TI Adds Some Linux Support For Evalbot – We’ve Got Hardware Coupon Codes For You!

In case you missed it, Texas Instruments sells a little robot called the Evalbot as a development platform for ARM Cortex-M3 microcontrollers. Since its release we’ve seen a few hacks on the hardware; the image above is a proof of concept for developing for the device under Linux. We have criticized TI in the past for not natively supporting Linux with their IDEs. We’re not sure how it will play out, but they have added new software package options to go along with the hardware. You’ll notice on their PR page that there is now an option to use CodeSourcery. It is a trial of the full version, but at least it is a step in the GNU direction from their previous offering.

The Hackaday team has been talking off and on with TI about the hardware. We’re happy to say that they’ve been listening to the Internet community about their likes and dislikes; following various online groups that have sprouted up to talk about Evalbot projects. It sounds like they’re thinking about hosting a contest using the hardware. So maybe you want to get your hands on one so that you can familiarize yourself and hit the ground running if/when that contest starts. You’re in luck, we can help save you a few bucks.

The first time that Texas Instruments tried out a $125-off coupon code the deal got away from them. It had been meant for attendees of the ESC Boston conference. They honored the deals that went through before the proverbial run-on-the-bank got shut down. This time around they’re using serialized deal codes to limit the number of give-aways. We’ve got 200 of them just waiting for our loyal readers to use. One code will let you purchase one Evalbot for just $25 (instead of $150).

Please take a moment to decide if you actually want (and will use) one of these robots, and decide if you are willing to shell out the $25 to order it. You see, we don’t want this deal going to waste. If you decide this is for you, send an email requesting a code to:We’re all out! We’ll dish out the deal on a first-emailed-first-served basis. We will update this post when all 200 have been claimed.

We will not tolerate anyone gaming the system and so we reserve the right to disqualify any email submission for any reason in an attempt to maintain some semblance of fairness. Also… if you’re planning to pick this up just to resell it for cash you’re a loser.

[update: Those who emailed us requesting a code should begin receiving replies this evening or tomorrow.]

[Update 2: here is the specific bot you should be trying to buy. ]

109 thoughts on “TI Adds Some Linux Support For Evalbot – We’ve Got Hardware Coupon Codes For You!

  1. I got mine the first time around so I won’t send an email. It arrived shortly before I moved and I haven’t had time to dig it out of the boxes yet. Hopefully I’ll have some free time this summer when I get my workbench built to play with it.

  2. Just got coupon and placed order.

    Thank you, Hackaday. If I were going to have more children, I’d name one after you. Well, maybe not, because that’d be extra cruel to the child when they hit third grade, but you know how it is.

    Chose the IAR version, the forums say it’s easier to get running and I’ve messed with IAR some playing with the Launchpad.

  3. I saw this in between clases and just had a chance to look at it and you are out of codes. I think/thought it would be a good starting platform for my college computer engineering club to get into robotics. is there a way to be informed if any more codes become available?

  4. ecko : suggestion : drop TI a line and ask about a sample for your club. I joined “my.TI” a long while back, and if you’re not greedy, they’ll send sample chips. It being a club, you might be able convince them to do a tax deductable donation. Or, shucks, at $150 list price, a club of 10 people could chip in easily enough.

    Fungus: it looks like the difference is the software in the package.

  5. If you’re planning to then . Nice argument you got going there. Also, if you’re planning to us an Arduino to blink an LED, and post it on HaD, then you’re a cock-gremlin.

  6. I got a code (thanks HaD!) but when I attempt to apply it on checkout I get “The coupon code you’ve entered does not apply to any of the products in your basket.” I have one EKB-UCOS3-EVM in my basket. Anyone else getting this?

  7. I got mine through a training seminar put on by Avnet, Micrium and TI. We were lucky enough to have Mike Phipps from Micrium there, so it was very informative.
    It looks like they have more seminars available in Phoenix, Dayton, Huntsville, Dallas and Cleveland. I’m not sure what you have to do to be a “qualified customer”, but if you buy through Avnet, definitely check it out.

  8. I got a code but I was unable to apply the code to an evalbot. “The coupon code you’ve entered does not apply to any of the products in your basket.” I have P/N EKB-UCOS3-EVM in my cart. There is another that comes with a book but based on your $25 cost (150-125), I did it right. Not sure if I have to wait or anything, but I thought I’d mention it.

  9. Thanks HaD! I was originally confused when I received the message, “The coupon code you’ve entered does not apply to any of the products in your basket,” but (thanks to Adam) successfully ordered the IAR version.

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