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 intuitive Logicator flowcharting software that especially enables younger students and hobbyists to start generating programs quickly and easily. 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 (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.
These PICAXE microcontroller chips are available in surface mounting 8, 14, 18, 20, 28 and 44-pin versions, giving a choice of the number of input and output lines, and pins are individually configurable for greater I/O flexibility. As well as the standard X1 types, M2 and X2 variants are offered that provide differing amounts of memory and extra features so a choice can be made according to project need.