Re: ATSTK525 Starter Kit


Steve Calfee wrote:
On 9 Dec 2006 11:46:32 -0800, "linnix" <me@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:


Steve Calfee wrote:
I got an email from Digi-Key about a special they are running:

<quote>Through January 31, 2007, Atmel is offering Digi-Key customers
an exclusive discount on the ATSTK525 Starter Kit. This kit, which
typically retails for $197.48, is available for $148.00. (Limit
one/customer)</quote>

I have been thinking about doing a usb host project. So my question is
what are the tools like. Specifically how do build, I download to the
flash, and test my code? It does not say if the processor can be
programmed in C?

Almost all AVR can be programmed in C. It includes a boot loader via
USB, but boot loaders are known to be lost. So, you need a way to
reload the boot loader.

Well, a USB boot loader would be ok. How do you debug?

I believe that you have to debug over Jtag.

Is there a GDB stub that works over this USB interface?

No, you can't debug with the boot loader.


The ad says: "It supports JTAGICE mkII and AVRISP mkII via AVR
Studio." I don't know what any of those three things are, but do I
need additional jtag hardware? What does it cost?

Jtagice is approx ~200 and ISP (AVR dragon) Is ~50, but check with you
distributor. If you are serious about hardware debugging, Jtagice is a
must.


I went on the Atmel website, and it did not clarify anything for me.
It seems that many useful items are available for free download at the
cost of signing up (and I presume reams of spam).

What I would like:
1) A cheap eval kit like this.
2) GNU toolchain including GDB for debugging. Windows and/or Linux
based.

WinAVR/AVRstudio is usable. Not great, but usable.

Is there a GNU tool chain?

Yes, except for the debugging. AVR debugging info is not available to
the general public, except with an NDA.


What I was thinking about is starting an open source project doing a
cross platform usb host and device stack for embedded systems. So if
other people wanted to help, it would be very nice to have a cheap
development board with portable tools etc. I have another platform
that is not open source for the OS, so not so good for open
development.


3) Decent chip and dev board docs and schematics.

Does anyone here have any words of wisdom on this board and
development environment?

Thanks, Steve


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: ATSTK525 Starter Kit
    ... an exclusive discount on the ATSTK525 Starter Kit. ... I have been thinking about doing a usb host project. ... It includes a boot loader via ... I went on the Atmel website, and it did not clarify anything for me. ...
    (comp.arch.embedded)
  • Re: ATSTK525 Starter Kit
    ... an exclusive discount on the ATSTK525 Starter Kit. ... It includes a boot loader via ... "It supports JTAGICE mkII and AVRISP mkII via AVR ... I went on the Atmel website, and it did not clarify anything for me. ...
    (comp.arch.embedded)
  • Re: how to use ICE to debug eboot under platbuilder?
    ... The platform builder debugger is only usable in debugging a loaded/running ... > I want to use ICE to debug boot loader. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsce.platbuilder)