microcontroller question

[[email protected]]

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

 

[Eeyore]

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.

They're not *that* hard to understand if you have a decent working knowledge of
electronics.

Can anybody tell me of a newsgroup that might be best for this (if it
isn't this one)?
sci.electronics.design


Where would I go if I wanted to pay someone else to make a simple
electronic system of this sort?

Ditto.

Graham

 

[Ken Moffett]

[email protected] wrote in

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

Russ,

You might try a PICAXE microcontroller.

http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/picaxe/

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

 

[jasen]

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)?

this one is good for beginners, and maybe (much later) comp.arch.embedded
and sci.electronics.design for the really deep questions

Where would I go if I wanted to pay someone else to make a simple
electronic system of this sort?

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

 

[Homer J Simpson]

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.

Given more information someone might be able to point you to an off the
shelf solution.

 

[BobG]

Can anybody tell me of a newsgroup that might be best for this (if it=========================================
Check out Avrfreaks.net.... the atmel avr is the coolest 8 bit
microcontroller going... just ask any of the avt freaks themselves...

 

[[email protected]]

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 => www.picaxe.orcon.net.nz , & ponder
the "Brain Boxed" approach => www.picaxe.orcon.net.nz/ebb08jnr2.jpg
and http://www.picaxe.orcon.net.nz/ebb08jnr.jpg

 

[Richard Seriani]

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

Russ,

If you are interested in PICs, you may want to look at www.microchip.com.
Lots of tutorials on the many hits you could get through Google.
For starters:
http://www.amqrp.org/elmer160/
http://www.mikroe.com/en/books/picbook/picbook.htm

Happy learning.

Richard

 

[Mike_in_SD]

[email protected] (Richard Seriani) wrote in <Qq7Xh.101529$mJ1.22476
@newsfe22.lga>:

while guys are throwing their favorite micro's at you let me give
my two cents.

http://forums.basicmicro.net/

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

 

[John]

[email protected] wrote in


Russ,

You might try a PICAXE microcontroller.

http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/picaxe/

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

I'll second this recommendation. I have a couple of useful projects
built with PICAXE chips:
http://www.picaxe.us/AV-fan.html
http://www.picaxe.us/WaterLevel-08.html

John