Another breakthrough!

I have added two new links to the 'Suppliers' list on the left. These are Minibloq, a method of programming Arduino and a few other boards in the same way that 'Scratch' works and a source for mechanical robotic component parts. Both of these are open source projects and both look very useful. The hardware even includes a custom Arduino clone especially designed for robotic needs and the software has a very clever method of interfacing directly with it.

Or to put it another way,

no I won't. The whole thing has suddenly got much easier, and I will explain why. This is a simple, cheap and very clever board made by Evil Mad Science. Add just five components and 5 volts and you have a working Arduino clone board. All you need are two capacitors, a crystal, IC socket and ready programmed IC. Build your interface on the areas at either end and away you go. Simples.
However, I have had to put everything on hold whilst I work in the bedroom. Hey - Ho.