Where Do I Start with a Microcontroller Project?

[hobbs125]

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?

 

[I_am_learning]

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.

 

[Topher925]

Get an Arduino. http://www.sparkfun.com/categories/103/

 

[triden]

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.

 

[hobbs125]

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.