PICAXE is a microcontroller system that uses low cost FLASH memory based microcontrollers with a unique, pre-programmed PICAXE bootstrap code. This gives a device that may be reprogrammed typically 100,000 times without the need for an expensive and complicated programmer. PICAXE is programmed using a simple BASIC language or via the Logicator flowcharting software. Windows, Mac and Linux are all supported by the free BASIC software which can be downloaded from www.picaxe.co.uk.
Programming is carried out via a simple USB lead (13-0849) or serial (13-0847) cable. In addition to the microcontroller chips, starter, tutorial, and upgrade kits are available to provide a complete PICAXE solution. PICAXE microcontroller chips are available in 8, 14, 18, 20 and 28-pin versions, giving a choice of the number of input and output lines, and also in several variants which offer differing amounts of memory and extra features so a choice can be made according to project need.