# Build Platform Selection Guide

## Overview of Microcontroller Platforms

This guide helps you choose the right platform for each ghost hunting device build.

---

## Platform Comparison

| Platform | Cost | Difficulty | Best For | Language |
|----------|------|-----------|----------|----------|
| **Arduino Nano** | $5-10 | Beginner | Simple EMF meters, basic sensors | C/C++ (Arduino IDE) |
| **ESP32** | $6-15 | Intermediate | Spirit boxes, Ovilus, WiFi devices | C/C++ (Arduino IDE) |
| **Raspberry Pi Zero W** | $15-25 | Advanced | SLS camera, thermal imaging | Python, C++ |
| **ATtiny85** | $2-5 | Intermediate | Ultra-compact EMF meters | C/C++ (Arduino IDE) |

---

## Recommended Platform by Device

### 1. EMF Meter (K2 Style)
**Platform:** Arduino Nano or ATtiny85
**Why:** Simple circuit, low power, cheap
**Language:** C/C++ with Arduino IDE
**Difficulty:** ★☆☆☆☆ (Easiest)

### 2. Spirit Box
**Platform:** ESP32
**Why:** Fast scanning, I2C for radio module, optional Bluetooth/WiFi
**Language:** C/C++ with Arduino IDE
**Difficulty:** ★★★☆☆ (Moderate)

### 3. Ovilus Clone
**Platform:** ESP32
**Why:** Enough memory for word database, multiple sensors, fast processing
**Language:** C/C++ with Arduino IDE
**Difficulty:** ★★★★☆ (Advanced)

### 4. REM Pod
**Platform:** Arduino Nano or ESP32
**Why:** Multiple sensors, LED control, audio output
**Language:** C/C++ with Arduino IDE
**Difficulty:** ★★☆☆☆ (Easy-Moderate)

### 5. EVP Recorder
**Platform:** ESP32
**Why:** I2S audio support, SD card capability
**Language:** C/C++ with Arduino IDE
**Difficulty:** ★★★☆☆ (Moderate)

### 6. Thermal Camera
**Platform:** ESP32 or Raspberry Pi Zero W
**Why:** Processing power for thermal sensor, display output
**Language:** C/C++ (ESP32) or Python (Pi)
**Difficulty:** ★★★★☆ (Advanced)

### 7. SLS Camera
**Platform:** Raspberry Pi 4 (or used Xbox Kinect + laptop)
**Why:** Kinect drivers, 3D processing
**Language:** Python
**Difficulty:** ★★★★★ (Expert)

### 8. BooBuddy Clone
**Platform:** ESP32
**Why:** Multiple sensors, audio playback, WiFi for remote control
**Language:** C/C++ with Arduino IDE
**Difficulty:** ★★★☆☆ (Moderate)

---

## Platform Details

### Arduino Nano/Uno

**Specifications:**
- Microcontroller: ATmega328P
- Clock: 16 MHz
- Flash Memory: 32 KB
- RAM: 2 KB
- Voltage: 5V
- Digital I/O: 14 pins
- Analog Input: 6 pins
- Interfaces: I2C, SPI, UART

**Pros:**
- Massive community support
- Thousands of tutorials
- Very beginner-friendly
- Arduino IDE is simple
- Tons of libraries

**Cons:**
- Limited memory (can't store large word databases)
- No WiFi/Bluetooth
- Slower than ESP32
- 5V logic (some sensors need 3.3V)

**Best For:**
- First-time builders
- Simple sensor projects
- EMF meters
- Basic REM pods

**Where to Buy:**
- Amazon: "Arduino Nano" or "Arduino Uno"
- Look for "CH340G" versions (cheaper, compatible)

---

### ESP32

**Specifications:**
- Microcontroller: Xtensa dual-core 32-bit
- Clock: 240 MHz
- Flash Memory: 4 MB (typical)
- RAM: 520 KB
- Voltage: 3.3V
- Digital I/O: 34 pins (many GPIO)
- Analog Input: 18 channels
- Interfaces: I2C, SPI, UART, I2S, CAN
- WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth: Classic and BLE

**Pros:**
- VERY fast compared to Arduino
- Lots of memory for databases and audio
- WiFi and Bluetooth built-in
- I2S for high-quality audio
- Dual-core (multitasking possible)
- Still uses Arduino IDE
- Very affordable ($6-15)

