Need help designing

killercal

Hello everyone,

I'm new to microprocessors and I'm trying to build something with my son. We would like to connect some sensor (push buttons) and some indicators (LED lights) to something that we can program. Our end goal is to have a light go on and then once we push the button that corresponds to that light it will turn off and another one will turn on. Kind of like the game you can buy.

Anyways, I'm not sure what I would need as a microprocessor or even if I need one. I would like to have the option to add more stuff and be able to program it so I can add more features/functions i.e. a timer and a counter to keep score.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

kwinn

Well, since you're posting this on the Parallax forum may I suggest using the Parallax Propeller as the micro. Very easy to program, very easy to add functions to, and lots of knowledgeable people on the forum to help you.

Post a thread on the Propeller 1 forum and include the number of switches and leds you want and you will get lots of help and suggestions.

killercal

thank you, I will do just that!

Genetix

Since you are new to microcontrollers you might want to start with the BASIC Stamp Activity Kit. It's designed for beginners and making LEDs blink and controlling them with pushbuttons is done in the 2nd and 3rd chapters of What's a Microcontroller. Once you are familiar with the BASIC Stamp you can move on to the more powerful Propeller. I started out with the BASIC Stamp and have only been using the Propeller since this year.

http://www.parallax.com/product/90005

ValeT

Definitely start with the BASIC Stamp Activity Kit. That will be a lot easier, and that is what I started with. It will help teach you how to program pushbuttons, LEDs, 7-Segment Displays, etc.

Good luck and welcome to the forums!