MSP430 LaunchPad - $4.30 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TheDirty
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2010, 02:40:13 pm
content: Looks like an Arduino style hardware breakout, but you still use a standard C development platform for compiling/programming. It comes with the programmer on board. $4.30I've used MSP430's for a while, but I've pretty much given up on them since they had a huge supply issue for about 6 months. Looks like they still don't have the 22xx series in at Digikey in QFN.I might order one just for the price, though. Free Shipping, but I'm not certain what the shipping area is. Might be just NA, or USA.https://e2e.ti.com/videos/m/microcontroller/185811.aspxhttp://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/Launchpadwiki?DCMP=launchpad&HQS=Other+OT+launchpadwikihttp://hackaday.com/2010/06/22/ti-makes-a-big-bid-for-the-hobby-market/EDIT: The chips supplied with the board are simple tiny 2k chips, so keep that in mind.

author: Rhythmtech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2010, 06:07:37 pm
content: Dude, that's pretty cool for $4.30

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2010, 06:22:31 pm
content: Wow. Is the 'hobby' market that big? Thanks for the links will give it a test run.

author: desolatordan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2010, 07:00:30 pm
content: Quote from: saturation on June 22, 2010, 06:22:31 pmNot sure if it's the size of the hobby market, as much as the impact it could have on other markets. Your electrical engineer will likely have a bias towards what they've used in the past, be it school or hobby.

author: allanw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2010, 07:32:07 pm
content: Been trying to load TI's eStore to buy it for the past few hours but no luck. Mouser looks like they'll have 10k in stock on 7/5.

author: TheDirty
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2010, 08:33:00 pm
content: I don't think I'll be ordering after all. It looks like it's limited to the Valueline of chips which have a max flash RAM of 2k. I'm just not going to use this.If you want to get into MSP430's in general the best option for a hobbyist is still the eZ430. The eZ430-F2013 is still just $25.00. With an adapter the EZ430 USB dongle can in circuit program and debug most of the Spy-By-Wire enabled chips. I'm using the dongle from the EZ430-RF2500, which I got on a TI deal day.Like this:

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 12:34:21 am
content: I just shot a rambling drivetime rant on this one.Dave.

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 02:37:37 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on June 23, 2010, 12:34:21 amPost it already!

author: TheDirty
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 02:52:37 am
content: Too bad, I won't see it until next Tuesday. I'm outta here to act crazy for 6 days.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 03:04:38 am
content: Quote from: Time on June 23, 2010, 02:37:37 amGotta wait till I get home, then edit and render, then post-process into MP4 HD and Podcast versions, and generate the MP3 audio version, then upload and publish. Makes me dizzy just typing it...Dave.

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 03:39:08 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on June 23, 2010, 03:04:38 amYou need an intern.

author: dmlandrum
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 03:56:45 am
content: Good rant or bad rant? I'm thinking about snagging one of these just for the hell of it, since I can actually afford this one. Is there really anything to lose at $4.30?

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 03:58:08 am
content: Quote from: dmlandrum on June 23, 2010, 03:56:45 ammy thoughts exactly.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 04:04:32 am
content: Quote from: dmlandrum on June 23, 2010, 03:56:45 amGood and bad.As always I find something to have a whinge about!Outstandingly good value, get one.Dave.

author: KTP
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 04:26:45 am
content: Do they have really cheap or free shipping or is it $4.30 + $25 shipping?The store was down when I tried to find out.

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 04:35:25 am
content: Quote from: KTP on June 23, 2010, 04:26:45 amAfter trying occasionally all day I just my order in. For one unit, directly from TI's Estore, the shipping was free.There was an ominous mention of calling their service line for a ship date, but I'm not in a hurry.It'll make for a nice surprise when it does show up.I've seen it said that Mouser will have a couple thousand in early next month, but I'd expect those to go wicked quick.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 06:02:57 am
content: i feel a pain when switching from atmel to pic vice versa. now this new cheap item is coming, i'm in dilemma. it might be good, or bad in term of application.surely the price is nonlogically cheap! its like just giving it away for free, u only pay for a cheap shipping. i suspect they want to penerate the atmel or pic market.my dilemma will be, is it worth it? the time that i need to spend to learn this new chip? features? whats so good about the msp430 line that we cannot get in atmel or pic? will it be easily available for a long time to come? just as pic well known reputation is? for me, its not just the cheap price, but the future long term investment, time, effort and productivity?

