A while back, I posted up a quick and dirty "el cheapo" method of getting started programming the Atmel AVR series chips: Ghetto Programmer (version 1.0)
Since then, I've vamped, re-vamped, and otherwise improved my setup. Thought it'd be nice to document it.
The goal was to get a flexible, compact, portable, use-anywhere, AVR-based microcontroller prototyping environment. On the cheap(ish).
So without further ado, here's the Ghetto Development Environment (GDE) (version 1.2).
Since then, I've vamped, re-vamped, and otherwise improved my setup. Thought it'd be nice to document it.
The goal was to get a flexible, compact, portable, use-anywhere, AVR-based microcontroller prototyping environment. On the cheap(ish).
So without further ado, here's the Ghetto Development Environment (GDE) (version 1.2).
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Signing UpStep 1: The Kit
The basic kit contains the following stuffs:
USB programmer. Because you want to be able to program microcontrollers from your laptop anywhere. And because USB is a very handy source of +5v.
Programming cradles. One for each kind of chip you're playing with. For me, that means one with 8 pins (ATtiny13, 15), one with 20 pins (ATtiny 2313), and one with 28 pins (ATmega8).
Blinkenlights. When something's wrong with your code, nothing clears it up like sticking lights in to diagnose. Plus, the LED blinker program is the "Hello World" of microcontrollers.
Breadboard. It's a development kit, after all.
USB programmer. Because you want to be able to program microcontrollers from your laptop anywhere. And because USB is a very handy source of +5v.
Programming cradles. One for each kind of chip you're playing with. For me, that means one with 8 pins (ATtiny13, 15), one with 20 pins (ATtiny 2313), and one with 28 pins (ATmega8).
Blinkenlights. When something's wrong with your code, nothing clears it up like sticking lights in to diagnose. Plus, the LED blinker program is the "Hello World" of microcontrollers.
Breadboard. It's a development kit, after all.
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I should have better instructions soon on how to print this in Linux. Good -able though!
These kits often include the mcu, a programming cable, a breadboard, some jumper wires, components, and a book. If you are looking for an instructable that will get you started, it is a little harder. To get started, I would get a starter kit. You can build your own when you get more comfortable with mcu's.
I am currently searching for an instructional site that will show me how to build an mcu from scratch. These sites often recommend you purchase a programmer and go from there. I have yet to read through this whole instructable and hope it provides the knowledge I need.
A combination of both the least expensive and the kit is to look at a kit, buy the components in bulk (useful in the long term but often actually more expensive at the beginning), buy the mcu, and look for the book at your local library or your univeristy or community college library. If your library does not have the book, request it.
One more suggestion, if you want to go absolutely on the cheap and would risk getting sidetracked by a parallel project (computer generated art), start with Processing (at http://processing.org) and work your way into Arduino. Why? Processing and Arduino are very closely related. The language for Processing is very similar to Arduino and the programming environment is also very similar. You can learn Processing very extensively from the website and there are a number of books about it.
Good luck.
how to program the firmware ?
1 Q about the 27pF capacitors, I just couldn't find it in my local stores.
Can I replace them with .1uF, 1nF or 100pF?
Thanx for your help...........