Using a plug and play modular architecture, you can build the various circuits you use on a regular basis, write your code, test the new circuit, and then just plug it in the next time you need it. Because the modules are stackable, you can configure the FLASH Lab system for your particular design need. The FLASH Lab does not require a programmer.

Both the FLASH Lab PRO and FLASH Lab STD starter deals provide a fully integrated development environment. Simply press one button within the IDE and your BASIC program is compiled, assembled and then uploaded to the FLASH Lab system over a serial connection to your PC.

The starter deal comes with PICBasic PRO and MicroCode Studio Plus, a powerful, visual Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that has been specifically designed for the PICBasic PRO compiler. MicroCode Studio Plus also includes an In Circuit Debugger (ICD) which can help accelerate program development.

It's also a lot of fun and a great tool for learning more about programming PIC microcontrollers.

• Read more about the FLASH Lab Development System
• Read more about MicroCode Studio
• Read more about the MicroCode Studio Plus ICD

The FLASH Lab system uses a high performance PICmicro FLASH microcontroller. The 16F877A based FLASH Lab system has 8k of code space, 368 bytes of RAM and 256 bytes of EEPROM. The latest FLASH Lab system uses the 18F452, an incredible MCU that has 16k words of code space, 1536 bytes of RAM and 256 bytes of EEPROM. That's twice the code space and more than four times user RAM when compared to the 16F877A. In addition, the 18F452 can be run at speeds of up to 40 MHz.

Supplied with the PICBasic Pro Compiler Includes MicroCode Studio Includes MicroCode Loader FLASH Lab Development Board FLASH Lab Prototyping Board Pre-programmed (boot loader) PIC16F877A or 18F452 Serial Cable Optional PSU for UK use only

*For 40MHz use, the FLASH Lab comes supplied with a 10MHz crystal.  The onboard 18F452 has its Phases Locked Loop (PLL) option enabled. This multiplies the external clock frequency by four, giving an effective internal MCU speed of 40MHz.

Each FLASH Lab comes with a PICmicro® FLASH 40-pin DIP microcontroller, pre-programmed with the necessary boot-loader firmware. The Microchip RISC microcontroller is an incredibly powerful processor and offers a multitude of onboard hardware features and peripherals, making it the ideal choice for almost any embedded application. The starter deal includes a FLASH Lab prototyping board, but you purchase more boards from here.

You can also purchase additional MCUs from Mecanique that have the loader software already programmed in. This means it's very easy to deploy your final design. If you have your own PIC Programmer, you can program your own bootloader MCUs. You are not locked into this system, the firmware files you need are included when you purchase the FLASH Lab starter system.

• Rapid prototyping with plug and play modular architecture
• Does not require a programmer. Send your compiled PICmicro® hex file via a serial cable connected to your PC.
• Includes incredibly powerful 16F877A or 18F452 processor
• MAX233CPP serial interface
• 3-pin header for direct access to serial port DTR, TX and RX signals
• Auto-reset enable/disable jumper for boot-loader programming
• Gold contacts on pass-through I/O connections for superior electrical contacts
• Header posts for connecting any I/O-pin to direct/buffered RS-232 signals
• All mounting hardware for the FLASH Lab and modular prototyping board

 The FLASH Lab starter is also available in the USA from Reynolds Electronics