I have not chosen this controls manufacturer on a whim. There is a very huge variety of control microprocessor systems available, suitable for this project. In have no idea if this selection is technically the best product for the job. The truth is I don’t have the time or the money to test everything out there to make that kind of ultimate selection. I don’t think I need to.

I am not buying processors in lots of 1000 and will probably never. That means I need a low volume low cost proven product from a demonstrated successful manufacturer with lots of support for small volume users like myself. Here I am buying direct from the manufacture, not some high volume distributor who may consider me a pesky gnat because of my questions.

I have good experience with one of the Parallax products (the Basic Stamp) so first-hand I have knowledge their peripheral customer support systems and business philosophy. The company president (check his first name) Chip Gracey is a customer level, visual manager. He developed his product knowledge much the same as I did. That is with “hands on” pioneering from the very early years (late 70’s early 80’s) of the micro processor hobby development until the present. His start was back when Timex Sinclair’s and Apple II’s were still fresh off the tree.

Because of their comparably (with say Intel) low volume, their product has to be good to stay and grow in the business. Their market is the enthusiast both professional and hobbyist who want a small low power device with system boards and open I/O that can be totally customized to whatever need. Many times that can develop into OEM large orders, at least at the chip level.

That is all I need to make my initial selection. Check ‘em out for yourself!

Umm, sorry if this reads like a commercial. Just call it an endorsement. 🙂