beginning microcontrollers and tinkering

Michael, in case you decide on the MSP430 you can get them soldered on little
daughter boards. Then you solder these daughter boards with their large pinouts to
whatever circuit you want to build. This way you can avoid messing with SO20
packages and so on. One of the sources:

www.olimex.com

They have distributors in many countries as well. I assume this service is
available for other uCs as well.

Regards, Joerg.

On my Forth page are links to the sites where you might find what you
are looking for.
http://homeusers.brutele.be/VBeullens/Files/forth.html

Viviane Beullens

jealous xmp wrote:
> 
> I basically have 3 questions.
> 
> Are there any groups devoted to homebrewing CPU's and building computers from
> microprocessor and chip level?  I've found a few web sites and threads related
> to FPGA CPU and building from 7400 level circuitry, but haven't found a web
> forum or Usenet group yet.  I have no desire to build a complete computer, just
> interested in the basic design and its application to my projects.
> 
> Are there any kits left similar to the AES ones where you program on a hex
> keypad in assembly?  I've found some vendors but the kits are either high
> priced or meant for wholesale to educators.  I've seen a few dated kits on
> Ebay, unfortunately at high prices due to collectors.  Is there a present day
> analog to these kits?  I have some fond memories of "coding" on
> microcontrollers as a kid, and would like to try it again.  I realize this has
> little practical value, this is just for fun.
> 
> Any suggestions for a cheap (e.g. $50 to $150) simulator or development kit for
> learning the basics?  I thinking Basic Stamp might be a start.  I'd like to
> avoid c, and use basic, forth, or some such.  I'm not sure why I'm biased
> against c but I am, and another language would be preferred.
> 
> Michael