Hardware Tools

Tools - Hardware

Links Mentioned
Free power supply
Radio Shack

You need a little bit of hardware to get started. In particular, you need:

	A 5V regulated power supply
	An APP-II chip
	A ceramic resonator (included with the APP-II kit)
	Some sort of board to assemble your test circuit on (a breadboard is best)
	A connection to your PC (the full APP-II kit includes an RS-I that makes it easy to connect the PC to a breadboard; you can also build your own converter using a MAX232 or similar device).

In addition, any electronics project requires some basic tools and equipment. I'm assuming you already have these (soldering iron, pliers, wire cutters, a multimeter). A scope is great if you have one, but not strictly necessary for experimentation.

You already have a 5V power supply (sure you do, right here). As for the board to build a test circuit on, I prefer a soldereless breadboard. However, you can use a small universal PCB, or any construction method you are comfortable with.

The ceramic resonator is like a crystal (and you can use a crystal if you add load capacitors or use a solderless breadboard which usually has enough capacitance all by itself). The resonator supplied with the APP-II has three terminals (built-in capacitors). The two end terminals are the resonator and the middle terminal is ground. The two end pins are interchangeable.

That leaves the "programmer" setup, which we'll talk about in the next section.

While you are waiting for your APP-II, go to your local Radio Shack and buy a pack of 10K 1/4 watt resistors (less than $1) and buy a box of wire jumpers for your breadboard. You can also buy a breadboard there if you don't have one already.