PICAXE
Cheap range of simple microcontrollers chips
cost around £2 come in 8, 14, 18 and 20pin versions MAKE sure they are M2 versions.
2k bytes program area
128 bytes of RAM
256 bytes of EEPROM
clock speed switchable between 4MHz and 32Mhz
can run Parallel Tasks (starts) to a max of either 4 or 8
Starter Packs around £23-£30 including USB programming cable
PICAXE-M2 Information
The PICAXE-08M2, 14M2, 18M2 and 20M2 microcontrollers
• Almost every pin is individually configurable, so, for instance, the 18M2
can now have 13 outputs
• Many ADC channels are available, with support for touch sensor inputs.
• The serial input pins (and reset on 18M2) can be used as 1 or 2 extra input pins, giving up to 2 more general purpose input pins. Software ‘reset’ command is available if a reset is required.
• The 08M2 powerful 8 pin option, with all the features of the larger pin count devices such as large memory capacity, parallel tasks and advanced hardware features such as touch sensors, SR latch, internal temperature sensor and I2C interfacing.
• The M2 parts can run either four or eight separate tasks in parallel, allowing, for
instance, a Logicator flowsheet to contain 4 separate start cells and 4 separate
flowchart tasks. Multi tasking is also supported in BASIC program listings.
• The memory capacity (2048 bytes, up to 1800 lines of program)
• Down to 1.8V operation makes the M2 ideal for use with 3V battery packs
• 28 general purpose byte variables, with up to a total of up to 512 bytes of RAM.
• ‘time’ variable counts elapsed seconds.
• 256 bytes of non-volatile data EEPROM memory.
• Internal resonator (up to 32MHz)
• Full support for common features such as ring tone tunes, servos, digital
temperature sensors and infra-red input and output on any pin.
• Full support for advanced features like DAC, SR latch, hardware serial commands, i2c memory devices and PWM control of motors.