Buying an Arduino Uno isn’t difficult at all, nor is it very expensive. That being said, do you know how to build one? If the answer is no, then MakersBox has an exciting new project for you.
The DIY Ardu is a through-hole kit that allows you to build an UNO compatible clone with all the necessary parts and a little trickery to get the FTDI chip on board. The kit includes a purple PCB from OSH Park, an Atmega with preloaded bootloader, and a soldered FTDI chip on a DIP compatible circuit board.
Instructions are available online to help you through the process. It may not be as inexpensive as buying an Arduino outright, but it does offer some unique insight into how they are designed and made. Not to mention, it would make for a nice entry on your maker resume.
