[time-nuts] I want a good micro-controller

[Jim Palfreyman]

Hi Folks,

Well I have a nice idea in my head for a lunar occultation timer. Basically
it's a normal clock that accepts a push button click and records the UTC of
the events. Multiple events can be recorded and displayed back. The time
must be settable and could also accept an external 1 PPS for accurate time
setting. It also needs to be portable and battery powered. When it does get
1 PPS time setting it could work out how good its oscillator is an adjust
for it. etc. etc. and etc.

I have lots of other ideas in my head too and it's about time I settled down
and thoroughly learned a decent micro controller. I want to pick one, get
the stuff I need and commit to it. I've had experience with Atmel AT90S2313
but really want something with more memory, a decent number of io pins and
I'd like to avoid assembler.

It needs to drive a display of some form (standard LCD is fine but other
options would be good) and since nearly all my references are based on 10MHz
it would be nice if it could be clocked at that speed. I used to program the
Acorn Achimedes and so ARM would be nice and since I'm a 20 year experienced
C programmer (not C++) then that is what I'd like to program it in.

Thoughts, ideas, comments would be appreciated!

Oh and cheap!

:-)

Regards,

Jim