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 08:13:34 am
content: Quote from: DJPhil on June 23, 2010, 04:35:25 amTried to order from the launchpad wiki, and it directed me to Mouser, but they wanted $30 shipping to Australia.Just ordered 2 from ti-estore, there was a $0 FedEx shipping option, selected that and the order was accepted.Should be a nice surprise whenever it finally arrives, can always give them away to interested people locally.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 10:49:34 am
content: Quote from: tronixstuff on June 23, 2010, 08:13:34 amFree Fedex to Oz?I'm in!I've ordered 3.Interestingly you can't order more than 3.Dave.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 10:56:28 am
content: All your questions, I have the same. In the end for $5, is it worth learning something new?If it bombs, you are out a sandwich or coffee, so I think I'll bite and check it out.Quote from: shafri on June 23, 2010, 06:02:57 am

author: Polossatik
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 01:53:15 pm
content: Also ordered a few, one to mess around and some to give out to people here ...

author: KTP
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 02:37:43 pm
content: they have some pretty cheap pretty neat items on that page.I like the 2.4Ghz wireless usb stick development board that comes with 2 transceivers:http://focus.ti.com/graphics/tool/ez430-rf2500.jpgI may have to look into these devices...I have always been an atmel person but...

author: Hypernova
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 04:48:23 pm
content: In for 2.Is is just me or is ti store getting hammered from all the traffic looking into this?Quote from: KTP on June 23, 2010, 02:37:43 pmThe 50USD RF watch with 3-axis accelerometer certainly got my attentionhttp://www.ti-estore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=eZ430-Chronos-433Might get on of those when I got the time.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2010, 08:08:04 pm
content: i tried to order but got problem when trying to pay by creditcard. it said unable to connect, unauthorized server ti.estore or something like that.

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2010, 05:04:28 am
content: Just an update, from an email I received from TI a few hours ago.QuoteI guess they had a bit more demand than they expected.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2010, 10:51:16 am
content: Same here, I just ordered one. This is no worse that getting a free sample or free to not so free evaluation board from other companies. I'm glad they see the rush of demand, it will tell them just how important this market segment is.As for waiting, I'm in no rush, never used TI before, so everything is new. Its always good to have more tools under your belt for development, and may the best uC system win.Quote from: DJPhil on June 24, 2010, 05:04:28 am

author: XynxNet
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2010, 06:52:04 pm
content: My question is, how to get one without a credit card.Unfortunately here in Germany credit cards aren't an ubiquitous payment system as in other parts of the world. So unfortunatly i dont have one.

author: kc1980
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2010, 06:55:04 pm
content: I wouldn't be surprised if they start showing up on Ebay for those that can't buy directly through TI or mouser. But by then, the thing will cost $15 each after shipping. Might as well get something more capable.I just bought two for myself. Mouser site says 3 week lead time.

author: MrPlacid
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2010, 07:39:16 pm
content: Is something wrong with my brower? I can't even see how to order the launchpad at ti store? You guys know some magic that I don't?

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2010, 07:42:36 pm
content: Some folks on this thread mentioned strange website behavior during the day. I can't imagine its being this overwhelmed.I ordered at 10pm EST USA time, and it went like clockwork.

author: nessatse
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2010, 08:29:34 pm
content: I am just about giving up trying to order now. The website keeps coming back with "Unable to authorize payment: Error reading from 'https://www.ti-estore.com/auth.asp': Invalid HTTP response" after I enter my credit card details. Tried two different Visa cards with the same results. Emailed them but all I got back was an automated response so far. (That was 24 hourse ago). Maybe they just don't want to do the free shipping thing to far off places like South Africa....

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2010, 10:42:33 pm
content: Quote from: XynxNet on June 24, 2010, 06:52:04 pmCan you buy pre-paid Visa cards in shops over there?

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2010, 10:43:32 pm
content: I just looked at the site and its fallen apart. At best I'd wait until off work hours in the USA and try again. They are not shipping so at most you're putting your name in a waiting list via TI or Mouser.Quote from: nessatse on June 24, 2010, 08:29:34 pm

author: RayJones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2010, 09:12:31 am
content: Just ordered 2 units, and yes I did have to try a few times to get the payment through.Only concern is the possible extra unknown charges due to an international shipment....

