Alex Harford wrote: > On Mon, Sep 19, 2011 at 3:50 PM, V G wrote: > =20 >> On Mon, Sep 19, 2011 at 4:32 PM, Dwayne Reid wr= ote: >> >> =20 >>> chipKIT Uno $26.95 PIC32, 42 available i/o, Arduino form factor >>> chipKIT Max $49.50 PIC32, 83 available i/o, Arduino Mega form factor >>> >>> =20 >> Microchip/PIC is the ONLY reason I'd ever get a chipKIT. The PIC32 is so >> awesome. >> =20 > > Hm, Arduino has released an ARM version as well: > http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/09/arduino-arm-products/ > > =20 Unfortunately they are now stuck with their badly designed "shield" system. If you need 5 or more of CPU board, possibly designing your own is=20 better. About $45 for 5 boards.. I'd have designed the "Shield" connector to be at right-angles to chip=20 and at one edge and Single In Line 0.1" pitch. All other connectors at=20 the other edge. Then "Shields" could be stacked on top as present, or at=20 right angle on a front panel. The depth from front "shield" / "I/O" connector to all the rear=20 connectors to be suitable for an off the shelf case, allowing for a=20 right-angled panel. Space for USB host, USB slave and ethernet connections at rear going to=20 un-committed holes/pins on the front edge Shield. Space for MAX232, RS232 D9, ethernet magnetic Jumpers to CPU pins to connectors /option area Space for PCB SMA connector Small breadboard area for random components with some traces to front=20 SIL connector Option to run off external 8V to 16V (Allowing unregulated Wall wart, 9V=20 battery or 12V Car) Option daughter board power connection to allow daughter board for PSU=20 (SMPSU?) for either 1 or 2 Lithium (inc charging from power jack on main board) 4 x or 6 x NiMH (inc charging from power jack on main board) 4 x AA or AAA Alkaline cells 1 to Multiple CR2032 Perhaps I'll design this for 18FxxJxx 80pin SM chip with 128Mbytes flash=20 and a version for some kind of ARM powerfull enough to run a vanilla=20 Debian and/or OpenWRT Linux distro. It's amazing how successful such a badly thought out system is. I guess=20 the "ease of getting started" overcomes the silly shield prices and poor=20 mechanical concept. =20 --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .