Hi all,
Spin time... I've tested out enough of my sub electronics to be able to start optimizing. I'm contemplating the MSP430F149 or F135 as a candidate to replace a few 8-bit micros [that are currently way under-utilized anyway]. This is a dual-purpose project; saving power and also learning the MSP430 as I will be using it extensively in the coming years at work.
However, at home I would like to work with "free" tools; mspgcc and preferably a homebrew or low-cost JTAG dongle like Olimex's. Any comments on the Olimex wiggler? How about their F149 breadboard? They're so cheap that I've ordered one of each to play with, but I'd like to know if there is any known flakiness.
What's mspgcc like? I know about IAR Kickstart, but 2K isn't enough, and anyway, where I work we're also in the process of ditching all IAR tools (including their MSP430 toolchain) due to bugs, poor support and crazy pricing.
Also, how reliable is the whole gcc toolchain running under Linux? (I'm thinking in particular the JTAG flashing here).