author: KTP
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2010, 04:15:37 am
content: So even though the launchpad for $4.30 is backordered, I thought I would post this info I got from one of the comments on hackaday. It seems if you enter HALFMSPTOOL at checkout you can get half off any tool. Ok, big deal, so you get the launchpad for $2.15, but you can get the $49 wireless experimenter kit that comes with several extra boards and uses a 32K part for $24.50! Even better, this is in stock.Also I would guess the wireless watch kit would work for $24.50, but that item is out of stock atm. I am getting the wireless kit because I have a particular application in mind, and $24.50 for all that hardware is just too good to pass up.Edit: here is the link to the wireless kithttp://www.ti-estore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=EZ430-RF2500

author: migsantiago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2010, 01:32:49 pm
content: HiI ordered 2 units of the LaunchPad on Friday. Has anyone received their boards? I wonder how long it will take them to be shipped.I was going to order them from Mouser, they have lots of them in stock, but the shipping price is higher than the 2 boards.

author: nessatse
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2010, 08:02:26 pm
content: I actually got a phone call from TI today after my second email complaining about my inability to complete the order on their web site. I didn't quite get the explanation for the problem, but the good news is that they took my order over the phone. I was told they would allow up to five units per order, so I took three. Apparently there are 6000+ units on backorder.There was also a long and complicated explanation of how the initial reservation on my credit card would include a $25 shipping fee, but this would be reversed as soon as the order is shipped. Lets see how that one works out...Overall I am quite impressed that they bothered to come back to me (with a long International phone call) at all for such a minor order. I am not used to that level of service where I come from.

author: allanw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2010, 08:25:56 pm
content: Yeah I've been trying to order from their eStore for a few days now, and it's never worked. I've lost interest in it. The half off the $50 wireless dev board seems pretty good though.

author: domm123
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2010, 09:19:45 pm
content: I also have problem checking out the launchpad, if you are like me , getting this error:Unable to authorize payment: Error reading from 'https://www.ti-estore.com/auth.asp': Invalid HTTP response .Just click the contiune button again, and it will be ok.But my concern now is that 2 Transaction Pending Settlement end up in my credit card statement:TEXAS INSTRUMENTS FUL BILLERICA MA USD4.30TEXAS INSTRUMENTS FUL BILLERICA MA USD1.00Anybody knows what is that extra $1 is for?Thanks

author: Matt
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2010, 09:38:46 pm
content: the $1 is a temp charge to the account, to make sure money is available. a LOT of retailers do this. it should clear by itself in a business day or two

author: TheDirty
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2010, 01:43:14 am
content: Anybody asking about the viability of replacing Atmel or PIC should see my earlier posts. This development platform only advertises it works with the valueline series of MSP430 which is max 2K flash. This is extremely limited. If you are really thinking of getting into MSP430 get one of the EZ430 development kits.MSP430 Microcontroller Basics is a great primer for MSP430 programming and is useful for people starting out from nothing or with some microcontroller experience. I'm not certain why, but if you can google it and find the PDF around real easy.

author: allanw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2010, 01:53:00 am
content: I dunno, no online store has ever tested my credit card with a $1 charge, especially when they can just use the original charge.I think I'm going to get the half price $25 watch EVM. Seems fun to play with. Wireless comm, accelorometer, temperature sensor, pressure sensor.http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/EZ430-Chronos

author: KTP
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2010, 02:07:58 am
content: Quote from: allanw on June 29, 2010, 01:53:00 amI know! the watch is tempting. I actually wanted a watch with a pressure sensor to use while hiking (for a crude altimeter when gps is not available or when I don't want to wait for a fix). I don't think there exists a watch with a altimeter for less than $25...the other stuff is just gravy :-)

author: Matt
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2010, 02:09:30 am
content: It's a pre-authorization/pending charge thing, and not just for online purchases. I see it alot when using a debit card as credit, especially at gas stations. Like others, I had trouble ordering the TI board and the $1 charges cleared themselves up.

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2010, 04:39:29 am
content: Quote from: Matt on June 29, 2010, 02:09:30 amI can confirm this, used to see it all the time when I worked in credit card fraud detection. It's a technique often used by a merchant to validate the existence of a credit card number and it's attached identity, and the small amount is usually refunded in short order. It's also used by credit card thieves to see if a card's been locked. They'll buy $1 of gas at a card only pump to test it and then go on an electronics buying spree.Order updateMy order was placed on TI's site on the 23rd and I just received an email (29th) with a tracking number saying it's shipped FedEx standard. I'm in the US, and in their time zone. I checked the tracking number and it's shipping Priority with an estimated arrival of 1030 tomorrow morning (30th)! We shall see.

author: TheDirty
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2010, 01:44:50 pm
content: I suggest using Code Composer rather than IAR, unless this will be a business expense. Code Composer has a higher code size limit on the free version (16K) and a cheaper buy in price if for some reason you want the full deal. Version 4 of CCS has been pretty nice to work with. This is assuming you graduate out of the 2k valueline.

author: migsantiago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2010, 10:02:29 pm
content: Quote from: DJPhil on June 30, 2010, 04:39:29 amSix days... mmhhI placed mine on the 25th, I hope I will receive the shipping mail by tomorrow.

