flashing EEPROM's & uControllers

[nmcclana]

Our kits come pre-flashed, so you don't need to worry about flashing anything. But, if you'd like to make modifications, change things whatever, here are a few references to get started;

NOTE: I interchange Flash, Program, and Burn, but it all means the same thing: storing a binary image on nonvolatile memory. This isn't about coding software.

NOTE AGAIN: Our kits come pre-programmed. You don't need to worry about any of this unless:
(1)You want to build a project without buying a kit
(2)You want to tweak a project or build your own to post.

Parallax Propeller
The Parallax Propeller doesn't have any permanent memory onboard - the program is stored on a second chip, the EEPROM. You can use just about a million different industry standard EEPROM programmers, although they can sometimes be expensive. Parallax also offers a Prop Plug, which connects your computer to the Propeller, and tells the Propeller to write the EEPROM. This type of programming is called In System Programming.

Ubicom SX
The SX does have 2kB of onboard permanent storage. The good news is that this reduces the parts count of any project and simplifies construction. The bad news is it's a little more complicated to program the chip. You'll need either the SX blitz or the SX Key. The Key is $50, but allows for easier debugging and a few more features. The Blitz is $30. I put together a little project to make it easier to program the SX, here.

AVR (Atminy & atmega)
No lies: Programming the AVR's is kind of a nightmare. The tool we use is the AVR Dragon. Here's a good instructables. The Dragon is $50 USD, and a ZIF socket is also quite helpful. Honestly, I broke my dragon in about 30 minutes by simply touching it. Smoke started pouring out. Turns out this is a common problem, and here's the fix. Programming AVR's is NOT hobbyist friendly.

PIC
I don't have any PIC projects, so I haven't yet gotten the equipment to program them. But I did get the equipment to program the PICaxe (a PIC with a pre-flashed bootloader / interpreter). The PICaxe is programmed through a 3.5mm stereo plug! I use the PICaxe protoboard kit for the 08M (here), and the 14M starter pack (here). You'll also need a programming cable (converting USB into something the PICaxe can understand (here).


If you're a beginner, I suggest you start out with the PICaxe. If you have coding experience, but not a lot of hardware experience, the SX or Propeller is a good next step. Arduino is cool, too (Arduinos are AVR's that are preflashed with a bootloader, like the PICaxe, so programming them isn't as difficult). Of course, it's up to you!