ComputerVoltageSources

I have used two AtomPro's for some specific designs as well as several 
different sizes of AVR processors. You can program the AVR 
processor via serial / usb for ~$20-$30.  Not much of an investment.

However, for a general purpose module that beginners can program, and 
for portability and understandability of code, I think the 
AtomPro is a good choice.  It's got plenty of performance for my 
MIDI programs.  My bass pedals is one of the projects that I used this 
processor.  I wanted to reuse my code and not have to develop it again 
(which I eventually did on an AVR).  It's merging MIDI data from my 
keyboard, scanning and encoding the bass pedals, doing arpeggiation 
sequences, updating a display, and using timer interrupts.  I've had 
no issues with performance.

When you add a display and MIDI, this is much more than a computer 
voltage source.  I've been really pleased with using external voltage 
inputs to control program change, notes, and velocity in MIDI gear - 
something I am unable to do with any of my MIDI synths. In addition, 
I've done some very limited audio generation with the AtomPro.  I did 
a sequencer / audio (limited to square waves) that worked reasonably 
well for bass.

Speaking of which - any interest in a display / MIDI upgrade to the 
PSIM?  I really use my display a lot if nothing more than to remember 
what program is loaded and what mode it is in.

Dave


--- In ComputerVoltageSources@yahoogroups.com, "john" <jmahoney@...> 
wrote:
> This raises what I see as the big decision: Which microprocessor to 
use?
> 
> I've been programmaing for over 25 years but I admit to confusion 
over 
> the array of MPUs available. PICs, Basic Stamps, AVRs, BasicATOMs, 
oh 
> my!
> 
> One major factor that I see is this: Is a development kit required 
to 
> program the MPU? I gather that PICs are really cheap but they 
require a 
> dev kit/programmer. The BasicATOMPRO needs no such kit but it costs 
> much more than a typical PIC.