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2010, 10:40:33 pm
content: Final Order Update -It hath arrived. They shipped it priority and I'm rifling through it as I write this.Hope you guys get yours as fast. I must admit, I'm impressed.

author: marianoapp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2010, 03:48:53 am
content: the "Free Fedex" option is actually free on international orders?

author: nessatse
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2010, 10:39:34 am
content: Quote from: marianoapp on July 01, 2010, 03:48:53 amIt is supposed to be according to their help desk. They explained to me that they will initially charge me $25 for shipping, and then reverse the charges when the stuff is actually shipped. I did not bother to find out the reason for this strange modus operandi.

author: migsantiago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2010, 02:17:30 pm
content: Quote from: nessatse on July 01, 2010, 10:39:34 amThat's good to know, I will deposit that amount in my card just in case they decide to do so.

author: NJC
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 10, 2010, 04:17:24 pm
content: I just wanted to comment on one of the earlier posts in this topic. The one that said the ez430 is probably a better option. I use the ez430, and love it, and was super excited to see this board.The LaunchPad has 100% of the functionality that the ez430 programmer has. The programmer circuits are almost exactly the same. Both devices can program any of TIs devices that work with Spy-Bi-Wire (2-Wire JTAG), on my blog (under the post "Just Ordered my New LaunchPad!") I link to one of their data sheets that lists all the devices that can be programmed with Spy-Bi-Wire. Some of the chips it can program are really impressive.To be honest, I will not be using this with the value line processors, at least until they come out with more devices that have the peripherals I am looking for. To me, this is the cheapest programmer I've ever seen, and can't wait to get mine to use with my F2013 (the chip that came with the ez430) since I had a mishap with my ez430 programmer.-NJC_________________________________http://msp430launchpad.blogspot.com/

author: TheDirty
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2010, 02:08:48 am
content: Quote from: NJC on July 10, 2010, 04:17:24 pmI'm the one that said that and it was based on their description. If it has the same functionality as the USB FET for the eZ430 than that's pretty good.Be aware that not all chips that support Spy-By-Wire can be programmed by the ez430 USB FET. For example, the 5xx series are not programmable with it.

author: NJC
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 11, 2010, 08:18:19 am
content: TheDirty,Thanks for the info. I had no idea that the ez430 didn't support the 5xx series. My 5xx samples are in the mail, that would have caused a pretty big headache. I did see after just looking around at the 5xx that it can be programmed by its own USB connection, though those kind of things are never too easy though.As for the LaunchPad, I'm going to send a direct question into TI to make sure but from their wiki they say this:"The flash emulator can program all Value Line MSP430s, as well as any other MSP430 with the Spy Bi-Wire (2-wire JTAG) interface, enabling complete scalability to higher end MSP430 devices. List of MSP430 devices with Spy Bi-Wire interface is located here, in table 2-1"Still sketchy though since they say its the firmware for the MSP430 that makes it not able to program the 5xx, but yet if they have it for LaunchPad I can't imagine it being too difficult to port to the ez430.

author: McPete
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2010, 11:52:29 am
content: Ordered mine in a "Why the hell not?" frame of mind. Seems the amount has been deducted from my account, but I get no confirmation emails, no ability to log in to the TI eStore. Huurrr, internet commerce -_-.

author: domm123
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2010, 12:43:35 pm
content: For those who are going to order the launchpad you can enter this coupon code:HALFMSPTOOLto get50% off!!

author: armandas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2010, 12:52:00 pm
content: Quote from: domm123 on July 11, 2010, 12:43:35 pmYeah, cause they are clearly ripping you off at the moment..Quote from: McPete on July 11, 2010, 11:52:29 amI got an order number and the status says it has been shipped ^_^

author: TheDirty
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2010, 01:12:11 pm
content: Quote from: NJC on July 11, 2010, 08:18:19 amThis has been brought up before on the MSP430 list and it was pretty much concluded that it was a hardware issue or they would have given support a while ago.The USB FET that comes with the TI Chronos watch does support the 5xx, so if you find the launchpad does not, you can spend the $25 with the coupon and try that out.

