just getting started with augmented microcontrollers

[rogerzimmer]

I'm really interested in learning about microcontrollers.  Does anyone know where I can dumpster dive a good type of microcontroller?  I love the idea of getting something for free, then figuring out how it works, could work, and be reused.  How do I figure out what a discarded augmented microcontroller can or can't do?

[zamboniman60]

the odds of dumpster-diving a microcontroller which you could program are exceedingly slim -- you're better off pretending you're a company, and getting a sample for a "prototype".

[trigger]

I'm really interested in learning about microcontrollers.  Does anyone know where I can dumpster dive a good type of microcontroller?  I love the idea of getting something for free, then figuring out how it works, could work, and be reused.  How do I figure out what a discarded augmented microcontroller can or can't do?

It's not worth the effort.  They're so cheap that you can buy one for a couple bucks, and with minimal support circuitry and free software, get it up and running.  See, for example, http://www.instructables.com/id/E5H5UDWB5UEUKIKV8V/?ALLSTEPS.