Where Do I Start with a Microcontroller Project?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around starting a microcontroller project, specifically for a user unfamiliar with microcontrollers. The user outlines specific functions they want the circuit to perform, including driving a coil, scanning frequencies, adjusting duty cycles, and displaying frequency.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests searching for "PIC microcontroller tutorials" or "AVR microcontroller tutorials" to gain foundational knowledge.
  • Another participant recommends starting with an Arduino, highlighting its ease of use and quick setup.
  • A different participant reiterates the recommendation for Arduino, noting that the development software is free and allows for rapid project development.
  • A later reply mentions a friend's suggestion to buy an Atmel AVR, indicating a preference for that direction based on community input.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the recommendation of using Arduino as a starting point, while also acknowledging the Atmel AVR as a viable option. However, there is no consensus on a single best approach, as multiple suggestions are presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific requirements for the user's project, such as the complexity of the functions they wish to implement or the initial cost of components.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals new to microcontrollers, hobbyists looking to start a project, or those interested in learning about microcontroller programming and applications.

hobbs125
Messages
108
Reaction score
0
Hello all,

I am in need of a microcontroller. The only problem is that I do not know where to start as I have never used or programmed a microcontroller before.


I need the circuit to perform the following functions:

-Drive a coil
-Scan through a range of frequencies
-Be able to adjust duty cycle
-Be able to gate the frequency on and off
-Find the point of impedance match between the coil and load via a feedback coil and lock onto that frequency
-Display the frequency


Does anyone have any suggestions of an easy place to start and an initial cost?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Seems like you need to learn about micro-controllers in general.
Start by searching for "PIC microcontroller tutorials" or "AVR microcontroller tutorials".
Some of your problems would be trivial once you learn microcontrollers.
 
For first timers I always recommend and Arduino. The development software is free and you can have a working project that actually does something in less than 10 minutes. If you want to get into something more advanced, I recommend the Atmel avr suite of microcontrollers since the development software is free.
 
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. A friend of mine also recommended buying an Atmel AVR so I guess that is the direction I will be going.
 

Similar threads

Eddy current position sensor circuit
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
TFT LCD Display - where is the circuitry?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
8K
Dividing the output of a VCO or....
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
How Can I Safely Control an Electromagnet with a Microcontroller?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
15K
Help with waveform control: frequency, phase and amplitude
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
5K
Can a Microcontroller Replace a 555 Timer for a Low Frequency Flasher?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Increasing the 50 Ohm bandwidth of an impedance-matched system
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Load matching/impedance matching
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
How Do I Design an EMI Filter for a Converter with Only Voltage and Power Specs?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Simple Seven Segment Counter Project Help?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K