author: Valhallasmith
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2010, 10:34:53 am
content: I've had mine for a little while, but I finally started playing with it. I'm not that interested in the value line MSP430s though. So I'm strapping a CC430F6137 to it. That is a MSP430 and a sub ghz radio all in one. I'm doing this dead bug as usual but the pitch on the part is smaller than usual. Actually its to the point where I am using a single strand of wire from a piece of stranded wire. So I'll finish this once my SCC-690A super fine tip for my metcal comes in. And some magnifying clip on glasses. I can get the strand soldered on the pad, but its guess work and I end up unsoldering something else.But after looking at the launchpad schematics and the application schematics for the CC430, it looks like it will work fine. I'm not going to bother with the RF portion right now, it requires a crystal I don't have. Once I get this together I will put up something about using the launchpad for other chips.

author: NJC
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 12, 2010, 10:53:59 am
content: Quote from: TheDirty on July 11, 2010, 01:12:11 pmYeah, I was thinking about getting the MSP430 Wireless Development Tool if the half off thing really works. I might actually have a need for it in the future even! lol.@ValhallasmithDef let me know when you post something on using the LaunchPad for other chips, I'm going to be trying to do the same once my board comes in.__________________________________http://msp430launchpad.blogspot.com/

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 15, 2010, 04:10:06 am
content: Quote from: tronixstuff on June 23, 2010, 08:13:34 amExcellent - just received my fedex tracking number - should be here in oz by Wednesday next week

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2010, 03:44:49 pm
content: the HALFMSPTOOL coupon has expired!

author: baljemmett
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 15, 2010, 09:42:01 pm
content: Quote from: shafri on July 15, 2010, 03:44:49 pmOh man, that'll teach me to procrastinate -- I was thinking of ordering one of the wireless kits to play with -- but was waiting for the Launchpad to arrive in case there were any nasty surprises. Oh well...

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2010, 10:32:59 pm
content: "Unable to authorize payment: Error reading from 'https://www.ti-estore.com/auth.asp': Invalid HTTP response" message still persist even hundreds times of click!*** TI SUX !!! ***...this is a one year after "edit": for some reason, in some area, TI is THUMBS UP!

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 16, 2010, 07:52:27 am
content: Same thing for me. I use my credit cards without issues continuously but TI don't like them. Very bad service.

author: migsantiago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2010, 02:10:09 pm
content: It seems that there's a lot of people trying to get their board samples at the same time. Fortunately, when I placed my order my credit card was accepted without problems.

author: McPete
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2010, 01:38:50 am
content: I've been refunded and told to buy from a local supplier- Farnell Australia is selling them for $12AU each, and I don't doubt they'll want shipping.I'll just keep going with PICs for now then

author: Valhallasmith
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2010, 01:51:14 am
content: Quote from: NJC on July 12, 2010, 10:53:59 amLooks like I need to change my plan of attack. I can solder a stand of wire to the pads of the VQFN but the connection is just too fragile. Its a very small pad. And my wire bonding machine is in the shop.So I'm making up some dextin and using toner transfer to make up a board.

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 18, 2010, 05:49:32 am
content: Quote from: McPete on July 17, 2010, 01:38:50 amFarnell with ship for free if you order online (minimum spend $10)

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2010, 08:45:16 am
content: Quote from: Valhallasmith on July 18, 2010, 01:51:14 amYou roll your own dextrin paper?! Wow!I'd never heard of that working reliably, I'm inspired to go looking for better instructions now.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 18, 2010, 09:15:25 am
content: Quote from: tronixstuff on July 18, 2010, 05:49:32 amIn Australia there is now no minimum spend at either Farnell or RS, they will overnight courier a 1cent resistor for free!Dave.

author: McPete
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2010, 11:16:54 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on July 18, 2010, 09:15:25 amThat I did not know... Well, there goes my grand plan to get out of home before the end of the year

author: Hypernova
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 18, 2010, 11:23:22 am
content: Quote from: shafri on July 15, 2010, 03:44:49 pm30OFFMSPTOOL will get you 30% off

author: Valhallasmith
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2010, 02:48:32 am
content: Quote from: DJPhil on July 18, 2010, 08:45:16 amI'm trying something new actually. Instead of paper I'm using dextrin coated tinfoil. It didn't turn out so good tonight, but I think its because the laser printer I used doesn't put much toner down. I might try photocopying it at staples tomorrow and see if that will put more toner down.My basic process isMake dextrin: about 1/4 cup corn starch cooked 1.5 hours at 400 deg C mix every 20 minutes. Don't over cook, that reduces the water solubility of it as much as under cooking. It should be golden yellow.Coat tinfoil. Using a disposable pneumatic sprayer coat the dull side of the tinfoil with a dextin solution. I cut mine with rubbing alcohol which probably isn't great. The mixture separates quickly, next time I probably will just use water. Put a few coat on the aluminum.Cut up the foil and tape it at the top to a piece of paper.Print!Laminate: Press onto copper that has been roughed with steel wool and acetone.Let this cool for a bit.Soak in water with a little soap in it for 1/2 an hour - 1 hour.Etch with ferric chloride, clean with more acetone.Presto, perfect traces (in theory).My goal is to get 8 mil spaces and traces.

