Pros and Cons of the $50 robot's programmers

[Raeven]

Hey guys I am still working on the $50 robot tutorial and I noticed that there are two programming cables I can use. The one for $58 from digikey can use usb connection. And the one for around twelve dollars from sparkfun is serial but is extremely cheaper. So what I'd like you guys to do is list some pros and cons of each personally I'm leaning towards the $12 one but you tell me your the pros! Thanks! (in advance)

[Razor Concepts]

$58? It should be more around $30.

Basically, you code in the program AVR Studio. If you use the expensive programmer, you can simply click a button in that program and it will download. If you use the cheap programmer, you will have to download a separate program (ponyprog, avrdude) that will program the chip through the serial port.

Many computers nowadays don't have a serial port, so keep that in mind if you are planning to upgrade your computer in the future.

Also, instead of paying $12, it is really easy to make your own serial programmer. You can purchase a serial plug from digikey for a dollar, and then all you need is a few resistors and diodes.

See the top-left part of the image below with the serial port.
http://www.ladyada.net/images/minipov3/minipov3schem.png

[GearMotion]

Keep in mind that your PC has to have a built-in serial port. A USB/serial adapter does not work.

Here is the reason: The $12 serial programmer works because the software (ponyprog) can wiggle the lines of the "real" serial port as it sees fit. This is not the case with a USB/serial adapter combined with the $12 serial programmer.

Hope that helps.

[Raeven]

Here is the $58 robot 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

[sonictj]

I don't know what digikeys problem is here is the programmer from mouser for $34 http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=sGAEpiMZZMsaJrqdZ%252b6EWyua%252bG%2fwcOQP26MNKN%252bCIDE%3d

[sonictj]

I'm talking to digikey to see if I can't get this thing sorted out.

[sonictj]

here is the dialogue of my chat

Kim ext 1666: Welcome to Digi-Key Live-Help. How may I assist you?
Timothy Martin: Why is ATAVRISP2-ND priced at $58. All the other US distributors are listing this product for $34 or less. There is a great tutorial on the page societyofrobots that uses your store for the nearly the entire parts list. That list includes this programmer. I think you stand to lose some business if you don't lower your price on the ATAVRISP2-ND comparable to other distributors. The patrons to that site are also very likely to be return customers.
Kim ext 1666: Thank you for your input, I will certainly pass it along.
Timothy Martin: I know I personally purchased this product for $34 from you guys a few months ago.
Kim ext 1666: had you requested a quote to match our competitor's price?
Timothy Martin: no
Timothy Martin: it was just $34. the price has nearly doubled since then.
Kim ext 1666: sometimes that works...
Kim ext 1666: interesting because I'm not seeing a price change...
Timothy Martin: here is the list of all US distributors http://www.stkcheck.com/evs/atmel/atmelheader2.asp?mfg=atmel∂=ATAVRISP2
Timothy Martin: they all price way below you guys
Kim ext 1666: Okay, thank you.  I will pass this along.
Timothy Martin: alright thanks
Kim ext 1666: perhaps there is an error.
Kim ext 1666: we will look into it...
Timothy Martin: thats what I'm thinking
Kim ext 1666: I will check, our purchaser is gone for the day.
Kim ext 1666: would you like me to email you tomorrow about this?
Timothy Martin: ok, could you send me feedback about this? my email is -----------
Kim ext 1666: sure, I will.
Timothy Martin: ok thanks
Kim ext 1666: is there anything else?
Timothy Martin: nope thats it
Timothy Martin: thanks for the help
Kim ext 1666: have a good evening!

I think this will get fixed soon I believe its an error on digikey's side.

[Admin]

Odd . . . well, just buy from Mouser!

If they don't fix it within the next two weeks let me know and I'll work my Digikey contact

[sonictj]

If they don't fix it within the next two weeks let me know and I'll work my Digikey contact Tongue

when and if I get an email back I'll forward it to you so you can know whats up.

[Raeven]

Wow! you guys are the best. Reading the conversations of yours with digikey was breathtaking. It's great to have such a great community of roboteers!

[SmAsH]

okay?
its good to see you making a stand about this sonic

[sonictj]

okay?
its good to see you making a stand about this sonic

the $50 robot tutorial would need a name change if the programmer costs more than $50 by itself lol.  I'm pretty sure that digikey just fumbled its price somewhere.  I didn't want Admin to get get put in a position where he had to create a new bill of materials for Mouser.  I think it would be a bit of a shock to some of the new guys, if they had to find the mouser equivalent parts, on their own, to save money/shipping.  I remember how daunting it was looking at digikey/mouser's site the first time.  I ordered my parts, for the $50 robot, 100% from Admin's listed part numbers. There are at least 3 different atmega8's out there au, pu, v ect. and they all have different specs.  Likewise there are hundreds of different kinds of headers, listed by spacing pitch contact material yada yada yada you get the picture. Convincing Digikey that they were price retarded seemed like a better plan .

[sonictj]

Well I got an email back and digikey fixed the price $35 is much more reasonable.

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

[Conscripted]

Well I got an email back and digikey fixed the price $35 is much more reasonable.

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

Well done Soncitj. Thanks for the effort

Conscripted