TI Launchpad MSP430 Just got it in and getting started!

I'm just getting started with my new TI Launchpad MSP430. I had a hard time finding a good source of information, but I did find one cool site: http://mspsci.blogspot.com/2010/05/writing-first-program.html. Seems like he has some decent tutorials from the ground up that will get beginners started.

Also, as I mentioned in the vid, please let me know if any of you guys know about this microcrystal. Like I said I kinda have an idea what it does but I haven't been able to figure out where or even if I'm supposed to put it somewhere on the launchpad. Suppose I should go to the big url they have on the packaging eh?

Lemme know if any questions, good luck, and peace out.

Other Stuff
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Can get one here: http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?WT.z_header=search_go&am...

TI's crappy wiki here: http://www.ti.com/launchpadwiki

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• TI Launchpad
• ti
• launchpad
• msp430
• microcontroller
• beginner
• electronics
• msp430g2211
• micro crystal.
• tutorial

[EnrichedGamer]

these are awesome! the ti shopping is messed up so i guess i gotta wait.

[epidemicz]

@EnrichedGamer Yeah, the TI store took forever to send me mine. I noticed the other day sparkfun had some in stock, may want to try there. They mark it up a little, but was still only about $5.00.

[MrTomcarnahan]

What is the URL for the blog?

[epidemicz]

@MrTomcarnahan mspsci.blogspot.com/2010/05/wr­iting-first-program.html.

[sonicase]

the crystal connects on that oval space next to where the 430 chip is

you won't need it unless your project requires more accurate timing

(there's already a timing circuit inside the chip)

[epidemicz]

@sonicase awesome, I see. Thanks very much :D

[sharperguy]

The chip will have an internal oscillator to create the system clock, but it's fairly inaccurate so if you say set it to 5MHz it could be off by 0.5MHz or something either way and vary with time (this is just a guess - the datasheet should have the real numbers).

The crystal should have a much lower tolerance and allow you to do accurate timing and stuff. There is a clocking diagram in the user guide which shows you how to configure where your system clocks come from and what speed you want.

[alexandercoffin]

check out the TI launchpad group on google. Crystal is used to make the clock more accurate but like you said as well I have no idea how it fully works.

[Films4You]

Chrystal see:- watch?v=BV8OPX2E5d0

[illegalsmile3]

Cool thanks for the link. I was also having a hard time finding decent tutorial sites.

[carlos351pinoy]

dude, it goes into the crystal pad at the right of the uC, it's purpose is to provide a low frequency for when the controller goes into low power mode

Info, training and sample code

on this link processors.wiki.ti.com/index.p­hp/MSP430_LaunchPad_(MSP-EXP43­0G2)

later