**Cons:**
- Slightly more complex than Arduino
- 3.3V logic (need level shifters for 5V devices)
- More power consumption

**Best For:**
- Spirit boxes (fast FM scanning)
- Ovilus clones (word database storage)
- EVP recorders (I2S audio)
- WiFi-enabled devices
- Multi-sensor projects

**Where to Buy:**
- Amazon: "ESP32 DevKit" or "ESP32 WROOM"
- Recommended: ESP32 DevKitC V4 or NodeMCU-32S

---

### Raspberry Pi Zero W

**Specifications:**
- CPU: ARM1176JZF-S (single-core)
- Clock: 1 GHz
- RAM: 512 MB
- Storage: MicroSD card
- GPIO: 40 pins
- WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth: 4.1 BLE
- OS: Linux (Raspberry Pi OS)

**Pros:**
- Full Linux computer
- Python programming (easier for some)
- Camera module support
- USB devices supported
- Can run complex software (Kinect drivers, OpenCV)
- WiFi built-in

**Cons:**
- More expensive
- Requires OS setup (more complex)
- Higher power consumption
- Overkill for simple sensors
- Longer boot time

**Best For:**
- SLS camera (Kinect processing)
- Thermal imaging with display
- Complex multi-device hubs
- Data logging and web servers
- Computer vision projects

**Where to Buy:**
- Amazon: "Raspberry Pi Zero W"
- Note: Often sold in kits with case, power supply, SD card

---

## Programming Languages

### C/C++ with Arduino IDE

**Used For:** Arduino, ESP32, ATtiny
**Difficulty:** Moderate (but tons of examples available)

**Pros:**
- Compiled code (fast, efficient)
- Huge library ecosystem
- Most tutorials use Arduino IDE
- Free and cross-platform

**Cons:**
- Syntax can be tricky for beginners
- Memory management required
- Debugging harder than Python

**Example (Blink LED):**
```cpp
void setup() {
  pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH);
  delay(1000);
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW);
  delay(1000);
}
```

---

### Python

**Used For:** Raspberry Pi, some ESP32 (MicroPython)
**Difficulty:** Easier for beginners

**Pros:**
- Simpler syntax
- Great for prototyping
- Easy debugging
- Tons of libraries (GPIO, OpenCV, etc.)

**Cons:**
- Slower than C++
- Not ideal for real-time tasks
- Higher memory usage

**Example (Blink LED on Raspberry Pi):**
```python
import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
import time

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)
GPIO.setup(18, GPIO.OUT)

while True:
    GPIO.output(18, GPIO.HIGH)
    time.sleep(1)
    GPIO.output(18, GPIO.LOW)
    time.sleep(1)
```

---

## Development Tools Needed

### For Arduino and ESP32:

1. **Arduino IDE** (Free)
   - Download: https://www.arduino.cc/en/software
   - Install ESP32 board support
   - Install libraries as needed

2. **USB Cable** (Micro-USB or USB-C depending on board)
   - Often included with dev boards

3. **Drivers** (if needed)
   - CH340G driver for clone boards
   - CP2102 or FTDI drivers

---

### For Raspberry Pi:

1. **Raspberry Pi Imager** (Free)
   - Download: https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/
   - Flash Raspberry Pi OS to microSD card

2. **SSH Client** (for headless setup)
   - Windows: PuTTY or built-in SSH
   - Mac/Linux: Terminal

3. **Python IDE** (optional)
   - Thonny (pre-installed on Pi OS)
   - VS Code

---

## Recommended Starter Platform

**For Ghost Hunting Gear: ESP32**

**Why?**
- Versatile: Can build 80% of devices in this project
- Affordable: $6-15 per board
- Future-proof: WiFi/Bluetooth for upgrades
- Still beginner-friendly: Uses Arduino IDE
- Fast enough for real-time processing

**Start Here:**
1. Buy ESP32 DevKit (see shopping list)
2. Install Arduino IDE
3. Add ESP32 board support
4. Try "Blink" example
5. Build simple EMF meter first
6. Progress to spirit box and Ovilus

---

## Next Steps

1. Review `SHOPPING_LISTS.md` for specific parts
2. Choose your first project (recommend EMF meter)
3. Follow build guide in `BUILD_GUIDES/`
4. Join community forums for help