[sdiy] Need general advice for a uP

[The Old Crow]

On Tue, 2 Oct 2001, Glen wrote:

> I currently have the desire to play with some simple uP designs, but I'm
> not sure which devices would be the best for the types of things I'd like
> to do. I'd like to eventually build some things like MIDI -> CV convertors,
> a custom Poly-Synth, MIDI "knob boxes", and similar musical devices that
> need some sort of brain inside them.
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions for a "hobbyist friendly" uP? I need
> something fairly simple to implement, easy to find and purchase in
> single-unit quantities, inexpensive, etc. Also, I need something in a
> through-hole package, instead of surface mount. Also, should I be looking
> at PIC's?
>
> Are EPROMS totally out of style now? Is there something easier to program,
> which doesn't need an expensive device programmer?

  PIC16F87x series, a device programmer and one of the C compilers--all
you'll ever need.  It is a flash part, but has everything you could want.
Several kinds of serial hardware, timers, PWM registers, multiple channel
A/D, flashrom program and data areas, etc.  Get a Newfound Electronics
"Warp"-series programmer for like $100.

C compiler:

http://www.ccsinfo.com/picc.shtml

Device programmer:

http://www.new-elect.com/products.htm

  There are a number of DIY programmers out there, too.  For the money,
though, the CCS C compiler and Newfound/Warp programmer are well worth the
money, and cheap! compared to stuff I had to buy to work on Z8 circuits in
CP/M days of 1982.

Crow

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