Arduino: MH-Tiny VS Arduino Nano - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SpottedDick
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2022, 09:08:19 pm
content: Hi all!I'm trying to start an open source project, so I'm using Arduino for the code since it's easily accessible.Does anyone have any experience with the MH-Tiny boards? Apparently (according to AliExpress) basically a clone of the Nano with a different chip and programmable once the Arduino IDE is setup correctly to program it.I'm trying to keep total component cost down, so considering these are under half the price of a Nano, I'd take them if there's no major drawbacks. Can't find a comparison of the two online.Thanks for any feedback!

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2022, 10:05:12 pm
content: Nano uses ATmega328 2kB RAM, 32kB flashMH-Tiny uses Tiny88 0.5kB RAM, 8kB flashYou'd also have to look at what peripherals and features you are using, and see if they are present in the Tiny88.If its a very simple project you may be able to get away with the 88. But if you ever plan on expanding it, I would avoid.

author: SpottedDick
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2022, 10:21:14 pm
content: Thanks so much for that. I might order a few for blinking LED type stuff, but for this project I'll stick with the nano.Thanks again.

author: tepalia02
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2022, 10:53:10 am
content: In terms of flash memory size, nano is better. MH-Tiny has a higher number of I/O pins

author: SpottedDick
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2022, 11:09:34 am
content: Oh, I hadn't got as far as checking the pin outs. I thought from the listing this was a drop in pin for pin replacement for the nano...Pity, I ordered two this morning! Always handy to have I suppose!

author: eugene
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2022, 03:03:12 pm
content: Personally, me, I would avoid the Arduino Nano for the simple reason that it has a mini-B USB connector instead of a more common micro-B or C connector. I know I have mini-B cables around (somewhere), but if I get to choose then I choose micro-B.Sparkfun Pro Micro clones are available on Aliexpress for ~$5. (Was less than $2 a couple of years ago!) They use an ATmega32u4 with built in USB support, so faster data transfer over USB, if that's important to you. Oh, and micro-B connector. The M32u4 is a more capable uC than the T88.Edit: Nano clones are available with different connectors:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256802779728607.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.3645f202B4OLJ4&algo_pvid=64f26592-d8fc-42a5-987f-fb53275c6773&algo_exp_id=64f26592-d8fc-42a5-987f-fb53275c6773-8&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000022995747729%22%7D&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21USD%21%211.09%211.09%21%21%21%21%402101e9cf16559102870948571e8cea%2112000022995747729%21seaI cannot vouch for the quality or vendor.

author: SpottedDick
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2022, 04:33:25 pm
content: Just FYI, the seller on Aliexpress that I used to buy my Nanos earlier offered either type of USB plug, micro or mini.Also, I notice this is now the top result on Google regarding this topic:Ignore the AliExpress sellers. These are a different product, the pin-out is completely different, you can't just replace a Nano with these.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2022, 10:16:54 pm
content: Quote from: SpottedDick on June 22, 2022, 04:33:25 pmThe linked item is the same pinout.

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2022, 10:26:24 pm
content: No USB chip. Bootloading is apparently done with the Digispark SW USB based bootloader.That means that:The bootloader is ~2k, leaving on 6k for use code. (if you use the bootloader.)There are reports that the SW USB implementations have poor interoperability with newer PCs.

author: SpottedDick
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2022, 10:20:33 am
content: Quote from: westfw on June 22, 2022, 10:26:24 pmInteresting! I've a small project that's just reading 6 analog voltages and sending them back over serial. I've MH-Tinys ordered (the cost is too tempting to not at least try them). So I'll see how I get on.