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2010, 09:32:33 am
content: Quote from: tronixstuff on July 15, 2010, 04:10:06 amHooray - arrived today! just finished dinner and new Top Gear...*sigh*no real Linux support of any use. If TI wanted to go after Arduino people, they would have made running this thing on macos or ubuntu a lot simpler.

author: TheDirty
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2010, 05:47:23 pm
content: Quote from: Valhallasmith on July 19, 2010, 02:48:32 amMy experience is that anything that perfectly releases the toner, like the starch based etch resist transfers like Pulsar, the toner itself isn't enough to resist muriatic acid/peroxide etchant, which is really hard on etch resist. You get a lot of rashing. Pulsar sells a green overlay in order to fix just this problem.Gloss paper etch transfer leaves a bit of the paper/clay in the traces and does a better job of resist.

author: Matt
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2010, 06:15:34 pm
content: Quote from: TheDirty on July 19, 2010, 05:47:23 pmYeah the Pulsar green overlay works great. First started using the process during a research project for prototype stuff, and never had a problem. Used a laminator acquired from Mouser, and they also sell the transfer sheets as well.-Matt

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2010, 06:51:56 pm
content: I urge people currently using toner transfer to try photo-etch. Yes, the pre-treated pcb is more expensive, but the results are excellent. I have done dozens possibly hundreds) of photo-etch boards over the years with proper equipment but, as a test, I exposed some pcb with various test features. My high-tech exposure lamp was the sun, and my precision output was an inkjet printer rather than a laser. I don't have the feature size measurement, but an approximation with a magnifying glass and micrometer, shows clean and repeatable line widths below 0.1mm (4 mil).The down side is that treated copper clad isn't so easy to get now, and the DIY approach results in very uneven resist coating.I hope it isn't just me, but I love tracking international packages. Even to a cycnic like me, there is something amazing about ordering stuff online, and watching it come from (in the case of Digikey) a town in the wide rural spaces of Minnesota, to a regional airport, flying to Memphis, then to the Newark, then over to the UK, through customs, to the main hub, the local hub, and eventually my front door. Ironically, I live about 10 miles from Farnell's head office...

author: Valhallasmith
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2010, 01:22:05 am
content: Quote from: Zad on July 19, 2010, 06:51:56 pmThats the thing, cost is the issue. I can get a ton of copper clad off ebay for very little. I can get all the chemicals I need from the local hardware store and a bucket. Thats not true of photo etching. I need a special film, or special spray. I need an exposure box.I just don't have the room. Bucket and laser printer are going to be much easier for most people. Plus bare copper clad is cheap and useful for other things.As far as the pulsar sheet, it seems like a good system. But I'm cheap and doing this stuff on a shoestring.

author: TheDirty
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2010, 02:04:49 am
content: Quote from: Valhallasmith on July 20, 2010, 01:22:05 amToner Transfer is easier once you have a system down, but photo is easier to reproduce good results right from the start. Personally I have no need to do less that 8mil and I've got my toner transfer process down quick and easy so I have no need to do photo.

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 02, 2010, 01:43:42 am
content: Quote from: tronixstuff on July 19, 2010, 09:32:33 amHave decided to give one away as part of my monthly prize draw:http://bit.ly/aN236x

author: TopherTheME
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2010, 05:50:15 pm
content: Has anyone given this thing the thumbs up/down yet? I just got mine in the mail today (Newark has them in stock) and haven't had a chance to play with it yet. The ultra-low power consumption looks very appealing but not sure if thats enough to make me stop using the arduino. Although I can't really figure out if the launchpad lets you do ICSP or just external programming???

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 02, 2010, 11:08:29 pm
content: I haven't found time to play with mine either. I believe you can program the MCU in the socket and do in-system programming, but you might have to add a header and remove the MCU from the socket for the latter. Not sure how many of their devices use Spy-biwire, I was under the impression that you could program a fairly significant chunk of their MSP-430's (at least the lower pincount ones) with the launchpad.I think the power consumption of the modern PIC and AVR devices in pretty close to the MSP430, but that might depend on the circumstances. I'm sure each manufacturer has found some configuration in which they can claim their device is the most efficient, and the specs might not be directly comparable.

