Rather than writing directly about the NIP workshops, I’m going to focus on the micro work I’m now beginning, spurred on by the NIP events. I’ve been waiting a while to get into using Atmel AVR microprocessors. So while much of the NIP events so far have been using computer based applications, I’m going to be using embedded micros - - due to the fact that I don’t like to have to have a computer in the middle of any works I make (..though I do use computers for development, obviously..)

So, this new little thing pictured is the AVR Butterfly demo kit - its tiny (smaller than a pack of smokes) & cheap. Based on ATMega169 micro, its got an LCD disply, little joystick, temperature sensor, piezo speaker (for sound gen) and a load of techy details.. This is a good cheap way to begin learning with Atmel chips - add on serial connection and you can start reprogramming the system using WinAVR / AVRStudio..

I’ll try to get back and update with more links / info / projects / pics
……soooooon….

Intial links of interest:
Atmel AVR Micros
AVR Studio software
WinAVR - C compiler for AVRs!
Smiley Micros (good starter e-book for learning)