Quote:

Quite probably because a) the market isn't as flooded with as many ARM7 resources, as there are PIC resources (I've been interested in PIC programming for the last couple years -- this is the first I've heard of using ARM7 as an alternative), and b) it seems overkill for a lot of very simple projects. Furthermore, as a hobbiest, I'd find the task of soldering an ARM7 onto a board (40 legs!) to be much more daunting than soldering a PIC onto a board.

So, supposing I were to take your advice, do you have any suggested resources that I should start with? (Including where I might find a low-cost programmer?)

My first project (which I've been putting off for *ages*) is to get something to convert my steering wheel control signals into a serial port stream to control the Empeg. How would using an ARM7 processor be simpler than using a PIC?

Cheers,

I don't see it as overkill myself, time saver yes! Olimex make full populated ready to go breakout boards on standard dip pitch if that's what is worrying you.

Things will be easier on the ARM because:

1) You'll be able to program in 'C' and have confidence that the compiler is generating valid code. This is a massive time saver over using assembler on a pic or trying to get a pic compiler to generate non-junk.

2) They have plenty of RAM & FLASH and a good smattering of on board peripherals.

3) They're much of a muchness in terms of price for hobbyists if you compare to pics.

There's plenty of ARM7 based microcontrollers on the market now, which is the good news

The philips lpc series, atmels AT91SAM7 series, analog devices ADuC series....etc. The even better news is that the philips & atmel families contain a lot of different devices in the range, so there's lots to choose from.

Here's some random urls:

lpc group
at91 sam group
at91 forum

and for your dev board/jtag requirements:

olimex

or their US reseller:

spark fun electronics

Now go forth and conquer (and leave the pics in the dustbin!)