I'm tackling my first DIY project and want to make a device that rolls a large screen up and down using a remote. I'm planning to stop by Micro Center to pick up either an Arduino or a Raspberry Pi. A lot of folks seem to use both for similar projects, but I'm curious which would be easier for a beginner like me. Any advice? Thanks!
3 Answers
It really depends on what kind of remote control you want. If you’re thinking about using an IR remote, either an Arduino or a Raspberry Pi Pico would work fine. But if you're leaning towards WiFi control, definitely consider the ESP32. It’s versatile and great for beginner-friendly projects.
Honestly, for your project, the ESP32 might be a great fit! It can drive motors and even has an IR receiver for remote control. Plus, it has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, so if you lose the remote, you could control it via a webpage! You can usually get one for under $10, which is a steal for its capabilities.
If you're looking to get started with something simple, I'd go for the Arduino. It’s perfect for basic hardware tasks, and if you pair it with a motor shield, you can get a lot done without too much hassle. I snagged a motor shield from Adafruit, so check that out if you can’t find one at Micro Center!