| Description | The Arduino Mega 2560 is a direct upgrade on the original, powerfulArduinoMega, and is often affectionately nicknamed “The Big Boy” of theArduinoRange. This is because it is one of the largest boards belonging totheArduino family, and has the power to match its size. While most otherboardsoffer pin counts of between 10 and 24, the Mega has a whopping 54digital I/Opins. Additionally, whilst other boards range between 8KB and 128KBflashmemory, the Mega 2560 outshines them with 256KB – demonstrating that it’stheideal board for large projects. When Arduino designed the Mega 2560, they intelligently kept theconsistentwidth, in relation to other boards like the Arduino Leonardo andDuemilanove,so that it would be compatible with almost all previous and futureArduinoShields. Additionally, all of the core components are in similarpositions tosimilar types of Arduino boards, ensuring that makers who areupgrading theirArduino platforms can still utilize a majority of the ArduinoUno, Duemilanoveand Diecimila shields they have. The Arduino Mega 2560 is based on the ATmega2560 chip and, in addition tothe54 digital I/O pins and 256 KB flash memory, also has 16 analog inputs, aUSBconnector, power jack, ICSP header and 4 UARTs – all running through a16MHzCrystal Oscillator. 15 of the I/O pins can be utilized as PWM outputs andareset button is conveniently installed for users who need both themanualversion as well as the auto-reset functionality. This feature set makestheMega 2560 a tough competitor to beat, and is why it’s commonly consideredtobe the best board available for large projects that require the power. Arduino Mega 2560 - Technical Specifications:| – ATmega2560 - Operating Voltage (Logic Level)
| – 5V - Input Voltage (Recommended)
| – 7 to 12V | – 6 to 20V | – 54 | – 15 | – 12 | – 40mA | – 50mA | – 256KB (8KB Reserved by Bootloader) | – 8KB | – 4KB | – 16MHz | – 13 | – 101.52 x 53.3mm | – 37g Typical Applications for the Arduino Mega 2560:The sheer power of the Arduino Mega 2560 allows makers to truly step uptheirgame in terms of the size and scope of projects, as having one of theseboardscan be likened to having two to four other boards working together. Thismakesit ideal for larger projects where numerous input and output pins,largememory reserves and an efficient cache of RAM is required. And ratherthancomplicating your circuits with multiple boards working together, youcanefficiently achieve the same results with a single Arduino Mega 2560. Because of the power and versatility of this board, the simpler projectsaretypically larger and more complex than basic projects involving otherboards,and include: - An SMS-based home automation systems with five or more channels
- A “Track ME” box that supplies a current GPS location to whoever calls it
- Light controller platforms for fixed or temporary installations of lighting and sound
- A Star Trek “Tricorder”, which monitors and displays the temperature and other environmental values – as well as a few fictional ones as well
As you can imagine, if these are the more basic projects, then theadvancedprojects are on a whole new scale. For those looking to truly step uptheirgame, however, more complex projects include: - A self-replicating open-source 3D printer – controllable of course via an online platform
- Augmented Reality integration on a drone to fly first person and react to birds or other dangers with physical movement
- An automated controller for fans, indoor heating or air-conditioning systems to monitor the temperature and react accordingly – keeping you comfortable year-round
- A personally-designed and customized pinball machine, complete with bumpers, spinners and an LCD score screen
It should be obvious by now how powerful the Arduino Mega 2560 can be, andwhyit’s being utilized for so many different complicated projects. Not onlydoesit offer more processing power, RAM and other power-based benefits, italsooffers a whole new level of functionality with 54 I/O pins and 15PWMchannels. So find a project that you would be excited to take on anddiscoverfor yourself precisely what makes these boards the first choice forlarge,complex and exciting Arduino projects. _ *Note: This is not supplied by Arduino, although it is manufacturedtothe same specs and quality controlled locally to ensure it functionsexactlyas expected - while saving you money._ __ |
