I’ve already had the IceTube clock and I'm waiting the Monochrone. I have a hobby regarding clocks in particular weird, old fashion or odd clocks. The two clocks from Adafruit fit well in my small collection (Nixie clocks, osciloscope tube clock, mA-meters clock etc, I'll come back with pictures).
I need help and advice to be able myself to modify and upload the firmware for both the IceTube and Monochrone clocks. Having basic programming and digital electronic skills and I need a bit of a push (read guidance, thanks ) to start this.
What hardware do I need from Adafruit, maybe the USBtinyISP and/or something else? What software?
Is anywhere a guide available on how to start? Or a book?
I've always wanted to learn more about the microcontrollers and I think the Adafruit clocks are now an excellent reason to start.
Please advice and I'm ready to take any harsh humour, jokes or cynicism
Thank you Adafruit and all the forum members for this very nice community you are.
Newbie needs guidance, pls help
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Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
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Re: Newbie needs guidance, pls help
well, both are written for AVRs in a language called C. so we do suggest learning C programming first, theres hundreds of books (with software on a cdrom) or even free online tutorials
- len17
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Re: Newbie needs guidance, pls help
As far as tools go:
For software, see here: http://www.ladyada.net/learn/avr/ There are instructions for installing the software tools for different operating systems.
To load firmware onto the Ice Tube you'll need a USBtinyISP. For the Monochron I think you can use either a USBtinyISP or an FTDI cable.
Here are some tips on flashing the Ice Tube firmware: http://forums.adafruit.com/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=13310
For software, see here: http://www.ladyada.net/learn/avr/ There are instructions for installing the software tools for different operating systems.
To load firmware onto the Ice Tube you'll need a USBtinyISP. For the Monochron I think you can use either a USBtinyISP or an FTDI cable.
Here are some tips on flashing the Ice Tube firmware: http://forums.adafruit.com/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=13310
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Re: Newbie needs guidance, pls help
Thanks a lot for the advice.
I know C and C++ languages therefore I need to purchase the USBtinyISP.
I know C and C++ languages therefore I need to purchase the USBtinyISP.
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- Posts: 12151
- Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 4:21 pm
Re: Newbie needs guidance, pls help
yes, if you know C you're basically got the hard part done - you just need a programmer!
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.