[sdiy] Need general advice for a uP

[Jim Patchell]

    Ah yes...good old 6502....

    There are only two viable picks for 8 bit micros...the PIC and the AVR.
Both are good choices.  I personally, prefer the AVR, most ly based on the
instruction set.  It looks the most comfortable from a user perspective (to me
at least).  So far, I have only programmed the AVR in "C", and I am very
pleased with the results so far.  Now, the one thing I do not like about
microcontrollers is the fact you can't stick a scope in there to see what is
going on, but, that is life.  Having everything contained on a single chip is
great.

    One of the great things about the PICs is you have a HUGE selection of
parts.  The AVR seems to have better "C" compilers.  There are trade offs
apleanty in choosing the device you are going to go with.

    If you haven't visited http://www.dontronics.com , do so, he sells stuff
for both processors.

    -Jim

Glen wrote:

> Once upon a time, I had a small amount of experience with breadboarding and
> programming a "6800" based SBC. It was so primitive, it was actually
> programmed in machine language, as opposed to assembly language. I also had
> a little experience programming a 6502 based system in assembly language
> and in BASIC. This was all in the early to mid eighties, and I haven't done
> any DIY computer hardware work since then. I know, a *lot* has changed
> since then.  :)
>
> I currently have the desire to play with some simple uP designs, but I'm
> not sure which devices would be the best for the types of things I'd like
> to do. I'd like to eventually build some things like MIDI -> CV convertors,
> a custom Poly-Synth, MIDI "knob boxes", and similar musical devices that
> need some sort of brain inside them.
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions for a "hobbyist friendly" uP? I need
> something fairly simple to implement, easy to find and purchase in
> single-unit quantities, inexpensive, etc. Also, I need something in a
> through-hole package, instead of surface mount. Also, should I be looking
> at PIC's?
>
> Are EPROMS totally out of style now? Is there something easier to program,
> which doesn't need an expensive device programmer?
>
> I know these all sound like very beginner-level questions. I've actually
> spent several years repairing musical devices that employ uP's, but that's
> totally different from actually designing such circuitry. I'd appreciate
> some pointers to start me off in the right direction.
>
> thanks,
> Glen