1. Do you want chips with that? Physical Computing on the cheap

2. What? ++= 3. AVR microcontrollers

Embedded computer (8-bit RISC, up to 20MIPS, with ADC, PWM, timers, EEPROM...)

1k to 32Mb programme memory

80p to 4.50 each

Can be programmed in-system using C

Hobbyist-friendly format (DIL)

Used in cars, microwaves, traffic signals... and the Arduino

4. Why?

Physical computing

Inputs (sensors) sound, light, motion (switches, dials, flex, pressure, accelerometer, IR/ultrasound ranging), serial input from computer

Outputs (actuators) sound, light (LEDs digital and 'analog'), motion (motors, servos), other devices (using relays), serial output to computer

5. How?

Computer (Linux, Mac, Windows)

AVR-GCC compiler

AVRdude programmer

Cable

Breadboard or socket

AVR chip

6. How cheap?

3: DIY parallel cable (search Instructables for 'ghetto programming')

10: DIY serial cable (adafruit.com)

15: DIY USB cable (adafruit.com)

25: pre-built USB (Rapid electronics)

7. Demo

Switch to a laptop with a serial port...

8. Examples 9. Programmable LED

Invented by Alex Weber

http://www.instructables.com/id/Programmable-LED/

10. Micro text display

Invented by Windell Oskay (Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories)

http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/microreader2

11. MiniPOV

Invented by Limor Fried

http://www.ladyada.net/make/minipov2/

12. Multimode mood candle

Invented by yours truly

http://www.instructables.com/member/tristanr/ (hassle me if it's not there soon:[email_address] )

13. Aside: the Arduino

Open source hardware in a variety of shapes and sizes

Uses the ATMEGA168 chip

Easier to programme (Wiring vs C)

Adds: - headers for all pins - voltage regulator - status LEDs - USB-serial converter

14. Links

Instructables -http://www.instructables.com/

Make Magazine -http://www.makezine.com/

Lada Ada -http://www.ladyada.net/make/

Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories -http://www.evilmadscientist.com/

Atmel -http://www.atmel.com/products/avr/

AVR Freaks -http://www.avrfreaks.net/

15. P.S.

If anybody would like to share postage on buying some business-card sized prototype boards, please contact me:[email_address] http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/card