Embedded processors for DIY projects ?

[mikko.a.helin at nokia.com]

Unfortunately some programmers are crap. I built one from Elektor
Electronics mag and it just didn't get enough voltage from RS-232. I
equipped the circuit with external PSU and added a FET into circuit to
switch the programming voltage on/off as in PIC programmer specs. I have
used PIC in two projects, one was a keyboard scanner with MIDI output (no
velocity) and the other was MIDI drums (no velocity) from some mag. Problem
with 16F84 is that it's got no UART like AVR micros (except the '1200). 

I'm also considering AVR MIDI2CV device, but don't simply have time for it
to complete. It would be nice to have some ADRS and LFO stuff built into
converter, but then no 10 or 12 bit DAC is enough. 16 bit converters are
expensive though one piece is enough if you use external multiplexing. Also
it would be nice if the DAC is in usual DIP8 case. I think Maxim's got one.

Another device I may build is the MIDI brains with velocity control with AVR
8535 or PIC16F877 (both with 8 ADC channels). 16F84 with external ADC would
do as well.

-Mikko


> -----Original Message-----
> From: EXT Antti Huovilainen [mailto:ajhuovil at cc.hut.fi]
> Sent: 06. November 2000 12:23
> To: Kyn Si
> Cc: synth-diy at node12b53.a2000.nl
> Subject: Re: Embedded processors for DIY projects ?
> 
> 
> On Thu, 2 Nov 2000, Kyn Si wrote:
> 
> > What about pics? Is anyone using them? And what is the best 
> way to get into 
> > pic-programming, is there a programming guide online somewhere?
> 
> I'm going to (been for too long) build a midi2cv using a 4MHz 
> PIC. Thus
> far I've managed to get some basic leds flashing, 16450 UART reset and
> getting my PIC fried. The net is full of simple & inexpensive 
> programmers 
> and the assembler can be downloaded for free. I've found the 
> datasheet to
> be enough documentation as PIC16F84 is pretty damn simple.
> 
> Antti
> 
> "If you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding!
>  How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat!?"
>    - Roger Waters
>