BasicMicro - Forums

I don't want to spend a lot. What is the most minimal system that I could get started with?

Oh, Chuck! If only I had the entire day...
Let's see:
1. A Nano18 for $8.00.
2. Freely downloadable BASIC compiler, BasicAtom 5315.
3. A USB Nano Programmer, $17.
4. A breadboard, $20 at RadioShack, $5 or so on Ebay.
5. Pre-stripped wire kit for connecting things together on the breadboard. ~$20 at RadShack, cheaper on Ebay.
6. The power supply is a little tricky. If you can get your hands on an old USB 1.0 power supply, 5V/2Amps, remove the connector and figure a way to connect to the breadboard"s power rails. Instant 5V.
7. Obtain miscellaneous parts: Power supply capacitors, pullup resistors (10K, 1/8th, 1/4 Watts), switches for reset and applications, A couple LEDs and suitable current-limiting resistors (390 Ohm is OK), and probably more but doesn't come to mind.

OK, so after paying taxes(?), paying shipping costs (or the time to chase the parts down), modifying various items, you might just as well buy the Nano Development board for $50 (before Shipping/Handling, usually anther $12.95 with UPS Slow) along with the Nano18 (skip the Programmer, board has USB programming port) and do it all in one fell swoop.
That looks like:
$50 for the Nano Board
$8 for the Nano18
$12 to $20 for pre-stripped wire kit
$13 for S@H (UPS ground)
$tax unknown
$83 total without tax and your wires kit cost.

If you have a well stuffed junk/parts box, this will be less. You can always buy the four conductor 22G bell wire at RadShack and seperate the wires, cut them to a couple handy lengths, then strip both ends to 1/2", and use them for your connections wires. You still have to come up with a DC wall adapter to power the board. Preferably 9 - 12Vdc, around 400 - 500 mA.
Hope that helped.

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kenjj
http://blog.basicmicro.com/
http://kjennejohn.wordpress.com/

Can you program it without a compiler?

Is there a cheaper setup? The board and book is more than I can spend.

Hi Chuck,

I am just another user, but it is hard to know how to help here. You have not mentioned what it is you would like to do.

I happen to like the Basic Micro processors and have several, but if you need to go less than what Ken has mentioned, you might have better luck looking up on Ebay at different options.

For example: you could purchase a used Basic Stamp Board of Education setup for maybe $25-50. Note the processor will not be as capable as the Basic Atoms.

Kurt

The compiler and users' guide (manual) are free for the download. The cost is in the hardware. It all goes back to what you have already. If you have a breadboard and a power adapter of some kind you have half the battle won.
BTW, what DO you want to do?

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kenjj
http://blog.basicmicro.com/
http://kjennejohn.wordpress.com/

I suppose I just want a basic circuit on a breadboard. I'll go from there but I know I will have to program the chip.

The USB Nano Programmer at $17 is probably the cheapest solution. After you have purchased a breadboard suitable solution for using RS232 (PC serial port, if you have one, proper versions run $25-$30) or a USB adapter (for PCs that only have USB ports), you quickly hit $50 - $60 after S&H. The Nano programmer? $30 if you have it shipped UPS Slow.

_________________
kenjj
http://blog.basicmicro.com/
http://kjennejohn.wordpress.com/