What is a PICAXE ?

PICAXE

Microcontrollers are exciting new electronic ‘single chip computers’ that are rapidly being introduced into industry and education. The ‘PICAXE’ system is an extremely powerful, yet low cost, microcontroller programming system designed to simplify educational and hobbyist use of microcontrollers.
The unique feature of the PICAXE system is that programs are downloaded via a direct cable link straight into the microcontroller, so no expensive programmers or erasers are required. The easy to use software is free, and so this low cost approach also means that students can use the whole programming system at home.
Programs can be created graphically using flowcharts, or programmatically using a simple BASIC style language, within the free ‘Programming Editor’ software.
As the PICAXE is a 'chip' level device, students can design their own PCBs to build into their own control projects (buggy shown by students from Morgan Academy, Scotland).


The PICAXE microcontrollers are available in six sizes:
  • The 8 pin version provides 5 i/o pins (1 analogue input).
  • The 14 pin version provides 6 outputs and 5 inputs (3 of the inputs have analogue capabilities).
  • The 18 pin version provides 8 outputs and 5 inputs (3 of the inputs have analogue capabilities).
  • The 20 pin version provides 8 outputs and 8 inputs (4 of the inputs have analogue capabilities).
  • The 28-pin version provides 9-17 outputs, 0-12 inputs and 0-4 separate analogue inputs.
  • The 40-pin version provides 9-17 outputs, 8-20 inputs and 3-7 separate analogue inputs.
Click here for a comparison chart between PICAXE types.

Students can choose to use pre-assembled project boards, or to design and make their own prototype (breadboard) or PCB circuits.

Click here for step by step instructions on how to use the PICAXE system.