I've been working on a project that involved testing a toy with a simple processor in it, that controlled how the toy reacted when the user did things.
All of which got me interested in how the thing works at a hardware level - something in which I have no experience at all. I would like to learn more.
I have around me a Windows PC, a Linux PC, an EEPROM 'memory programmer', some basic programming skills, the ability to wire a plug, the ability to learn stuff, and broadband.
I would like to learn how to build and code embedded system type things with the absolute minimum of expenditure. Where should I start?
Are there emulators for microprocessor packages that I can program, complete with emulated lights and switches, or somesuch? Are there freeware ones? What about the attendant circuitry - sensors, buttons, motors, diodes and such?