Hello,
matt_quinn:
Hoping I've found the correct area of the forum to post this. I'd like to purchase a board that can serve as a development canvas for arduino projects.
A what?
I've done some searching around and probably the best looking one I've found is:
http://shop.avrvi.com/goods-362.html
http://enshop.avrvi.com/Easyavr_ATmega1280_board_kit.html
I believe Atmel sells boards similar to that one (lot's of built-in gadgets). I believe Smiley Micros also has similar stuff.
My question is, would this board be arduino compatible? I see it utilizes the Atmega1280, that the old Arduino Mega used.
You will very likely have to use a separate programmer. Oh, wait. Maybe not ... "On-board AVRISPMKII USB interface".
For Serial, it looks like you will need an RS-232 adapter for the PC.
It looks like they are using an "odd" frequency clock. millis and its ilk will not be accurate.
Also, in terms of reliability, should I trust this?
You're on your own there.