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[The Fool]

Hello! It's been a while. Some may know me as that one guy that draws sometimes, but that's not why I made this thread. I'm hoping to get into a technical institute next year, and I figured, 'why not make awesome machines and robots while I'm at it?' So here I am, nearly broke and trying to save up to move to Calgary with no experience in electronics beyond basic theory.

What I need is a basic, cheap project to get the ball rolling. If I can get into the habit of doing something somewhat academic every day then it won't be so crushing when I get back to school. It can be anything from setting up a servo-based claw to programming a microcontroller to spin a servo in intervals. Right now I have no equipment beyond random powertools and screwdrivers. No breadboard, no nothing. ANY help would be immensely appreciated.

[Heron TSG]

The basic tools you'll need for circuit design:

You'll need a soldering iron (not a soldering gun!) for wiring many things together. Some will have clips, but this is a handy thing. Wire strippers are good for getting at existing wires. A pocket knife will do in a pinch, but it takes some practice. I recommend a digital multimeter rather than analog. (A multimeter being a combination ammeter/voltmeter/ohmmeter.) A meter that has a current-checking mode is nice, which is a setting wherein the meter will just beep if there's any connection at all.

I would recommend the classic beginning electronics project: put together a flashlight. Get a bulb, an appropriate battery, some wire, and a switch. It doesn't have to be pretty, but it's good practice soldering.

[MonkeyHead]

Lego technic is a cheapish  and easy to use construction material (compared to making components out of raw metal or plastic at least) that works well with self made electronics. Little wheeled robots are fun, and you can set them up to respond to external stimuli like light or physical obstacles with relative ease.

[Sigulbard]

If you're thinking about robotics, buy the Boe-bot robot kit: LINK (You'll prolly have to find your own Canadian retailer)

It was my first robot and it's pretty darn good for beginnurs. It teaches you the basics, but it's also not like kindergarten-level easy, you know what I'm saying?
While you're at it, also get the Ping sensor. It adds to the fun.

Basically, when you're done with the main course, you can just surf around the website for more cool augmentations for your robot, for example, a Bluetooth module. That's what I did.

[ductape]

you might get one of these: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arduino

I built a 3 axis mini-mill, controlled by a PC using G-code. The software is Mach 3: http://www.machsupport.com/

It uses HTK rails and is driven by balls screws, one for each of X Y and Z. The screws are truned by stepper mototrs (200 turns per inch) and are driven by gecko drovers: http://www.geckodrive.com/

I will dig up some pics of it sometime soon if I remember. Currently it is in storage but I am keen to sell it if anyone is interested. $2k will get it out the door.

[The Fool]

I'm happy that people are giving me ideas. Thanks everyone.

I can probably borrow some of my dad's tools for now, but I'll probably have to pick up a mini solderer.

I think I'll avoid LEGO Technic as I want to get used to finding and building common parts, eventually getting the tools to fabricate parts myself. However since I'm a beginner, if I find a good deal on them I won't turn a blind eye to the option.

A Boe-bot however looks promising, as I have little programming experience at the moment and getting something moving might inspire me to learn to program for the thing.

I intend to get an Auduino and make something like a hexapod walker, but for now I'd like to work on the basics before buying some of the more expensive parts and doing something a little more unique. I really would love to work with those though, I really would.

Now the trick will be getting the money to start this project. Saving up to move to another city and get into robotics is kind of expensive. XD