How do I start using a microcontroller?

Question

I want to get into microcontrollers but I don't know where to start. I've looked at a couple of different sites, but I can't choose. I want something that is pretty cheap and isn't too complicated. By not too complicated, I don't mean that it has to be so easy a 5 year old could use it, just as long as I am able to figure it out. It doesn't have to be very powerful, but it would be nice if it could be used with a lot of projects. Again, I emphasize that I don't have much money, so not too expensive. Thanks.

If I use a pic, what programmer, programs...etc. do I use?

Answer 1

pic isnt a bad micro or anything and is good for beginners, but there are also atmel micro's which are very good. i suggest them because there are other manufacturers of micros, like cygnal, philips, etc and they all use the same instruction set, compiler, and programmer. so, basically, you arent limited to just one manufacturer. if you decide to do other projects and microchip (PIC) doesnt have a micro with the features you need your stuck.

Answer 2

Actually I agree with all the answers you have had so far
but I would agree strongly that using a high level language is
a good idea. In fact I use PIC microcontrollers and a C compiler that is free for small amounts of code <2k (and you can do a lot with 2k).

There's lots of ways to use PIC micros cheaply and all you really need is a programmer which you can construct yourself - there are many on the web but there is also one on my site.

The cost of the microcontroller is then the deciding factor and PIC micros can be bought for about $4 -$5 but you can use a 12F675 which is about $1.50 - but this one is an 8 pin device crammed full of peripheral so it's pins are multi-purpose - so its fairly difficult to use.

For for that reason I would suggest you use one of the following 16F877A (40 pin - so easier to use), 16F88 (similar peripherals to the 16F877A but has 18 pins), 16F627, 16F628 (less peripherals than the 16F877A but again 18 pin devices). You could look at the bigger memory devices 18F series (if you need a lot of processing etc) but you really can do a large amount with the 16F series (see the site projects).

All of these devices are 'not too expensive' but also remember that you can go to the microchip website and request samples so for trying them out they are essentially free.

Hope that helps

Best Regards John Main

P.S. There are lots of free projects and tutorials on the site below.

Answer 3

Have you looked into the Arduino project? or Wiring?

They are Open Source Physical Computing Platforms, and Arduino is actually a "distro" of Wiring. I have been tinkering with an Arduino USB controller, and using their dowloadable High-level (Java-like) IDE for a couple weeks and it's a blast.

I highly recommend it if you are just starting out, and wanting to get your feet wet with microcontrollers. I should also mention that it's inexpensive, and loaded with the Open Source crowd of support. The community of developers on both these platforms is growing and friendly.

Another Great place to look for a community, and possible microcontroller options is Makezine.com

NI and UEI both have some free info on their sites too but they sell controllers that are probably out of your league at the moment.

Answer 4

Doesnt really matter which ones you choose. There are a lot of sites that support many uC (microcontrollers) but if you need to choose, a PIC is a good place to start. As far as projects to do, just pick something random out of your head and see if you can do and stick in a uC.

Answer 5

I have used several different microcontrollers and would recommend one that is programmed in C or a similar language. There are some controllers that program in assembly language and unless you are proficient in assembly choose another. A good website for purchasing them is hobbyengineering.com. I don't work for them, I have just orded several times from them for design project parts.

Answer 6

in college, we used a Microcontroller to administration a circuit and make it do issues inclusive of tell an further approximately coach on for 2 seconds and then turn off for 3 seconds and then repeat. First, you should use a workstation application to application the Microcontroller. for easier microcontrollers, the classes each so often encompass purely dragging blocks mutually. We used a microcontroller called a PicAxe. this methodology is named PicAxe editor the place you drag mutually blocks to administration a circuit. We made an digital cube which had to administration LEDs to %. a random type on the cube. wish this helped.

Answer 7

I have a few PIC uC laying around I can send you. They're just collectong dust.