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starting with the SX — Parallax Forums

starting with the SX

um..., Hium..., Hi Posts: 64
edited 2005-07-03 16:07 in General Discussion
hey,

i am starting a project that i wanted to do PBASIC with a BS2, but my need for IO's is too great for the BS2 i have, and i dont want to shell out the $$ to get the 40 pin one. so i was looking at the SX series specificly the SX52BD beacuse of the IO's and the low cost, but then i saw the price of the SX key and i was amazed at it ($80 interface for the $8 microcontrollercry.gifcry.gifcry.gif). i was wondering if there is anyway around the SX key thing, or if i could create my own? (oh and i know i can no longer use PBASIC i am ok with learning a new lang.)

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Comments

  • pjvpjv Posts: 1,903
    edited 2005-07-03 10:51
    Hi Geek;

    In my opinion, if you are seriously interested in learning lots, and doing a good job, you would be doing yourself the greatest dis-service by not shelling out the mere cost of an SX key.

    For a serious tool, you can't get a better deal.

    Cheers,

    Peter (pjv)
  • Guenther DaubachGuenther Daubach Posts: 1,321
    edited 2005-07-03 11:19
    Hi,

    compare the prize for the SX-Key to what other companies ask for microcotnroller development systems. Comparing the $80 interface to the $8 microcontroller is not really fair. You can use the $80 system to develop and program hundreds of $8 devices.

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    Greetings from Germany,

    G
  • Jon WilliamsJon Williams Posts: 6,491
    edited 2005-07-03 13:33
    Geek,

    You'd be amazed how complicated the SX-Key is and what it does; I think you're attempting to compare it to the cost of the programming cable of a BS2 -- not a fair comparison. Considering you're current knowledge, creating your own progammer for the SX is not really an option. Get the key ... you'll be glad you did.

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    Jon Williams
    Applications Engineer, Parallax
  • Keith MKeith M Posts: 102
    edited 2005-07-03 15:49
    ummm.wanna-be said...
    but then i saw the price of the SX key and i was amazed at it ($80 interface for the $8 microcontrollercry.gifcry.gifcry.gif
    If you compare the features and functionality of the sx key to any other companies development products, the price-performance blows them out of the water.· Go look at Microchip's PIC development kits for their PICs above 14-pins, and you'll see what I mean.· To save you the trip, its hundreds to thousands of dollars.· And their chips are boringly slow, unless you get the higher end versions(which require expensive programmers and real-time debuggers)

    For me, a hobby user, the $129 kit I bought which included everything you need to get started, chips, resonators, books, power supply, test board, etc was a great bargain.· And remember that support is part of the price too --- you have these forums, good free downloadable content, faq's, etc.· Good help is just around the corner!

    Not to mention, where else can you pay $129 and get essentially a blank canvas for creating standalone intelligent projects that have the speed to get the job done?

    Good deal in my book!
    ·
  • Jon WilliamsJon Williams Posts: 6,491
    edited 2005-07-03 16:07
    The SX Tech Kit PLUS is still on sale for $99:· http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=45181

    You get the key, an SX-Tech board, some chips, resonators, and a GREAT book by our pal Guether (a huge contributor on this forum).· How can you beat that?

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    Jon Williams
    Applications Engineer, Parallax
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