Hello Geeks
i need to start building a cheap single side arduino uno from concept to implementation
steps for this project as below

1- collect the ideas and schematics
2- choose the suitable one ( we will take into consedirations the availability of components here in lebanopn and their prices )
3- start with Layout drawing ( drawing the PCb using orcad or any other cad software )
4- assembling
5- burn the Atmega with bootloader
6- test
7- release with lebgeeks stamp

Best regards
Hello Marwan!

FT-232 ~6$ from katranji.
Atmega328 ~7$ from katranji.

Cheaper and more reliable to order a complete uno clone from china even without taking into consideration all the other components required. :)
Hello Jad
We will use PL2303HXD (2.5$) as USB to TTL converter
i know it's impossible to reach a lower price than chinese markets , but don't forget the freight Fee .
what is the price of Arduino in locale markets , other than Katrangy ?
By the way it's good to make a hardwares here ( yes of course without waste time ) , that will attrack Pcb and Arduino lovers
and late we will share informations about the shields

Best regards
Katranji got the PL2303? I got some from china. Bad drivers though. The clone at katranji also uses it.

Making hardware here is of course awesome, but if only to make an arduino uno clone, its not worth it.

We want you with us in the workshop next Saturday. We start 5PM.
http://lebgeeks.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=13539&p=1
Yes they have , with good performence
it's my pleasure to join the workshop and i will do my best to be there
i will continue the post by describe the Arduino Uno Block diagram , and hope that someone find this post and informations usefull

Actually the Arduino is simply a microcotroller ( Atmega328 ) with build-in UART engine for interface with PC serial port ( comport )
but before connect the Atmega328 to serial port we need to adapt the voltage level to avoid damage the MCU since the voltage level of PC comport is arround +-10V
Usually Hardware builder use the famous IC MAX232 as voltage adaptor between Pc serial port and the Atmega328 TX/RX ( UART engine )
but since the serial port is discontinued from labtops and new PC , we will use a Virtual com port IC PL2303HXD ( that will convert the USB port to serial port or Comport )

and as first step in schematic i will describe how to connect the PL2303HXD to MCU
Picture for IC Pl2303HXD on Board will be as below
Now we have PL2303HXD ( USB to Serial Bridge Controller ) connected and ready to communicate to external MIcrocontroller
Arduino Boards are based on Atmel MCU ( micrcontroller )
and the UNO usually based on ATMEGA8 or Atmega16 or ATMEGA328
the main difference between the both is the Program memory , ATMEGA8==.8Kbyte , Atmega328==32Kbyte
here we will use the Atmega328
the mentioned MCU continue Uart TX ( PINand RX pins , and both pins should be connected to PL2303 Tx and RX to establish the connection between the PC and MCU .
and the schematic for this part is as below :


Note: ICSP mean in circuit serial programming , using this connnector you will able to load a bootloader to another Atmega , and here the arduino will Act as IC programmer
Hello Marwan!
I'm very much interested in what you are doing, and I'm looking forward to see some simple code for your design.
Hi tony
what i'm doing is a clone for the orginal arduino uno board , and trying to convert this design from double sided PCB to single side
and use the cheaper components with taking into consideration the availability of these components in lebanese electronics markets
and hope that you get more information about the hardware during my building of the clone
i suggest for you to goto http://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Introduction and read more about the arduino
and you will find a tones of code related to arduino in google , enjoy :)
have a nice day
Maro
Now we have a Atmega328 connected to PL2303HXD
and what we need to add also a pin outs sockets ( for sheilds ) , USB socket , some leds for as indicators during communication with PC , tact switch for reset .


Note :
i remove the 12V power part from my design since must sheilds use only 5V as operation voltage
in case any sheild need 12V you should supply directly from out source 12v adaptor .
, and i also remove the ICSP part .

Next step will be the upoad of ORCAD file for mentioned design
Marotronix
@marotronix if you may upload the PCB as an image to spare us the need for ORCAD software , thank you .
ANOTHER QUESTION: do the microcontroller need to have a bootloader or something?
yes , sure

i will upload the PCB in two format *.max ( source file for orcad ) , PDF format with 1:1 size
in plus for make the orcad more friendly i will upload a Brief manual about how to use the orcad
for the Microcontroller , yes need bootloader and i will explain how to load the bootloader later .

Marotronix