Interested Potential Customer with Questions

[Ridgeglider]

As Larry indicated, code is downloaded to the 5213 over one of its 3 UARTS. The Mod-Dev-40 is simply a dev board for the module. It includes two RS232 level converters (for 2 of the 5213's serial ports), a power supply that provides power from a wall wart, a CAN transceiver for the 5213's CAN port, a RTC clock, a few debug LEDs, and a reset switch. If you want to supply your own power (3.3V) the module will work fine on its own. Please realize that if you want to download code from a PC, most PC serial ports are operating at RS232 levels and therefore you typically need another RS232 level converter on the 5213 end. One way to do this w/o using the dev board is to use one of many adapters like this http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/ ... -CONN.html. Just connect the proper 5213 UART Tx/Rx pins of the 5213 to the serial level converter pins. So the Mod-Dev-40 is not required, but it is very convenient. If you are just getting going, I'd recommend it.

[Ridgeglider]

Sorry, the link in the previous post got screwed up: http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/ ... -CONN.html

[liam.nb]

Your explanation was very clear. Thanks. I use RS232 level converters for my ATMEGA644P chips.

Still undecided between the MOD5213 and the upcoming Maple Mini. My plan is to monitor these forums and then decide.

[liam.nb]

A new year, new options. Here's an interesting list of 32-bit microcontroller modules I'm seriously considering in order of priority. The Maple Mini is ready but not available for sale until late January, so I'm holding off between that and the 5213. An attractive feature of the Mini is the 40-pin "stamp" format and the direct PC interface with a USB cable - no need for a development kit. Other attractive features are the open source C/C++ compiler and price. I suppose open source can be a detriment too. Just thought I'd share this list. Appreciate your comments.

Code: Select all

Price Stamp    ADC     Code  Model
----  -------  ------  ----  --------
$33*  Yes/40p  10/12b  C     Maple Mini (http://forums.leaflabs.com/topic.php?id=251&page=2)
$39** Yes/40p   8/12b  C/C++ Netburner 5213 (netburner.com/products/core_modules/mod5213.html)
$50   No       16/12b  C     Maple (http://leaflabs.com/)
$35   No        6/12b  C     Coridium PropPlus (coridiumcorp.com/PROplus.php)
$60   Yes/40p   6/12b  C     Mbed.org (www.mbed.org)
$59   Yes/24p   6/10b  C     Coridium ARMexpressLITE (coridiumcorp.com/ARMexpress.php)
$35   No        6/10b  C#    FEZ Panda (www.tinyclr.com/downloads/Panda/Broch_FEZ_Panda.pdf)
$35   No        6/10b  C#    Netduino (www.netduino.com/netduino/specs.htm)
$TBD  No        6/10b  C#    NetduinoPlus (www.netduino.com/netduinoplus/specs.htm)

*  Device due in late January 2011 according to blog & forum.  Module interfaces directly to PC with USB.
** Requires 1 development kit (+$60) for compiler and PC interface.  [/size]