Re: Best CPU and Module
2016-02-03 by DR Appleton
I think I read that you wanted to program by way of USB. Arduino is good for this. Arduino is an open source environment that includes a GUI (with high level C-type language) for design work/programming and standardized boards. Arduino can be limiting, but some people like it.
I've played with Arduino but (for debug power) I use our beloved AVR controllers with AVRlibc (a library of C functions for internal peripherals/functionality) and AVR Studio (both free).
I like the debug features that I get when I use AVR Studio with JTAG.
You can buy a starter level JTAG interface board for $10 US on ebay (USB based).
You can also buy a 'ready to go' AVR board on ebay for $10 US. These boards have headers for I/O and JTAG. You should be able to find a ATMEGA128 board for this much (more I/O and other features).
The ATMEGA8 controllers will not have JTAG.
Enjoy your retirement!
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