FPGAs were an odd experience of learning for me. I started thinking they were hard to program. Then once I got halfway decent at simple things, I realized just how powerful they can be. So many things just run faster if not instantaneously if you optimize for FPGA. It's incredible. And with modern cheapy low end boards, I hope they get more popular in projects.
FPGAs are particularly amazing for this sort of project where you would otherwise need a custom ASIC that could never be even remotely economical to build (see my 16-core Z80 laptop as another excellent example: http://www.chrisfenton.com/the-zedripper-part-1/). It lets you play 'fantasy computer architect.'
I get that. I think it took me a full semester in uni, and a summer internship, and maybe a few more months after that. It's hard to really break through. But once I did, it got a lot easier.
It is on my list of things to learn/have one (Orange Crab). I just haven't had a specific use yet. I know they use them for video out/camera for example. One day... so many things to learn/need time.
The orange crab looks nifty. My recommendation is to start very very simple. I'm not sure how this board integrates with the tools with their DFU mode and all that, but hopefully it allows the same quick iteration as JTAG. I think the next time if any you feel like using a microcontroller, try using the FPGA instead.
Thanks. I listen to EmbeddedFM and I always hear about JTAG but have not used one. Interesting thought about subsituting an FPGA for a microcontroller. Guess you would have to know how to use one in order to do something trivial like blink/move a servo.
Uses an FPGA lol damn that's hardcore