Getting Started

All you need to know about getting started with PICAXE.

Purchasing a Starter Kit

PICAXE SystemTo get started with the PICAXE system you need four main items:

  1. A computer running the free PICAXE software
  2. A download cable, to transfer your programs onto the PICAXE chip
  3. A PICAXE chip on a project board
  4. A power supply, often a 3xAA battery pack

 

Most new users purchase a starter pack, although you may also purchase individual items if you prefer. Each starter pack contains:

  • a PICAXE microcontroller and project board
  • an AXE027 USB download cable
  • a battery box
  • (all software/manuals are a free download from www.picaxe.com/software)

The difference between the following starter packs is therefore purely the style of project board and size of PICAXE chip (8pin, 14pin etc). Also note that some project boards are provided pre-assembled whilst others are kits that require soldering together.

AXE091U

Experimenter Starter Pack

This pack is specifically designed for hobbyists with a large breadboarding area for experimentation. Various input/output devices are arranged around the breadboard ready for immediate use. This board can support all size PICAXE chips (8 to 40 pin) and is supplied with a PICAXE-18M2 chip. Supplied fully assembled. Details

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  • AXE001U

    PICAXE-28X1 Starter Pack

    This 28 pin starter pack is configured for 8 outputs, 2 motor outputs, 8 inputs and 4 analogue/touch inputs. Supplied with the PICAXE-28X1 chip and the AXE020 28 pin project board. Supplied fully assembled. Details

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  • AXE005U

    PICAXE-20M2 Starter Pack

    This 20 pin starter pack is configured for 8 outputs, and 8 digital/analogue/touch inputs. Supplied with the PICAXE-20M2 chip and the AXE118 20 pin project board. Self assembly kit (requires soldering). Details

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  • AXE002U

    PICAXE-18M2 Starter Pack

    This 18 pin starter pack is configured for 8 outputs, and 8 digital/analogue/touch inputs. Supplied with the PICAXE-18M2 chip and the CHI030 18 pin project board. Supplied fully assembled. Details

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  • AXE004U

    PICAXE-14M2 Starter Pack

    This 14 pin starter pack is configured for 6 outputs, and 6 digital/analogue/touch inputs. Supplied with the PICAXE-14M2 chip and the AXE117 14 pin project board. Self assembly kit (requires soldering). Details

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  • AXE003U

    PICAXE-08M2 Starter Pack

    This 8 pin starter pack is configured for 5 input/outputs of which 3 can be analogue/touch inputs. Supplied with the PICAXE-08M2 chip and the AXE021 8 pin proto board. Self assembly kit (requires soldering). Details

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  • AXE056

    PICAXE t4 Trainer Pack

    The trainer pack is a fully loaded board for tutorials, with multiple input and output devices 'on board'. Supplied with the PICAXE-18X and the AXE055 trainer board. Supplied fully assembled. Details

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