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2010, 01:38:27 am
content: Disclaimer: I'm in the process of learning micros with this kit, and I'm only halfway through my first book. Reflections below are definitely from a novice.I'm chiseling away at a book on the MSP430 at the moment (MSP430 Microcontroller Basics). The architecture is compared to PICs often in the book, and it seems to be very different. There's a large number of registers, unified address space, and a medium sized instruction set to go along with a heap of clock options and power saving modes. The book focuses on the F series, and the board comes with G series chips (the budget version), but it seems like a good place to start. I've got no sense of whether it's a good idea to start with this or not, but what the heck, it's cheap and I'm persistent!The Launchpad itself seems fairly flexible, though I haven't put it to a great deal of use yet. It's got a series of jumpers connecting the prototype area with the programmer, and a set of holes adjacent with a very fine pitch that look like they could hold a pin header. I'm not sure what it's actually capable of, but I'm willing to take pictures and trace continuity upon request.Worst case, it's only $4.30. I can believe it, but I just now realized why they set the price at such an odd number. MSP430 = $4.30. Sheesh.Hope that helps.

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2010, 02:23:23 am
content: Today I received the unit after some weeks on waiting mode.$4.30 !!! well after buying some stuff in China I can believe it, for example I bought tactile push button at $0.07 USD and I only bought 40 of them, TI probably got them cheaper since they bought way way more. I also bought Mini USB connectors at $0.14 USD each.Cheers.

author: RayJones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2010, 03:16:56 am
content: Quote from: DJPhil on September 03, 2010, 01:38:27 amLOL, yeah same thing occurred to me about a week ago telling somebody about it, and it was only when I said MSP430 for 4 dollars 30 that the penny dropped.

author: XynxNet
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2010, 08:01:26 pm
content: Good news. I got a shipping notice and tracking number. I ordered at 26.06.2010. It seems they are now working on the international deliveries.

author: Hypernova
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 06, 2010, 10:32:12 am
content: Code:INV DATE SHIPPING METHOD OPERATOR ORDER DATE CLIENT # ORDER #---------- -------------------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------------11/05/2010 FedEx Standard 07/14/2010 1070*** TI04000010****About damn time.

author: Hypernova
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 10, 2010, 10:33:19 am
content: Code:Left at front door. Package delivered to recipient address - release authorizedWell guess what? It's not there when I went home to pick it up 3 hours later.Called FedEx and there's nothing they can do...Fuck!!!

author: migsantiago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2010, 01:59:21 pm
content: Quote from: Hypernova on November 10, 2010, 10:33:19 amMaybe your neighbor collected it... and he just forgot to give it to you. Why don't you ask him/her?

author: Hypernova
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 11, 2010, 12:30:23 am
content: Quote from: migsantiago on November 10, 2010, 01:59:21 pmThey have no idea, at this point I'll going with the theory that someone walking by stole it. Given the my mbed was supposed to have shipped on the 19th Oct I fear that it has met the same fate.

author: CryptLordGR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2010, 10:40:54 pm
content: still waiting for my board, i almost forgot it, i post my order on 8/6 totally fail for me

author: CryptLordGR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2010, 04:30:15 pm
content: by the time of the offer the shipping was free for anywhere, now there must be a shipping charge dont know however

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2010, 04:45:18 pm
content: My order went in 8/24 and I still haven't received a thing.In the mean time, however, I've received 3 Arduinos, the mbed NXP, and the big Renesas board.If the MSPs ever do show up, they'll probably get tossed on a shelf. What I wanted them for I've finished with a few PICs.

author: CryptLordGR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2010, 12:16:05 pm
content: My order was on 08/06 and today I received an email that my board has been shipping, a little bit late but it was shipped

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2010, 12:42:13 pm
content: Wow, six month later and TI still hasn't sorted out their fulfillment issues.

author: CryptLordGR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2010, 12:51:49 pm
content: 4 months I followed the mm/dd type for days. I think I ordered the last day of the free shipping so after me i think theirs sales have dropped. But yea it is ridiculous 4 months for the Launchpad

