ELEKTOR FORUMS

I am a subscriber to the Swedish version of Elector.
But every time I read about a project or tips and trix its allways about software or Windows only or buy this and that in licences. Which is a problem that results in that I dismiss them...

My wish is for more open-sorce projects!

Is it possible for you to compose articles on how to compile and program microcontrollers under GNU C compiler? This is free and unlimited for Mac/Linux/Win users.
For example explain the use of a basic makefile and perhaps that you can write a C program under any text editor, and that there is no use for advanced and expensive IDE's.

And all additional software is more or less allways based on Win applications, what about Java based so that no matter what OS the subscribers use we can all use and appriciate the application.

For example why not start a series of projects based on the Arduino platform? Its free and cheap hardware, you have meantioned it in a former issue under 2007 I think.
Or reuse the existing Pic or AVR based platforms you have but under GNU or other open-source based software.
My guess is that the readers could take more pleasure in your different mcu projects in the future, espacially us student or hobbyist that doesnt have enough money to spend on all the fancy software.
My motto is: better open-sorced than downloaded pirated software.
/Henrik - Sweden

Hi, I understand your points and can understand your concerns.

I'm new to PC-based applications development, as well as Elektor, so forgive me if I generalize too much or overlook some points.

From what I have seen Elektor has provided a number of low-cost or FREE development applications and projects using GUIs related to these.

For example, GUIs for hardware interfacing in the Windows environment can be done using C# or Visual Basic, available in the free Express Editions from Microsoft.

I purchased the C# book by John Allwork from Elektor, using Visual C# Express Edition for free. Overall I got a LOT of knowledge & functionality for low cost.

Maybe a good balance would be:
1. Windows development using both proprietary AND open source tools
2. Linux development using open source tools
3. Introducing the open-source embedded microcontroller development tools, assuming any decent ones are available!

I personally would like to see more open-source embedded development, if there are any good ones.

Just some ideas...