ETT BASE PIC 40 PIC18F458 Controller MiniBoard Review

Author and Copyright: Benjamin Luck

Website: http://wirelesslambda.blogspot.com
Email: luck.benjamin@gmail.com

Have ordered a few ETT BASE PIC 40, Microchip PIC18F458 Controller MiniBoards from
Furturlec USA in the past . They have mainly been used for a few projects that I have worked on in
the past.

I decided they to do a review of the units, as I see them as an interesting industrial automation
board. The Microchip PIC18F458 microcontroller includes 32kb of internal flash Program Memory,
together with a large RAM area and an internal EEPROM. The microcontroller has an 8-channel
10-bit A/D converter, was well as I²C, SPI and CAN capability.

The on-board RS232 Communication interface is handy, with just a 4 pin plug is required. Easy to
interface the unit to a computer or another microcontroller.
Features:
• Includes Powerful Microchip PIC18F458 Microcontroller with 32kb Internal Flash Program
Memory
• Operating Speed at 10MHz
• Direct In-Circuit Programming for Easy Program Updates
• Up to 32 I/O points with easy to connect standard headers
• RS232 Connection with MAX232
• Internal EEPROM
• 8 Channel 10-bit A/D Convertor
• One 16-bit Timer with Three 8-bit Timers
• Power and Programming LED
• Reset Button
• Ideal as an Interchangeable Controller for Real-Time Systems

A few other useful parts also come in the package. With a parallel port programmer, CD with
software and some cables.
Package includes:
• PIC18F458 Controller Board
• Parallel Download Adapter
• Parallel Adapter Programming Software
• Manual and Data Sheets on a CD
• Examples and Sample Code on a CD
• Grey Ribbon Cable

Product Support
ETT support and sales for the PIC18F458 Controller Board product is done by their headquarters in
Thailand. I have found their technical staff and product vendors helpful and quick to resolve any
issues and handle any requirement requests.

The Conclusion
The Kit comes with everything you need to get your board going, at a reasonable price. A
programmer, software, compiler and cables. A great unit for the microcontroller enthusiast or
industry project and only a small price tag.
The board is well designed and has most of the major chips parts in removable DIP sockets. Handy
if you blow up your onboard microcontoller or MAX232 chip. Also the unit can be changed to a
Microchip PIC16F877 microcontroller if required.
The PIC18F458 is a little old, but as far as I can see, it should not be a problem to upgrade to the
Microchip PIC18F4580. Giving you some more features on the chip. I am unsure if the supplied
chip programmer is happy with other chips.

Product Review Rating

This is a rating from my in-house and field testing. With a rating out of 5 stars.
Reliability:

Ease of Setup:

Performance: