Selectron 1000 AVR Prototyping Platform
This enhanced breadboard setup provides a prototyping environment for AVR DA and DB microcontrollers.
John Anderson enjoys using the AVR DA and DB family of microcontrollers. So much so, in fact, that he’s developing a new software environment for working with the chips. To go along with his software efforts, he decided to create a custom physical prototyping platform that he can reuse for future projects.
Requirements for this new platform included being able to flash AVR DA and DB devices. It should also easily fit on a desktop, and enable flexible prototyping (i.e. breadboard and related accessories). Thus was born the Selectron 1000 Prototyper.
The Selectron 1000 Prototyper features a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket – for chip programming sans bent pins – plus a 16x2 LCD screen for user feedback, and a generous breadboarding area. A number of switches, along with a rotary encoder provide user interface, and an audio amplifier adds sound generating capabilities.
The device is also equipped with an impressive array of ports, including dual DB-9 connectors, and even a PS/2 keyboard port, perhaps for retro-computing development. Finally banana plug connectors are provided for an external power supply, which can be between 9 and 30 volts.
As shown in the last photo on the project write-up, the Selectron 1000 is “a little busy.” However, it was put together in a weekend on a workbench, and allowing for a bit of rough-and-ready wiring made for an easy assembly process.
While there’s currently no schematic to share for this project, Anderson is willing to post more details if there is interest. Whether of not you’d like to duplicate this project, it’s great inspiration to consider how you might set up a platform to assist with other builds, and ultimately enhance your efforts.
