next topic »

[Reply #15 on:]

I did this a while ago and the prices are probably different now but you can see that shopping at dipmicro.com is pretty good deal. To save shipping, you can order everything from dipmicro. They now have atmega328p and 16MHz crystal. I'm gonna update that list when I have time.

[Reply #16 on:]

Their '328 price is high tho. $5.38 for 10, vs $3.31, $3.25 for 10.
I would (and have before) get the rest there.

[Reply #17 on:]

Is there any kit-building/parts advantage to owning an FTDI cable or FTDI Friend as opposed to an UNO?

[Reply #18 on:]

Just curious... Does that kit come with the 168 or the 328? Cause the PCB shows 168.

[Reply #19 on:]

Is there any kit-building/parts advantage to owning an FTDI cable or FTDI Friend as opposed to an UNO?

Sure, it moves the USB-to-serial functionality off the board, where it normally just sits there unless it's being programmed. So fewer parts on the MCU board to consume space, power, and money. Don't get me wrong, I love the Uno, it's got a lot going for it, I still use them, but as I've gained experience, I find I have all I need. Most of what I do now is either with less-expensive clones, breadboards, or custom PC boards, all programmed with an FTDI Friend or an ICSP programmer (AFI's USBtinyISP works great for me).

Side note: The USB-to-serial functionality on the Uno is actually provided by a second Atmel microcontroller, an ATmega8U2. Earlier versions, e.g. the Duemilanove, used the same FTDI chip.

[Reply #20 on:]

RBBB:
"Specifications
 •2.1mm power jack
•Arduino Diecimila bootloader
•ATmega328 Chip"

I have a couple of FTDI Basic's, I use them all them to download sketches into standalone boards.  No messing around with string a bunch of wires to an Arduino - just plug it onto 6 pins & go.

[Reply #21 on:]

RBBB:
"Specifications
 •2.1mm power jack
•Arduino Diecimila bootloader
•ATmega328 Chip"

I have a couple of FTDI Basic's, I use them all them to download sketches into standalone boards.  No messing around with string a bunch of wires to an Arduino - just plug it onto 6 pins & go.

I could just update the bootloader, correct?

[Reply #22 on:]

Yes.

[Reply #23 on:]

Yes.

And done before on my RBBB. Their webpage never updated. The chip included is 328p and bootloader is duemilanove. Use westfw's UNO bootloader. It's the most recent update.

CrossRoads, if you just buy a few, you offset the "high" price of 328p at dipmicro by shopping one stop there with only one shipping charge. Typical shipping charge is around $4 everywhere. If you buy more, then get the chips at digi-key and the rest at dipmicro.

[Reply #24 on:]

This is my DIY "arduino", although is little more than a breaduino on a PCB


EDuino

I designed the PCB to be very very easy to do at home.

Someone posted on the EDuino comments a link to a list of arduino "compatible" boards:

http://jmsarduino.blogspot.com/2009/03/comprehensive-arduino-compatible.html

[Reply #25 on:]

Could always fake your way into a Mega:
Schmartboard $10
ATmega2560  $12.86
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Atmel/ATmega2560-16AU/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtkfMPOFRTOl4TPj%252bk4h3O1
(shop around)
xtal, 22 pf caps, 100nF caps, 10K resistor - <$1, dip micro.com
header pins - depends on your needs.
Learning experience: priceless.

Wire it up like a bare-minimum arrduino.

Oo!  I like the looks of those Schmartboards.

[Reply #26 on:]

Yeah, I'm waiting to have a little time to try the Schmartboard approachout.

[Reply #27 on:]

If your project is small enough you can always use the Attiny85, only $2.50 each.  http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2011/10/how-to-shrinkify-your-arduino-projects.html. 
I just ordered 10 of them.

[Reply #28 on:]

How's that for a big change! From 100 pin ATMega2560 down to 8 pin ATTiny ....

[Reply #29 on:]

If your project is small enough you can always use the Attiny85, only $2.50 each ... I just ordered 10 of them.

For 2¢ you can add several more I/O pins...
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Atmel/ATTINY84-20PU/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMvu0Nwh4cA1wWOTyEEt7ZwX5FleBit6new%3d