Comments on: Arduino buyers guide and the Seeeduino

By: Ufoguy

Ufoguy — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:25:21 +0000

I own an arduino and this is what I’ve observed. For an absolute beginner and people who just wanna do stuff but don’t wanna get their hands deep into programming Arduino is the best. You can just copy and paste most of the code and the community is more than ready to help a noob. I don’t think that’s the case with PIC. BTW can someone tell me if Picaxe and Pic are different or based on the same ….

By: Daniel

Daniel — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:39:41 +0000

The alignment of the digital pins to a 2.54mm grid is a big one in my mind. Well done!

By: keystoneclimber

keystoneclimber — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:07:34 +0000

There are a ton of development boards for pics. One that I like is microEngineering Labs lab-x1. Its expensive though and there are probably better options if you are looking to use graphics lcds, flash memory cards, etc. If you want cheap boards to include permanently in a project, check out the simmsticks from Dontronics (or hobbyengineering in the US)

These are only development boards. To fully answer your question, I don’t know of an arduino equivalent for pics. The thing with the arduino is that it is a completely open source, multi platform development board, IDE and compiler combined. I’m pretty sure this doesn’t exist for pics, yet.

Ellis, there are tutorials on how to use Eclipse with Arduinos. I somewhat agree with you. I have no problems with Java as a whole, only the fact that Arduino doesn’t work properly with the latest java version on linux. (namely the keyboard shortcuts ctrl c, ctrl v, etc.)

By: ellis

ellis — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:32:56 +0000

I would love start hacking with the Arduino but I hate its IDE dependency on Java (please don’t ask why, not a place for flamewars here). Are there any alternatives to the original IDE?

By: Mastro Gippo

Mastro Gippo — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:55:45 +0000

Steve, Pic C30 compiler is now free ad open source. It’s based on gcc too. You don’t need any licence to sell product based on PICs. I don’t know about picaxe, but I wouldn’t use them in a commercial design anyway.

By: steve

steve — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:01:55 +0000

Well I went with avr over pic (and I have used both in the past) for one good reason: Linux compatibility. avr-gcc is a great compiler that’s not only free as in beer but free as in speach. I can run it on any kind of computer I want. I was also able to find a cheap ($23) linux compatible usb programmer. there are lots of code examples and appnotes. I have not and will not get an arduino as I’m allready set up for attinys and atmegas, I’m just not going to pay $20 to $30 a pop when many of the projects I do can be done on an attiny13 for $1.50 or an attiny2313 for $4. One thing to keep in mind is the arduino is a totally open design, not only is the firmware opensource (unlike a picaxe) but so is the hardware so if I wanted to make and sell my own arduinos there wouldn’t be a problem. this is why they are so cheap and popular. they are the cheapest way to get into microcontrollers (that will run on windows, mac or linux) and come with the total freedom that opensource provides; if you made a product based on an avr/arduino you would have a lot fewer legal issues mass producing it then if you had used a pic/picaxe. ’cause on the pic you would need a comercial licence for your (not so) free (anymore) compiler and the firmware/hardware for the picaxe.

By: ????

???? — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:11:36 +0000

the 18F24K20/25K20/44K20/45K20 are rated for 64mhz=16mips. Arduino runs a 16mhz = 16mips. it could run at twenty, but overclocking of the pic is possible so essentially they are somewhat equivalent.

By: therian

therian — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:08:56 +0000

to which PIC are you comparing to ? to grandy 16F84 ? to you knowledge Microchip have not stop on that chip and move on making some newer models

By: Thomascpp

Thomascpp — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:48:47 +0000

oops! I forgot to mention that picaxes are tons cheaper than an Arduino and have to be bought preloaded with the firmware.

By: Thomascpp

Thomascpp — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:14:23 +0000

>>Is there a PIC equivalent to Arduino’s? I like PIC a little better. And it would be nice
>>to have a nice small Dev board for PIC’s with the included USB chip…

Yes there is. It’s called a Picaxe(http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/picaxe/). It can be programed with basic or a flowchart. all you need to program a picaxe is a 3 pin serial cable (Tx, Rx and Ground) and the software which you can get free off the website. The major differences between a Picaxe and a Arduino is that the Picaxe firmware is proprietary and that the picaxe is a one chip solution.

By: Curtisbeef

Curtisbeef — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 06:34:29 +0000

ya I hear ya idk why that guy tried to turn this into a PIC vs AVR argument… I use what I use… PIC18F4550 have worked for me in the past and im familiar with them and the Compiler that I use(CCS C) no reason for me to change my setup…

By: jproach

jproach — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 06:24:28 +0000

You can’t say an atmega168 is faster than a PIC, when you have no clue which model you are comparing it to. Personally I would completely avoid the PIC 12/14/16 series, and start with 18 or higher.

As for dev boards, there are two cheap (~$45) ones on futurlec, not quite as clean as this one though.

Also I’d have to disagree with you on the compiler issue. Having more options isn’t necessary a good thing. Especially when you have an amazing free compiler available (AVR-GCC).

By: Curtisbeef

Curtisbeef — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 05:48:45 +0000

Alot of people prefer PIC’s tbh… It has far more compiler options and alot of pre-written code also I haven’t had a single problem with speed in any of my projects, granted im not taxing the possessor to the max or anything… Microchip also has a TON more support and app notes for there microprossesors than Atmel…

Your argument saying its like a Dodge over a Ferrari is dumb. I buy a Chip that is sutible for my needs I dont go and buy the BEST one they make for my project… if you wanna go that route id say “OMG you should use ARM cause its like a ferrari compaired to a AVR/PIC”

I didn’t want to turn my post into a AVR vs PIC thing I was just simply asking if someone has come out with a small SMD Pic development board on par with this…

By: dax

dax — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 05:35:43 +0000

I’m a pretty happy owner of two iDuino’s. Mostly because they were one of the cheapest w.r.t. shipping to canada.
It’s pretty awesome to see this much selection! Great list.

By: rivetgeek

rivetgeek — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:36:39 +0000

@Curtisbeef

Why on earth would you choose pic over atmega168? atmega168 is faster, fuller featured, and more readily available. Its like saying you prefer a 1982 Dodge over a Ferrari