What is a good piece of low cost electronic kit for programming? [closed]

Question

Now that systems are so powerful, there doesn't seem to be anything like the fun challenge of trying to get the most out of some 8-bit micro and with less than 64kb memory. Is there something (that isn't an emulator) which can provide a similar experience?

Answer 1

Check out the http://www.arduino.cc/. There are lots of project ideas based on it if you Google for it.

Answer 2

I always wanted to try out the BASIC Stamp modules but have never quite found the time.

Answer 3

Many of the kits available from Adafruit Industries are based on 8-bit AVR microcontrollers, excellent for electronics and programming tinkering.

Answer 4

For a fun project check out beagleboard.

Answer 5

EdSim51 is a free 8051 simulator. The 8051 is a great microcontroller.

The simulator has a virtual keypad and LCD display.

The BASIC Stamps are good too.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2117994 http://www.parallax.com/tabid/295/Default.aspx

Answer 6

The Arduino is a great starter CPU. I've used boarduinos to program other AVR microprocessors as well. BASIC stamps are easy to use, but I think the price for what you get is poor.

Eclipse with the AVR plugins makes a great Arduino development environment (what I use right now).

Answer 7

There are also some interesting kits mentioned in response to the What’s the best way to learn how to build circuits question.

Answer 8

If you just want fun out-of-box programming, have a look at a Tandy TRS-80 Model 100. It boots up instantly, runs on 4 AA batteries, has a very sharp LCD display and built in BASIC. The keyboard is fantastic! A working model can be as low as $75 (See the Club 100 Store).

I like the 8-bit AVR microcontrollers, but sometimes it is nice to have a big LCD, an interpreted language and a keyboard. Have fun.