Re: micorcontroller help

Two main advantages to each micro (IMHO) if you are comfortable with C:

PIC's - Myke Predko's books (I like "Programming Robot Controllers"), and free no hassle samples from Microchip.

AVR's - Easy in-circuit programming, and AVR Freaks.

As far as disadvantages, PIC's need a programmer (Myke's book shows how to build one for under $20US) and getting AVR samples from Atmel is akin to getting a green card (slow and difficult).

I prefer the AVR but for a reason that won't matter to you; I hate C so I need a good, cheep BASIC compiler. Bascom for the AVR is free (4K limit, $79 full version) while PICBasic is $100US ($250 for the pro version).

My suggestion: learn to use both. Start with Myke's book and the free PIC's. After awhile, try the AVR. Since you can get PIC's and AVR's to communicate, there isn't a problem using both in one robot. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of both will allow you fit the right part to each application.

Catman

Dale Stewart wrote: 
kapatiya@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

hi all, i am very new to robotics. i have done some reading into what
microcontrollers i might work with, and have narrowed it down to PICs and Atmel ICs, any reason to go with Atmels over PICs? i am mostly into automation, like controlling servos and motors (all DC).
also can someone point me in the direction of getting started tutorials and/or guides? i know my way around ANSI-C, took advance C for engineers at college. thanks, -zalnn


Hi Zalnn

Like you, I am new to both, and exploring PICs now and plan to with AVRs
too.

I am working on my first robot project using PICs and the CCS C compiler.
For PICs go to this site for programmer/test board, and free evaluation
version of C compiler & IDE ( althogh CCS C compiler has better support
for PWM for
DC motors control ):

www.mikroelektronika.co.yu

Also go to their "Books" section for a very good online tutorial on PIC basics
( assembler ). One of my lecturers has included this tutorial in one of
his PIC courses.

I also just got Myke Predko's "Programming and Customizing PICmicro
Microcontrollers"- which is apparently a major reference.
I recommend the CCS C compiler for 16F series ( USD $125 )
http://www.ccsinfo.com/picc.shtml.

There is also a textbook using CCS C called
"Embedded C Programming and the Microchip PIC".

Finally, I have a brief guide on my website:

http://www.users.tpg.com.au/daleste/Microcontrollers/PICmicro/pic.htm

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For AVRs, there is a book I bought called C"C Programming for
Microcontrollers Featuring
Atmel's AVR Butterfly and the WinAVR Compiler" ( www.smileymicros.com )
- for USD$ 20 you can buy an awesome
 Butterfly evaluation board from digikey.com - nothing comes near it for
this price - nothing!


Hope this helps

: -]

Cheers

Dale 
.

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