Hi
I am looking to build a prototype of some simple electronic equipment involving a v. simple microcontroller, some on/off input and simple output. I know some electronics and computer programming but nothing about (PIC) microcontrollers or other embedded electronic systems.
Can anybody tell me of a newsgroup that might be best for this (if it isn't this one)?
Where would I go if I wanted to pay someone else to make a simple electronic system of this sort?
Thanks in advance
Russ
They're not *that* hard to understand if you have a decent working knowledge of electronics.
sci.electronics.design
Ditto.
Graham
snipped-for-privacy@hotmail.com wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@b58g2000hsg.googlegroups.com:
Russ,
You might try a PICAXE microcontroller.
They are Microchip PIC's with an onboard interpreter. They're programmed (free download sofware) in PBasic, and loaded directly through a seriel cable from your PC. They're cheap (relative to Basic Stamp micro's.), and have a lot of support documentation, as well as two good support forums (one on the company site, one on Yahoo), and several really good user web sites. The also come in 8-, 18-, 28-, and 40-pin versions. I've used the 8-pin chip in several projects to replace a lot of descreet components and logic chips. Since you "know some electronics and computer programming" these should work well for you.
One caviat...these (and Basic Stamps) run on interpreted basic, so run slower than the equvalent compiled language programmed PIC.
Ken
this one is good for beginners, and maybe (much later) comp.arch.embedded and sci.electronics.design for the really deep questions
If you want someone you can meet in person you could try the yellow pages under electronic engineers. otherwise there are people here who will do preliminary design of interesting problems here for free.
And same/others who will do contract work, most reqiure payment first, such is the nature of the internet.
Bye. Jasen
Given more information someone might be able to point you to an off the shelf solution.
========================================= Check out Avrfreaks.net.... the atmel avr is the coolest 8 bit microcontroller going... just ask any of the avt freaks themselves...
I've just posted here as a new "PICAXE Junior" topic as it happens - certainly consider the Picaxe family ! You'll do more in 30 minutes with them than you may otherwise mange in 30 days! Check numerous resources via =>
Russ,
If you are interested in PICs, you may want to look at
Happy learning.
Richard
richard snipped-for-privacy@cox.net (Richard Seriani) wrote in :
while guys are throwing their favorite micro's at you let me give my two cents.
the basic atom
its like the basic stamp .. on steroids
its only a little more expensive but has a ton of on board stuff .. like A-D coverters, and servo drivers, etc etc
and its basic instruction set in the easiest I have seen.
just take a look
my two cents mike
I'll second this recommendation. I have a couple of useful projects built with PICAXE chips:
John
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