Ideas for a new micro controller

[cwickham]

hey everyone,

im looking to get a micro controller programmer, either serial or USB. Something simple, and that comes with the software i need to get going. I would prefer to program it using c.

just wondering what you guys use and if you could make any recommendations.

thanks
craig

 

[Ubergeek63]

EKK-LM3S811

for $50 you get a demo board, compiler, and interface cable. of course there are libraries as well as examples.

 

[3v0]

If you go the AVR route you will end up at AVRfreeks for help. There are not many AVR people here who can/will help here.

There are several very good PIC C experts on this forum who provide what I think is excellent help.

If you want to go the PIC route look at the PICkit2, or the **broken link removed** which will be out in January.

The is a PICkit2 clone with a built in 18F1320 target and various IO devices. I have 12 Junebugs that I use to teach PIC18 programming. It works well.

3v0

 

[Noggin]

I vote that you go with the AVR. The AVRISP ($30 or so) is a good programmer and you can get a very good free, open source, optimizing C compiler called AVRGCC. Get it by downloading and installing WinAVR.

Alternatively, you can get an STK500 for about $100 and it'll come with a micro and it has an AVRISP built into it. You can use it to program chips either on the board or in a target system. The STK500 is a dev kit which allows you to connect the ports to either LEDs or buttons on the board or to anything else that you feel like adding to it.

And like 3v0 said, avrfreaks.net will be a better resource for information if you decide to go with the AVR.

 

[Leftyretro]

Well I've had my Arduino clone for a few weeks and have been very pleased with it. Got my board as a serial kit for $20. Here is a thread I started a few days go about it:

https://www.electro-tech-online.com/threads/any-arduino-fans-out-there.85997/

Lefty

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Of course my vote goes to PIC, IMO it's got some great compilers like Swordfish BASIC & C18 and the tools are very affordable.

 

[cwickham]

i have used PICS before, but what would be a good PIC programer

 

[cwickham]

**broken link removed**

would this be a decent programmer?

 

[Leftyretro]

**broken link removed**

would this be a decent programmer?

I think that the current consensus for best PIC programmer is the PICkit 2 design. Microchip designed and sells them but there is a hugh clone market for them and of course our own blueroomelectronics sells a version with a built in 18F1320 Tutor / Experimenter and is recommended often on this forum.

Lefty

 

[blueroomelectronics]

**broken link removed**

would this be a decent programmer?

No, get one that supports MPLAB.

 

[cwickham]

thanks, ill check out the PICkit2 and make sure to get somthing that supports MPLAB

 

[cwickham]

alright, is this what i want?

Product Search - microchipDIRECT

the DV164121 - PICkit 2 Debug Express?

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Yes that's a good programmer. My Junebug kit is based on it.

 

[cwickham]

nice thats a great price too... do i also have to purchase MPLAB

ps im sorry for all the dumb questions

 

[blueroomelectronics]

MPLAB is free, C18 and Swordfish BASIC (both great compilers) offer free student editions.
There is a C compiler bundled with MPLAB and if you buy a PICkit2 or compatible you can download PICkit2 2.55 standalone and get a free Logic Tool & UART tool.

 

[cwickham]

one more question, what pics would you recommend for this programmer

 

[gregted]

Hi all,
I want to play with led displays, chasing, sequensing, etc and think this is a good time to get to know how to use a pic controller.
I have no experience at all with this type of electronice so will need to buy everything and start from scratch.
I have read these posts but am still in the dark.
If I but this kit/device, will it start from scratch with a tutorial and examples of programming?
Product Search - microchipDIRECT
Or do I need another type of pic to control leds?
I have experience in assembling kits, simple projects etc so soldering/assembling is not a problem.
Any direction appreciated.
"AUT VIAM INVEMIAM AUT FACIAM" ... I will either find a way, or make one....