Summary of Portal "Still Alive" on AVR microcontrollers
This article details two budget-friendly AVR microcontroller projects: playing an 8-bit version of "Still Alive" from Portal and a "radio tune." Both use identical hardware except for the specific microcontroller. The guide lists necessary components, programming requirements, and assembly instructions using either a breadboard or perfboard with soldering tools.
Parts used in the Portal Music Projects:
- 16 MHz crystal oscillator
- 75 Ohm resistor
- Audio jack connector
- 7805 5Volt voltage regulator
- ATMega16 microcontroller
- ATMega644 microcontroller
- AVR programmer
- Breadboard and wires (optional)
- Perfboard (alternative to breadboard)
- 40 pin DIP socket
- Soldering gun
Yet another Portal-related instructable , but Different !
This one shows you how to :
1)Build a very cheap device that plays an 8-bit version of Still Alive from Portal
2)On the same hardware , but with a different chip , play the “radio tune”
Here are both projects , in the same video (I hope the video quality does not affect how this entry is rated.I filmed it with a phone camera) :
Step 1: Parts List
As mentioned in the intro , the parts required for this project are really cheap.
What do you need ?
You need to know how to program AVR microcontrollers
Here’s the parts list :
1)A 16 MHz crystal oscillator
2)A 75 Ohm (Or something around that value) resistor
3)An audio jack connector , so you can connect the device to speakers
4)A 7805 5Volt voltage regulator
5)For the 8 bit version of still alive you will need an ATMega16.For the second project , you will need an ATMega644.The parts above are common for both projects.
And the tools list :
1)An AVR programmer
…and that’s it.You really don’t need any tools , IF you have a breadboard and some wires .
But in case you don’t have a breadboard , grab a perfboard , a 40 pin DIP socket for the microcontroller , a soldering gun , and solder everything on the board,according to the schematic (Which is in the next step).
Step 2: Build the beast
For more details, click: Portal “Still Alive” on AVR microcontrollers
- What is the primary goal of this project?
To build a cheap device that plays an 8-bit version of Still Alive from Portal and a radio tune on the same hardware. - Which microcontrollers are required for these projects?
You need an ATMega16 for the 8-bit version of Still Alive and an ATMega644 for the radio tune. - Can I build this without a breadboard?
Yes, you can use a perfboard, a 40 pin DIP socket, a soldering gun, and solder everything according to the schematic. - Do I need special tools beyond basic electronics gear?
No, you only strictly need an AVR programmer if you have a breadboard and wires; otherwise, you need soldering tools. - How much do the parts cost?
The parts required for this project are described as really cheap. - What skill is needed before starting this project?
You need to know how to program AVR microcontrollers. - What resistor value is recommended for the circuit?
A 75 Ohm resistor or something around that value is required. - Is there a visual guide available for the build?
Details are available by clicking the link provided for Portal Still Alive on AVR microcontrollers.
