Help with programming do it yourself microcontroller?

evolion:
Hello,

So I bought a Mintduino kit the other day to help me understand micro-controllers better. I'm a little disappointed. Compared to an Uno, it seems that you get about half as much for about a third more in cost, great marketing scheme. No manufacturing, less components, cheaper components, no tech support or complete instructions and sell it for more.

Hey, you get a breadboard, some LEDs and a mint tin to put it in. Coolness always costs more.

evolion:
They don't tell you that you need to buy their FTDI serial adapter (or whatever it's called) to be able to program it.

Yes they do: Microcontroller | Microcontroller Projects - Maker Shed

Quote: "Please note: An FTDI programmer is required to upload code to the MintDuino."