Folks, i'm looking to dabble with microcontrollers, not for a school project or anything, just for the heck of it..

So I would really appreciate if someone could point to which mc should i start with (part number etc), the programmer to use and where to get them (cost?). Seen quite a few mc/programmers on sale at Jln Pasar so it's quite intimidating for newbie like me to decide and choose (PIC/Atmel/etc?)

I'm pretty OK with electronic and coding so i'm not really starting from scratch, just zero experience in the mc department :|

Any kind of lead will be great

Hi Chein, what kind of project you have in mind? I'm using PIC (aka microchip product) because there are plenty of guidelines, code examples in books and www. Some of the most used and cheapest uC is PIC16F84A and PIC16F877A.

Atmel has a slightly different architecture, and able to execute more instructions per second. But to me, it's just the same. There are plenty of guides for Atmel as well. The most used Atmega16, 32 and 168.

Atmel has slightly better advantage in terms of coding. It come with a free C compiler. While Microchip free C compiler has some limitation, otherwise user need to purchase the unrestricted C compiler. Otherwise, if you are familiar with assembly code, both also support it.

Arduino (based on Atmel uC) is getting more attention recently, because it provide a simple board that allow user to connect to their PC, program it (in C), and execute the code. Very good for beginner.

I have no particular project in mind, just planning to do some F&T (fiddle and tinker)

Let say I'm looking for something that can be programmed from a PC, would Arduino be my best choice? Correct me if I'm wrong but don't think I can easily get it at Jln Pasar can I?

And if i'm not mistaken also, isn't both PIC and Atmel also must be plugged onto a programmer board that connect to a PC (via USB/serial port) in order to be programmed? Think i've seen those on sale at Jln Pasar

Honestly, i'm hoping of making purchases when i get my next paycheck. So im trying to come up with a shopping list

Arduino is a complete solution. It comes with an Atmel uC sitting on a prototype board with a lot of pin out, and a usb connection to PC. So just plug into the USB, run the compiler, write your code, program it. The limitation on Arduino is that it pretty much seal the type of Atmel uC, so you get only that amount of pin, functions, and program space and RAM.

Then connect the pinout on the board to LED, siren, sensor etc. I think you can check with Azman, he hang around this thread earlier.

For Microchip, get those ICP (In-Circuit Programmer) type. it's program via 2-pin only, and standard power and ground connection. I'm using it and it's very easy. But the programmer is quite expensive la. Cheapest around RM200. Or you can get those local assembly third party programmer, I think it cost around RM100, with smaller number of supported uC.

For Atmel, I haven't seen their programmer in Malaysia.

I think Arduino is best for starter, Microchip and Arduino is more suitable if you have plan to move on to intermediate and advance level.

Hi guys. I'm kinda new here. I wanna ask some opinion from you guys. Can you guys suggest me a project that use PIC microcontroller as the main component. I have no Idea what to do.

The most basic project you can do is LED related project, like trying variety of blink, dimming, etc. Most books, sites will recommend LED blink project.

I have found some idea.

I'm thinking bout make a Automatic Fan Controller. This project using heat @ temp sensor, PIC, Led and a fan(motor). When the temp rise, the fan spins fast and when the temp is low, the fan spins slow. The LED represents as the indicator of the range of temp and fan speed. But the problem now is, how to control the fan speed. What component I should use. Someone says that I can use relay to control it, is it true? can you guys give me some example function of relays...

Depends on what fan you have in mind. DC or AC? If it is a DC fan with voltage up to 24V, you can use a BJT or MOSFET transistor. If you are using 240VAC fan, you might try using a TRIAC. Although, using a relay would be a safer bet. But if relay can be used to speed control, you can only do speed increment in steps. Something like the speed buttons on your AC fan. I have not gone into controlling speed using relays before. But since the AC fan uses switches to control the speed, most probably you can reverse engineer how the AC fan does it. Hope this helps a bit.

Thanks alot. This project is just a prototype ver. Maybe I only using a simple DC fan.....

hi, anyone willing to do 1 mini project for me? willing to pay for a reasonable amount of money.

hey guys..

does anyone know where i can get wireless sensor nodes/sensor gateways offline or online in Malaysia? anyone got contacts? Most distributors are in US.. trying to look for those in SEA region or China..

hi

anyone know where i can find the charger for 12V 7AHr battery in penang island?

Where got sell Irwin wire stripper ??

hello anyone here can assemble this electronic curcuit..... willing to pay here..help plzz..

i will provide the programming...

This post has been edited by bilaman: May 17 2010, 04:30 PM


Attached File(s)
 PR14_Schematic.pdf ( 18.6k ) Number of downloads: 26

Didn't know about this tread till now... have been dabbling with DIY electronics since 15...


@bilaman Where you live? I can help for a price... .. bought form cytron? pm me plz...

This post has been edited by altan: May 21 2010, 01:17 PM

Hi..

anyone know where can i get a solder mask (green) for pcb board in malaysia. (for small scale use, bout 1 litre?)
I ask this for my dad.. i know nothing bout electronics:p

The best place to look for is Jalan Pasar, KL. I think most DIY user don't mask their PCB board. I know I don't.

hi,want to share my experience
long time ago i in secondary technical school, had build 1 machine to clean floor from dust and wipe .for the day of competition my machine do the best for 5 minute first.then after that it make some spark from DC 12v motor then blow up...very panic.

maybe this first time to get experience,i use RX &TX 7channel to control that machine..and electronic servo to make movement for it,almost equipment get from RC and i inspirated it to my machine.

next post will share with all of you my machine pic..



This post has been edited by qayyum91: May 30 2010, 02:37 AM

Why no people answer my questions ??

Those are industrial wire stripper. You can find a lot of those from different manufacturer. For electronic goodies, check Jalan Pasar, KL. Or check out ace hardware.

For cheaper unbranded stuff, you can check your local hardware shop, those big one. They might carry few.

I use this, made in china, serve me very well so far.



This post has been edited by Aurora: May 30 2010, 07:32 PM