AVR-Chat

Hi,
I'm a newbie in this field and would like to start to actively develop 
for the AVR platform. Firstly, what do people recommend I buy on the 
hardware side, besides a Dev Kit like the STK500? Secondly, I am also 
kind of new to the field of electronics (I know my basic, high school 
physics). Can anybody recommend good books or online tutorials?

Thanks,
Joel

--- In AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com, Joel Haasnoot <bladeserv@f...> wrote:
> Firstly, what do people recommend I buy on the hardware side, besides
> a Dev Kit like the STK500?

The STK500 is a good value, in my opinion.  It even comes with one or
two AVR processors to get you started.  Note, however, that it does
not support all of the AVR line.  If there is a particular processor
that you expect to use, check the "supported devices" list.

A digital multi-meter is something that you should have.  You can get
a medium quality meter for well under $50.  Inexpensive ones that will
meet most, if not all, of your needs can be had for $10 or less (on
sale).  I have several of the $10 meters that I keep in various places
around the house, toolboxes, travel trailer, etc.  If they break, toss
'em and buy another.

A logic probe is handy but not essential.

An oscilloscope and/or logic analyzer is very nice to have.  You
should be able to pick up a 70's era Tektronix or HP unit on eBay for
$100-$200 (more or less).  I have a Tek 465 dual-channel portable
scope and a Tek 7603 lab scope with a 7D01 logic analyzer plug-in.  I
also haves the horizontal and vertical plug-ins for the 7603 to make
it a 4-channel scope.

Depending on what kind of applications you're going to be developing,
a JTag ICE unit is very nice.  I got one free by attending an Atmel
seminar about a year ago.  On top of that, it would have been
worthwhile to attend the seminar even if they hadn't been giving away
the JTag ICE units.

> Secondly, I am also  kind of new to the field of electronics
> (I know my basic, high school physics). Can anybody recommend
> good books or online tutorials?

The Yahoo group Electronics_101 is a good place to learn.  Other than
that, I'd scurry on over to the community college bookstore and see
what they have in used textbooks.  It's likely that you can find a
good introductory to intermediate textbook there that will serve you well.

If you don't have a community college nearby, check out any major
bookstore (Barnes & Noble, etc.).

Don

Joel,

> I'm a newbie in this field and would like to start to actively develop
> for the AVR platform. Firstly, what do people recommend I buy on the
> hardware side, besides a Dev Kit like the STK500?

I tend to build my own, as I always find I need something slightly 
different.

> Secondly, I am also
> kind of new to the field of electronics (I know my basic, high school
> physics). Can anybody recommend good books or online tutorials?

the bible for electronics ;-
"Horowitz and Hill - The Art of electronics"
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0521370957/qid=1112086350/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-8500317-6888033?v=glance&s=books

PAul