[chbot] Expressions of interest in a construction project

[Richard Jones]

Is anyone interested in being involved with a construction project to build
PCB similar to the early Arduino?

We could hold sessions at the Christchurch Creative space on Wednesday
evenings to build copies of the AVR PCB that I use in my micromouse and we
plan to use in Sachins hexapod. Constructing the kit could be a great way
to learn about hardware and soldering, learn the 'C' programming language,
start a new robot, or just have fun. Folks would need to bring their own
tools.

The Eagle files for the design are available here:
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~rjtp/AVR/ suggestions welcome.

I expect the kit cost will be about $20NZ including the ATmeg328P-PU
processor, no problem if you just want the kit (or just the processor) :-)

To use the kit in projects you will need a programming device as well. This
usually takes one of three forms:
1. A parallel port programmer comprising a 25 way connector & a few
resistors.
2. A bootloader in the AVR and a pc serial port or USB to serial adaptor
and the interface shown above the processor board schematic.
3. Simplest option: The Ladyada USB programmer.

'C' Programming support using avr-gcc is free for Windows, Linux and Mac
OSX.

If interested please reply with your name, number of kits wanted and
whether or not interested in the construction evenings. I'll tally up the
numbers and publish them by email from time to time to cope with those who
get the digest email.

I expect the evenings will be in a few weeks as it will take a while to get
final numbers and parts.

Cheers

Richard