Start on Project Wizbang (design embedded system, design housing, etc.)

I made contact with a friend of my sister who used to work at Siemens doing embedded programming.

He was absolutely the right person to touch base with on this project.

On his recommendation I shifted my focus from the Microchip PIC processors to Texas Instruments processors.

I lurked on the Texas Instr. website for a few days and found this REALLY SWEET toy there … it’s a USB device that is a test platform for their MSP430 family of microprocessors. It carries the MSP430F2013 processor.

That’s not exactly the processor I will use for this project, but the entire device cost only $20—that’s SUPER cheap for a test platform that can be used to program an actual robot.

Now I’m trying to get beyond the basic sample program and actually do some programming of my own on this device.

LATER I will choose the actual processor for use in Project Wizbang and invest the $400 – $1200 in a test platform for it.

:D

I’m pretty sure my device will require a microprocessor (or a digital signal processor or DSC) to operate.

I need to take inputs from temperature sensors, control 1 or 2 fans and control a Peltier diode.

I need to choose a very basic, very cheap microprocessor to use that is easily programmed, flashed and debugged from my laptop.

I’m looking at either a TI or a PICS processor.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

(Maybe I need a new name for this project)

Project Wizbang is an idea I had to apply a relatively new technology to a very simple and obvious application.

I will need design and program an embedded system (ie, create a proprietary control board) AND design a housing to mount the electronic / electric device onto an existing item.

I have a small amount of experience programming and designing embedded systems, but I have a LOT of learning to do in that area. Eight years ago, I could have told you exactly what processor I would use and what language I would program it with. But things have changed SO much since the last time I did this!

I also need to learn about designing a plastic housing and get that prototyped.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.