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2010, 02:52:48 pm
content: Quote from: CryptLordGR on December 04, 2010, 12:51:49 pmI didn't use your date. I was talking about the duration since TI released the Launchpad in June. They had fulfillment problems right from the start. For me that is now six month of ongoing fulfillment problems.But I bet the responsible TI manager is selling that pathetic performance as a great success to his boss. Must be a stupid boss.

author: CryptLordGR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2010, 03:49:13 pm
content: You are waiting for 6 months?(i didnt understand difficult english)

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2010, 05:36:11 pm
content: Amazing. The FedEx truck dropped off my launchpads today, and the TI website still says that my order is backordered, and they have no ship date. Almost 4 months to fill the order.Now ... what the hell was I going to use these for???

author: Zyvek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2010, 06:27:32 pm
content: Quote from: JohnS_AZ on December 07, 2010, 05:36:11 pmI feel your pain. My first two orders were never confirmed so I ordered a third time, 4+ months later I had five of these. Today three more showed up. :-/

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2010, 06:39:26 pm
content: Well, they're pretty and red... we could add hooks and hang them on the Christmas tree.

author: Zyvek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2010, 07:07:12 pm
content: Quote from: JohnS_AZ on December 07, 2010, 06:39:26 pmI was thinking of giving them to my systems engineers at work to see if the electronics bug would take, but I think I like your idea better -

author: Nerobro
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2010, 04:01:11 pm
content: I ordered mine in July. I got it yesterday. That's.. a little nutty.How can you plan on using a chipset, if they can't even deliver development boards?Oh well, time to play with them.

author: RayJones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2011, 12:21:18 am
content: Sorry to drag up an old thread, but I only in the last few days I have actually fired up the MSP430 dev kit.I'm getting a 24V pump to operate in conjunction with a photovoltaic solar panel to pump water through a solar heater panel for the pool.The MSP430G2231 supplied in the kit is perfect for my needs as it has an inbuilt ADC, and it is not a ridiculously large micro for the job.What have other people used it for, or are all these $4.30 dev kits now just languishing on the shelf?My biggest hurdle was reliably sensing if the pump is running or not simply by observing the panel voltage.Out of interest, I was playing with a (free) mBed just a week earlier, and my 12 year old son was able to do some things with that real easy. The MSP kit lost him real quick having to get right down to the nitty gritty of the chips registers.

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2011, 03:56:38 am
content: I used mine a few months ago to prove to my landlord that his fridge was broken. The built-in temperature sensor is a nice feature to have! I connected it to my computer, which was sitting outside the fridge, via USB and then wrote a program that charted the temperature and uploaded it to a Web site every few minutes.He never fixed the fridge and my Famers Union iced coffees kept spoiling, so I eventually moved out.

author: CafeLogic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2011, 04:02:49 am
content: I ordered one, they fedexed it overnight (I have no idea why) then sent me another one week later (I have no idea why). They have sat on the shelf ever since. I got that free embed too. I haven't played with it yet but I plan to, I like the LPC1768.

author: andyg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2011, 12:57:06 pm
content: I have one of these too.Really wanted to use it to design and make some stuff, but the valueline MCUs are hard to get in Australia (Element 14, RS Components), hardly ever any stock, so I didn't see the point of designing something with it if I have to buy it chips from the US. At least not for a hobbyist.Took forever to get mine too. Even emailed them, never any reply. Very common story if you read their MSP430 launchpad wiki.

author: CryptLordGR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2011, 09:50:19 pm
content: following anothers project i made a SPI Explorer controlled by computer via serial port, for exprepimenting with new spi chips without having to program every time a bit of code, now it is on-the-fly testing. I would like to expand to other protocols but the flash is very limited.

author: RayJones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2011, 09:59:58 pm
content: Quote from: andyg on January 28, 2011, 12:57:06 pmDamn!I have been meaning to order some as I released the magic smoke from one of my chips by a stupid shorting error on veroboard.I was already cursing the stuff before this, now I'll vow to never use that crap again!The design is now on matrix board. When I was young I would have done a small PCB, but now I don't have the enthusiasm for messy chemicals and drilling those holes!

author: TheDirty
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2011, 03:50:29 am
content: Quote from: andyg on January 28, 2011, 12:57:06 pmYou can program other devices with the Launchpad. It's a Spy-By-Wire programmer similar to the USB sticks in the EZ430 kits.http://hackaday.com/2010/09/28/launchpad-not-limited-to-value-line-chips/

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2011, 10:30:39 pm
content: Quote from: TheDirty on January 29, 2011, 03:50:29 amThanks for this.Somehow this escaped my attention. I followed the bouncing ball and foundthe GoodFET project. Might prove useful to some.