Help getting Started

Thread Starter

freedomdude0

Joined Jun 29, 2012
1
Hey guys,

I'm a first year EE student and I want to do some hands on work with embedded systems. I only learned some basic theories in school. So could someone point out what I should do to start out? Like if I get a kit, what should it contain ? What different flavour of micro controller are there out there ( Audrino , PIC ) ? Where can I find resources to finding these things? I am also looking into doing some soldering skills as well.

Any advice would be helpful !
 

MrChips

Joined Oct 2, 2009
30,714
There is way too much out there to start making a list.
The best part is a lot is available at no cost as free samples or for very low price.

For starters, go get the MSP430 Launch Pad for $4.30

https://estore.ti.com/MSP-EXP430G2-MSP430-LaunchPad-Value-Line-Development-kit-P2031.aspx

Available also from Digi-Key:

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/MSP-EXP430G2/296-27570-ND/2331789

Mouser:

http://ca.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Texas-Instruments/MSP-EXP430G2/?qs=CLImetaeaXUE9Lk6mEpQh%2fzGZlP4tiko

(Newark site is down)

In general, you should get with any development kit:

1) a development board with a target MCU and a prototyping area.
2) software to get you programming in ASM and C.
3) Quick Start instructions and sample programs to get you started.
 
Last edited:

takao21203

Joined Apr 28, 2012
3,702
There is way too much out there to start making a list.
The best part is a lot is available at no cost as free samples or for very low price.
I would second that, electronics can become quite expensive. Think of some $1000 to $2000 at least.

For the start I would recommend to get some basic components, like:

-resistors assortment, capacitors assortment
-transistors like 2n3904
-LEDs, character LCDs
-some electronic transformers
-small proto PCBs, many of them
-SMD adapters
-some 20 PICs for instance

The MPS430 is also good but it's a small MCU, quite limited in terms of memory.

For soldering at best get a 50W soldering station, and 1mm solder wire.
And 2 multimeters or also LED panel meters.

eBay is very good and prices are low, as well Farnell, Radionics, Mouser, Digikey.

Myself I never really bought any developement kits, started to build circuits with off-the shelf standard components. Often I did not even use schematics. But yes of course I have browsed 1000s of webpages with electronic circuits.

Breadboards and standard wall adapters I had around very early but quickly abandoned them.
 
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