Min MCU

[StefanUlbrich]

Thanks for the amazing project. I found a board with a ATmega 32U4 which unfortunately only runs at 8MHz. Will this be enough to run a color sensor? Thanks

https://shop.myhobby-cnc.de/bauteile/elektronische-bauteile/aktive/39/arduino-pro-micro

[ysard]

Hi, yes, I think this module will be more than capable of executing the code. The computing power of a microcontroller cannot really be evaluated in the same way as conventional CPUs. Moreover, in this case, you only have a serial and I2C interface to manage. Each has a dedicated hardware module. What is important is the 3.3V voltage. Note that my 16MHz 5V modules still operate at 3.3V.

However, if I may say so, at €13 per module, you are paying five times more than the maximum expected price. And about 15 times more than the manufacturing cost in China.

[StefanUlbrich]

Sorry for the very tardy reply and thanks for the answer.
What would would be the most affordable still powerful enough MCU? Would it run on a pi pico (without modifying the code)? Sorry if the answer is obvious but I haven't worked with MCU in a long time.

[ysard]

Hi, Pro Micro is fine, ESP8266 (like D1 Mini boards) are also ok, the same for ESP32 boards. It depends on what peripherals you want to connect... If you want wifi, you would be better to choose ESP things. If you just want autonomous sensors connected on GPIO, SPI or I2C, then Arduino things will be enough. Just keep in mind that 1 hardware serial port is required and will be used for the LEGO hub (2 GPIO used).

By the way, where you buy your hardware is more important if you are focused on the affordable side of the project.