king@...:
Any books or even better.. kits... to recommend?
"Easy Pic'n" by David Benson and "Programming and Customizing PICmicro Microcontrollers" by Myke Predko. Of the two "Pic'n" is more of a beginner book.
The BASIC Stamp is another type of microcontrollers which can be programmed in a easy-to-read BASIC-type language. I think most beginners start here. But the deterrent here is cost; they run $35 to $100 each, plus the cost of the programming hardware.
If you do choose this route, this guy: has reasonably priced starter packages. I think he has a starter package for $80. This guy is also a teacher so you might want to ask him what he thinks is the best way to start.
PICs (produced by Microchip) are programmed in assembly language, which is more rudimentary than BASIC, but like I said, you can buy them for just a few dollars.
There are many schematics for PIC programmers online along with free software. There might even be software available to let you program in a BASIC-type language.
The "Programming..Customizing.." book comes with a circuit board to build a simple programmer (called the El Cheapo) and the necessary software to do the programming. It also comes with sample programs. This is what I started with. Wirz Electronics (www.wirz.com) sells the parts kit to build the El Cheapo for $13.75. (I've even seen designs online that can be built for almost half that.)
While I had never programmed in assembly before I should point out that I am a computer programmer by trade. It's not necessary, but you might want to acquire a basic understanding of programming before tackling assembly.
You'll also want a small stash of electronic components that you can build circuits with. And a decent breadboard.
You can email me directly if you have any other questions.
-Mike
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