Author Topic: MSP430 Launchpad vs ATmega8 AVR fo 50$ Project  (Read 2790 times)

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Offline k_kasunTopic starter

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MSP430 Launchpad vs ATmega8 AVR fo 50$ Project
« on: May 26, 2011, 12:10:35 PM »
Hi Guys,

I want to build my first 50$ Robot but I noticed that using the AVR microcontroller requires me to buy:

-ATMEGA8-16PU-ND 3.66$
-AVR ISP2 Programmer  34$
-AVR STK Serial Port Dongle Programmer  13$

I already have a MSP430G2231 Micro controller with the Launchpad that is able to upload my program via the C/C++ programmer Code Composer.

I was just wondering:
1. Is the MSP430G2231 good enough to do all of the tasks of an ATMEGA8-16PU-ND?

Also while we are at it: I need to buy a soldering gun. What are the best soldering guns you guys like? I am thinking of buying a Weller Universal 100/140W Soldering Gun Kit for 42.99..... what do you think of it if you have used it?

Heres a link to the Soldering Gun:http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/WeldingSoldering/Soldering/PRD~0586365P/Weller%252BUniversal%252B100%25252B140W%252BSoldering%252BGun%252BKit.jsp?locale=en

 

Offline waltr

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Re: MSP430 Launchpad vs ATmega8 AVR fo 50$ Project
« Reply #1 on: May 26, 2011, 12:32:39 PM »
Quote
1. Is the MSP430G2231 good enough to do all of the tasks of an ATMEGA8-16PU-ND?
More than likely this processor will be more than enough for the features in the $50 Bot.
Does it have hardware timers, ADC inputs, and the other features of the ATmega?
Down side is that you need to write all of the code but much the of ATmega C code will port over.

soldering gun? I hope this not for soldering the processor and other small electronic parts. If so then look at 30-40Watt soldering irons.
If the soldering gun is for big metal pieces then ignore the preceding comment.

Offline knossos

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Re: MSP430 Launchpad vs ATmega8 AVR fo 50$ Project
« Reply #2 on: May 26, 2011, 01:22:02 PM »
I used to use one of these and I liked it:

Hakko FX888
"Never regret thy fall,
O Icarus of the fearless flight
For the greatest tragedy of them all
Is never to feel the burning light."
 
— Oscar Wilde

Offline k_kasunTopic starter

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Re: MSP430 Launchpad vs ATmega8 AVR fo 50$ Project
« Reply #3 on: May 26, 2011, 01:50:23 PM »
Quote
1. Is the MSP430G2231 good enough to do all of the tasks of an ATMEGA8-16PU-ND?
More than likely this processor will be more than enough for the features in the $50 Bot.
Does it have hardware timers, ADC inputs, and the other features of the ATmega?
Down side is that you need to write all of the code but much the of ATmega C code will port over.

Hi Waltr,

Here are the features, I think it has all those things you said
    Low Supply-Voltage Range: 1.8 V to 3.6 V
    Ultra-Low Power Consumption
        Active Mode: 220 µA at 1 MHz, 2.2 V
        Standby Mode: 0.5 µA
        Off Mode (RAM Retention): 0.1 µA
    Five Power-Saving Modes
    Ultra-Fast Wake-Up From Standby Mode in Less Than 1 µs
    16-Bit RISC Architecture, 62.5-ns Instruction Cycle Time
    Basic Clock Module Configurations
        Internal Frequencies up to 16 MHz With One Calibrated Frequency
        Internal Very Low Power Low-Frequency (LF) Oscillator
        32-kHz Crystal
        External Digital Clock Source
    16-Bit Timer_A With Two Capture/Compare Registers
    Universal Serial Interface (USI) Supporting SPI and I2C
    Brownout Detector
    10-Bit 200-ksps A/D Converter With Internal Reference, Sample-and-Hold,
    and Autoscan
    Serial Onboard Programming, No External Programming Voltage Needed,
    Programmable Code Protection by Security Fuse
    On-Chip Emulation Logic With Spy-Bi-Wire Interface
    Available in 14-Pin Plastic Small-Outline Thin Package (TSSOP),
    14-Pin Plastic Dual Inline Package (PDIP), and 16-Pin QFN

Thanks waltr for your help I really appreciate it!
And thanks knossos I will look into it!

 


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