Guidance for 12 yrs old to get started with embedded HW/SW projects

For 16-bit, though I've never used it personally I really like TI's MSP430 architecture.  There are some inexpensive LaunchPad boards that a great way to get started: http://www.ti.com/lsds/ti/microcontroller/16-bit_msp430/tools_software.page#msp430pad

There's also Arduino, which is very popular though I haven't used it myself.  I'll let others give advice on Arduino.

However, I think these days you're much better off with a 32-bit ARM Cortex board.  There are probably hundreds of these boards out there, with dozens worth considering seriously.  I personally like:

ST Discovery, which have clean IC documentation and it's easy to hook up JTAG or SWD: http://www.element14.com/community/docs/DOC-40220?ICID=knode-devkit

Cypress PSoC 4 and PSoC 5LP: http://www.element14.com/community/docs/DOC-53992?ICID=knode-cypresspioneerkit-space

TI Tiva ARM (haven't used personally): http://www.ti.com/lsds/ti/microcontroller/tiva_arm_cortex/c_series/tools_software.page#ekits

NXP mbed and LPCXpresso (haven't used personally): http://www.nxp.com/techzones/microcontrollers-techzone/tools-ecosystem.html

Freescale Freedom (haven't used personally): http://www.element14.com/community/community/knode/dev_platforms_kits/element14_dev_kits/kinetis_kl2_freedom_board?ICID=knode-devkitroom

My apologies to those I've inadvertently left out.

The xplained boards for the Atmel Xmega series are very nice, and some (like the one for Atxmega256A3BU) have nice demo applications.

Why limit to 8/16 bit?

A simple but clear C++ front end can be provided by mbed, which supports several demo boards, with several possibilities. The 'original' LPC1768 board is still nice, especially in combination with the application board (LCD, potmeters, etcetera). Drawback: the price of those two combined is quite  high, in my opinion.

The KL46z (FRDM-KL46Z | mbed) is nice in that it's cheap, has an LCD and is mbed compatible.

Hi Sriram,

Take a look at the nice support at the Maker Shed.

They have kits, ideas, tutorials and assistance for all kinds of maker projects.

They have a learning electronics kit and getting started with Arduino, Beaglebone Black and Raspberry Pi.

Keep in mind that the you can always change you hardware platform as you gain experience and confidence.

The key is to get started.  Everything else will flow from the start.

Good luck,

DAB

Thank you so much for your guidance, I will explore the options

Sriram

Freescale just announced today at their FTF show a bunch of new enablement for the new second gen Kinetis K64F part: mbed enabled freedom board, SDK software framework, and software bootloader (UART, SPI, I2C, USB HID, or CAN). The SDK may be interesting to simplify the coding.

But any of the Freedom boards would let you get drag and drop programs easily though, and the FRDM-KL46Z would probably be the best one (SLCD as mentioned before, lots of IO, and easy programming/serial over a USB cable).

Hope the embedded bug bites him, it's a fun world to be in

Hi,

    Sriram, r u from INDIA ? Dev Boards in India is still Expensive 2xArduino costs as much as Raspberry pi and to make things worse U cant buy them off the shelf (Online) without filling god knows how many forms and Agreements and etc.

     This being clear i would highly recommend Ti's MSP430 Launchpad Series not because they are Awesome and i am a bit biased to them but  cauz,

1.   They are easy to get (ti.com/launchpad) and buy them directly(You will get the cheapest and best)

2.    No shipping Cost from TI's E-store So Awesome !!

3.    U get 2 IC's to start with and if u screw them u can order free samples from Ti (This program doesn't need a corporate Email ID gmail works awesome)

       U can also get other IC's from ti and use them in ur design.

4.    Amazing support and community on ti e2e or 43oh.com or Google Plus (https://plus.google.com/communities/109693409208144097271/https://plus.google.com/communities/103058128229114644563)or Google Groups

5.    THE Most IMP ONE (If u are learning) : Wide variety of s/w support starting from super simple Energia(energia.nu) to Code Composer Studio and GNU GCC.

6.    U can use these launchpads to debug/ program any similar family device from TI so that comes in handy.

7.    Finally loads of examples to start with and Online Workshop by ti to get u up to speed within days .

Well i can go on and on .. .. .. but u got my point.

There are others also like ST's Discovery Boards, Arduino,  and so on. which other people have commented.

Hope this helps for u to make a choice.

Regards.

I agree with some of the other responders to not limit yourself. Embedded today can be had on a fully capable machine. Go and get yourself a raspberry Pi for 35 dollars. Email me a message and I can give you some ideas and help with an embedded system that has a web front end. Your son can learn machine control, SCADA and HMI. These are the skills that will become more and more valuable.

Lots of project examples and starters on the web.

Hi Sriram your son is obviously at the entry point of this technology I would take  note of the advice given here which so far sounds most reasonable and then  to be honest it does not really matter which he chooses the main point is to choose one and start. I would base that on the online communities for the device (which you like best, which is best supported especially near you!!), also which ones have some nice projects to ease  your 12 year old in to really wanting to learn because been successful in a project however small gives you great enthusiasm  to continue learning when the difficult concepts start and things get difficult. I personally would suggest the Arduino or Raspberry Pi route as they have the biggest communities at the moment and are quite cheap and easy to start with.

Going forward it's quite possible to choose what ever device your son  fancies playing with next. With more knowledge he will be able to get a foot hold on some the more complex platforms mentioned.