Part 3: Choosing A Micro Controller

After a few solid weeks of being tied up with work, I've managed to get a few hours free, and am going to try and use that time to decide on a Micro Controller.

So since we know most of the requirements it shouldn't be too hard. For the HK to work we need a minimum control over 2 servos, 2 speed controllers, 2 gyros, and about 4 proximity sensors. Other peripherals would be GPS, Bluetooth, and maybe Wi-Fi. We also require the Micro Controller it to be as light as possible. I found a few that meet the listed requirements, there is some really neat stuff out there for this kind of thing.

Qwerk
Features: 340 grams, 32+ IO, 200 MHz ARM9 RISC processor
Pros: Very powerful processor, has Wi-Fi built in.
Cons: Weight and size are an issue.

VEX
Features: 127 grams, 16 IO, PIC18F8520 Processor
Pros: Robust, very powerful processor.
Cons: Weight and size are an issue.

Axon Micro Controller (small and light)
Features: 34 grams, 55+ IO, Atmega640 Processor.
Pros: Lots of headers, small and light, powerful processor and lots of memory.
Cons: Not much built onto the main board requiring lots of peripherals.

Arduino MEGA ()
Features: ~60 grams, 70 IO, ATmega168 Processor
Pros: Lots of IOs
Cons: Peripherals can be bulky.

Arduino Bluetooth
Features: ~60 grams, 8+ IO, ATmega168 Processor
Pros: Low power requirements, has built in Bluetooth
Cons: Peripherals can be bulky.

Droids SAS MuIn
Features: ~50 grams, 13 IO, PIC18 Processor
Pros: Supports Xbee for Wi-Fi, Free GUI
Cons: Peripherals can be bulky.

I think most of these would be ideal for the HK, the only two that don't really fit are the Qwerk and the VEX as they are just too heavy. The Axon on the other hand is a mere 34 grams, has all the features needed and was the final choice. Over the next day or so I'll order an Axon and within a week or so I should have it to play with!!