Summary of Packet Radio using AVR microcontroller
This article describes an experimental AX.25 packet transmitter and receiver built around an Atmel AT90S2313 microcontroller, serving as a PIC-E clone with added features. The author, having recently switched from Microchip PICs to Atmel AVRs for their cost-effectiveness and C-code compatibility, utilized this project to test MXCOM MX-614 units acquired at the Dayton Hamvention. The text highlights the benefits of AVR processors, such as RISC architecture, in-circuit programming, and affordable development tools like the STK-500 starter kit available via Digi-Key.
Parts used in the Packet Radio using AVR microcontroller:
- Atmel AT90S2313 microcontroller
- MXCOM MX-614 units
- STK-500 starter kit
- Development tools
Here is some experimental hardware and software to transmit and receive AX.25 packets. It is essentially a PIC-E clone designed around a Atmel AT90S2313 with a few extra bells and whistles.
I had picked up a couple of MXCOM MX-614s at the TAPR display (I also joined TAPR) at the Dayton Hamvention, and I needed a project to try them out on. I had designed many projects around Microchips PIC series micros, but had recently started experimenting with Atmel AVR micros. On the pic mail list this is referred to as ‘going over to the dark side’. AVRs are PIC like risc processors, but with some additional features that made them slightly more suited for certain projects. AVRs are also very cost competitive against midrange PIC parts. Simple flash based in circuit programming and cheap development tools also contribute the the attractiveness of the AVR processors. AVRs also code very well in C, but I’m still stuck with slugging away with assembler.
Most of the AVR devices are available now from Digi-Key or other online sources. Digi-Key also stocks the STK-500 starter kit which is a great way to start working with Atmels for a very reasonable price.
For more detail: Packet Radio using AVR microcontroller
- What is the core microcontroller used in this project?
The project is designed around an Atmel AT90S2313. - Can I program AVRs in C language?
AVRs code very well in C, though the author is currently using assembler. - Where can I purchase the STK-500 starter kit?
Digi-Key stocks the STK-500 starter kit. - Why are AVRs considered cost competitive?
AVRs are very cost competitive against midrange PIC parts. - What makes AVRs slightly more suited for certain projects?
They have additional features compared to PIC-like RISC processors. - Does the device support simple flash based in circuit programming?
Yes, simple flash based in circuit programming contributes to the attractiveness of AVR processors. - Are most AVR devices available from Digi-Key?
Most of the AVR devices are available now from Digi-Key or other online sources. - What type of packets does this hardware transmit and receive?
The hardware transmits and receives AX.25 packets.
