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What I don't get is why you'd pay $35+ for an Arduino when you can get an AVR (the microcontroller at the heart of an Arduino) for $5+.
by bct 17y ago
What I don't get is why you'd pay $35+ for an Arduino when you can get an AVR (the microcontroller at the heart of an Arduino) for $5+.
- gamache 17y agoIt's a lot easier to get going on a project with a prototyping board. There are also many "shields" (daughterboards) which are designed to fit atop the Arduino: things like motor controllers, GPS modules, wireless ethernet cards, etc. Once a prototype has been worked out, the designer can then design their own circuit using standalone AVRs.
- iigs 17y agoI paid for a sizably more expensive ($60+) kit with one (or more properly, had one paid for for me for Christmas) because it's a ready to go kit with a USB-serial interface, some other support circuitry, and firmware in it already. I suppose if I ever blow up the microcontroller I'll buy an unprogrammed one and reprogram + install it, but by far the compelling thing about it is that you get all of the parts in one box and can start tinkering on Christmas day. If you just get the MC you have to get a breadboard, USB support guts, and any other stuff separately before you can start using it.
- paulgb 17y agoThe $35+ Arduinos usually have a USB port. Some Arduino (non-USB) clones are now less than $20. It's still a fair bit more than $5, but when you don't know what you're doing, a kit is better than trying to acquire all the parts yourself.
- st3fan 17y agoI don't. I get these http://moderndevice.com/RBBB_revB.shtml http://moderndevice.com/RBBB_revB.shtml ... you basically get 5 ATMega328 + power supply for 48 USD. Not a bad deal I think. They fit nicely into a breadboard or you can use them in a more permanent setting.