John Samperi wrote:

> At 06:20 AM 8/06/2007, you wrote:
> 
>>What do the AVR people recommend as good AVR parts to stock for 
>>hobby projects?
> 
> 
> Well you have the Tiny series that start with 8 pins (something like 
> the Tiny13)
> and the largest in that series is the Tiny2313 which is roughly 
> equivalent to the
> 16F628...but a lot better :)
> 
> In 28 pin size you can get the Mega48/88/168 which is an excellent range
> starting at 4k of flash and 512 ram and EEPROM.
> 
> Then you have the 40 pin range like the Mega8535 etc. this particular
> type has an upward range of chips that are also pin compatible like the
> Mega16 and Mega32, the newer range of pin compatibles is the Mega164/324/644.
> 
> You may want to start with the Mega48/88/168 range, Digikey has a special at
> the moment of a Dragon and an STK500 for about $50.00 which will allow you to
> build your project (STK500) and do in circuit debugging with the Dragon.

Thanks for the recommendations John.
Nice savings on the bundle (about $100), so I ordered one.

Then I came across this page:
http://popsci.typepad.com/how20blog/2007/03/help_an_absolut.html

"Whether it's a marketing lapse or a brilliant design configuration
feature, beginners should be aware that Atmel Corporation does not
include several vital pieces of equipment in the AVR Dragon box.
...
Furthermore, you will be required to solder several components to
the AVR Dragon to enable it to work with the widest variety of
8-bit AVR products.
...
 From a beginner's perspective, the thought of having to "scratch build"
your commercial programmer might seem a little daunting. Actually,
the hardest part of this DIY venture is complete--once you purchase
the headers and ZIF. The actual soldering is tedious, but straightforward.
"

So there are a few surprises, but nothing a well stocked junk box can't handle.

Robert


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