[chbot] Expressions of interest in a construction project

[Charles Manning]

Hi Richard

Are you proposing using a commercial PCB outfit to build these? If so then you 
may as well use a surface mount micro since that gives two more ADCs.

Perhaps add an optional 3V3/5V regulator section. eg. If driving a 3V device 
like a GPS module or whatever.

There are a few simplifications that would assist if you wanted people to be 
able to make them at home using the laser printer toner fusing method.
1) Replace the 6 pin programming header with an in-line header next to pins 
15..20. That means you don't need those thin tracks under the micro and 
between pins. Thicker tracks make for easier home PCB making.
2) Use a three legged resonator rather than a crystal. It doesn't need the two 
extra caps. However that makes part finding a bit harder.

For one-off programming (eg to introduce an arduino bootloader) also consider 
the ponyser programmer. Google will find.

-- CHarles



On Wednesday 26 August 2009 21:55:46 Richard Jones wrote:
> 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
>
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