Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: DoctorAcula on November 12, 2010, 07:36:35 PM

Title: $50 Robot- What kind of serial port do I need ?
Post by: DoctorAcula on November 12, 2010, 07:36:35 PM
Hi, I am working on the $50 Robot and I have the atmega8 ic, but i do not have the serial cable to connect the microcontroller to a pc for programming.
I have no idea what kind to get, and i was hoping you could help me out.
Title: Re: $50 Robot- What kind of serial port do I need ?
Post by: VegaObscura on November 13, 2010, 12:54:46 PM
Does your computer have a port on the back that looks like this:
(http://i32.tinypic.com/29vtir.jpg)

If so, I recommend getting a serial dongle programmer (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=14).  This is what I use and it works great.

If not, go with a USB programmer (http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?lang=en&site=US&WT.z_homepage_link=hp_go_button&KeyWords=ATAVRISP2-ND+&x=0&y=0).  Its more expensive but a lot of people say good things about it, and if you don't have a serial port like the picture above, there's not much you can do about it.  One thing I can say is don't use a serial port programmer with a serial to USB adapter; lots of people have tried that and had bad results.