Some fully-compatible clones and software-compatible clones using a different AVR chip include the Teensy [1].
Taking a BIG step up in processing power, memory, and I/O capacity, there is also the LeafLabs Maple [2]. It has an STM32 ARM Cortex-M3 chip and is available in a standard size and Mini version, in addition to the MONSTER Maple Native. The Maple IDE is based on the Arduino IDE and implements mostly-compatible programming language+libraries. We have started using some Maple boards where I work and it’s a great platform for rapid prototyping, supporting automated test processes, and other quick tasks.
References
[1] Teensy: http://www.pjrc.com/teensy/index.html
[2] LeafLabs Maple: http://leaflabs.com/devices/maple/
I choice it because of its easiness of programmation and prototyping, it’s little volume and it’s cost.
I used it to receive command from a cellphone under Android thank to a bluetooth dongle and generate pwm to control motors of a blimp. More detail on the website.
This is just an example of the application allowed by the chip, my opinion is really positive on this cheap and I will definitely use it again if an compatible application appear.
]]>> I think your are confusing the Arduino open-source platform with the many
> Arduino based boards that are for sale on the open market. … The Arduinos that
> you typical see are “oversized” and “bulky” (as small as they are) to fit the
> standard shields.
Indeed, I was. Thanks for the clarification.
I would like to your milling machine some day (when I am more familiar with hardware and can fully appreciate it). Is it powerful enough to cut other things such as wood or solid styrene?
Lance ==)—————
]]>I think your are confusing the Arduino open-source platform with the many Arduino based boards that are for sale on the open market. Arduino is not only the standardized design/off-the-self simple hobby boards but also the firmware bootloader and runtime. The Arduinos that you typical see are “oversized” and “bulky” (as small as they are) to fit the standard shields.
I designed and built a multi-axis motor microcontroller based around an Amtel ATmega644p processor running an Arduino/Sanguino bootloader & runtime. The Firmware read g-code (a CNC control language) from a host PC to run an XYZ gantry system to move a spindle motor with a cutting bit to carve foam in to shapes. The only hardware needed to make the 644 run was a couple resistors, a few small capacitors, and a crystal. We used Allegro 3-phase BLDC & stepper motor drivers. I only needed a few control lines from the 644 for each axis & the spindle. I used fast-PWM signals for motor driver current limiting and interrupt driven limit switches. I prototyped it all out on a couple breadboards. I had originally used an Arduino Nano for the prototype but I needed a few more I/O pins. The final PCB (a simple double-sided board) would only be a few square inches including all the Allegro driver chips.
I did also use an FTDI cable for the serial/USB host communication and an ICSP for flashing the bootloader into the original clean chips but those were just normal pins on the processor, no extra onboard hardware support was needed.
]]>However, for use in any kind of commercial product, I doubt that the Arduino’s capabilities can justify its bulk.
For those moving the other direction, hardware to software, it might be nice to be able to examine the assembly produced by the IDE.
Lance ==)———————
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