i am a computer programmer and i can write VB.net, C# and Java to quite a high level.
But is what i would like to do is to use theese programming skills and make small gadgets and things like that, nothing complicated, just Like I/O programs that display on a small screen or even that just lights up LEDs and things, but the problem is, i dont know where to start and i dont have ANY experience in this sort of thing, and im NOT looking to spends loads of money. is there any specific languages used to communicate with circuitboard components or is it just a load of wiring for hours until you get the right result.
I'D JUST LIKE SOME GENERAL GUIDENCE ON WHERE TO START

thanks