want to spring
for something nice, pick up an 18v cordless drill kit for about $75.

• Saw

• Welder