> I had a look at this Bit Whacker thing - it's expensive. Why not just > use an FT2232D chip from FTDI? It is I2C/USB capable out of the box. > The FT2232 costs $6.99 USD in unit quantity from Mouser.
Hey David, You can't really compare the FTDI chip cost with a Bit Whacker that is a prebuilt tested board (SMT version) with all parts and boot loader pre-installed. To compare the chip cost: the Bit Whacker has the 18F2455 that Mouser has for $7.25 USD in unit quantity. That would be the fair comparison. I think the UBW is a good deal (really great when they were $20). I have several of the SMT and thru hole versions. Hard to beat when you can just plug in a USB cable and it is running. The best thing for me is the firmware source that is available that is easily modified. Many have done this for interfacing with the Si570. WB8DNO has posted his version in the files section. Sure nice to start with something that works right away!! 73, Mike Collins KF4BQ
