Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: rogerzimmer on April 10, 2007, 08:11:01 PM

Title: just getting started with augmented microcontrollers
Post by: rogerzimmer on April 10, 2007, 08:11:01 PM
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?
Title: Re: just getting started with augmented microcontrollers
Post by: zamboniman60 on April 10, 2007, 08:43:16 PM
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".
Title: Re: just getting started with augmented microcontrollers
Post by: trigger on April 10, 2007, 11:35:05 PM
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.