MSP-EXP430G2 LaunchPad

Replacement: None. Pricing increases have forced us to discontinue carrying these. This page is for reference only.

LaunchPad is an easy-to-use development tool from Texas Instruments intended for both beginners and experienced developers. The LaunchPad offers everything you need to get started with your microcontroller-based projects in a small package.

The LaunchPad development tool is a part of what TI calls "the Value Line series," meaning the devices are inexpensive and accessible even for hobbyists. The integrated DIP target socket allows all 14 and 20-pin MSP430 Value Line devices to be dropped into the LaunchPad board for easy programming, debugging, and monitoring. You even get unrestricted and downloadable software development environments for writing and debugging software. The LaunchPad can be used to create interactive solutions thanks to its integrated buttons, LEDs, and extra input/output pins for easy integration of external devices.

Note: We are currently shipping version 1.4.

  • Includes all of the hardware and software needed to get started. Pre-programmed devices and code examples help you get up and running quickly!
  • Includes a development board, 2 programmable MSP430 microcontrollers, mini-USB cable, PCB connectors for expandability, external crystal for increased clock accuracy, and unrestricted software integrated development environments (IDEs) – everything you need to get started today.
  • A simple introduction to the MSP430 microcontroller family. As application requirements change, programs developed on the LaunchPad can be migrated to higher end MSP430 devices.

Comments

Looking for answers to technical questions?

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  • EliTheIceMan / about 14 years ago / 2

    I ordered mine from TI on the 5th (two days ago) and it was here from Singapore the next day (yesterday). All for $4.30. I would think that overnight overseas shipping would cost more than that. As others have said, TI's estore was a bit of a pain though.

    • Citros / about 12 years ago / 1

      TI has a manufacturing plant in Singapore (I think, if not very close) so I doubt they shipped it to the US just to ship it back to Singapore.

  • scruss / about 12 years ago / 1

    If you're familiar with the Wiring/Arduino language, there's now a port that generates MSP430 code: Energia. Not too many of the libraries have been ported, but it does work. It's also supported by TI.

  • ehawk / about 12 years ago * / 1

    Are you planning on stocking a later version?

  • war_spigot / about 13 years ago / 1

    eBay

    I lol'd

    • Thimplum / about 13 years ago / 1

      Well, we all know that gold plated USB cables (with ferrite core) are always good to have just lying around...

      • war_spigot / about 13 years ago / 1

        And just as valuable as a TI LaunchPad + a USB cable.

        • Thimplum / about 13 years ago / 1

          Are you saying that the launchpad isn't any better than a usb cable?! (Actually, I've never even seen one, so I don't really know...)

  • WilliamK / about 13 years ago / 1

    Please, also carry the chips to use with this, as we mostly order from SF alone, as other sites shipping rates are too high for us. :-(
    I already got the LaunchPad from SF a week ago, but now I want more chips to use with it.

  • Weblife / about 13 years ago / 1

    I am considering this for a bluetooth accelerometer remote. Anybody willing to give me feedback on the design and if they this this should be ok? Can't post image so: http://e2e.ti.com/support/microcontrollers/msp43016-bit_ultra-low_power_mcus/f/166/t/136261.aspx

  • disabelle / about 14 years ago / 1

    so with the pin conversion i could plug a usb host shield like this http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9947 or will that not work as in saying if the pins connect to the right pins will it work?

  • MK1888 / about 14 years ago / 1

    Buy direct from TI for $4.30 and no shipping. Just got a few the other day.

  • cSu7xFSE / about 14 years ago / 1

    Can you use the Emulation as a inexpensive USB to serial converter? FTDI caples are $20

  • cSu7xFSE / about 14 years ago / 1

    $6? they are $4.30

  • BenB / about 14 years ago / 1

    Will the capacitive sense booster board (430BOOST-SENSE1) be making its way to SparkFun too?

  • MattTheGeek / about 14 years ago / 1

    I've created a system called EasyMSP, which allows users of the MSP430G value line to easily use their controller. EasyMSP also attempts to emulate the Arduino, so switching couldn't be easier. Check it out: EasyMSP Website

  • kaoD / about 14 years ago / 1

    How long is the USB cable? I assume I can use the cable with the Pocket AVR Programmer, right?

  • disabelle / about 14 years ago / 1

    hey would i be able to drop in one of these in this or both not at the same time though http://www.sparkfun.com/products/219 or this http://www.sparkfun.com/products/212
    sorry im new to this

    • MattTheGeek / about 14 years ago / 1

      Sorry disabelle, i'm afraid you can't. (Well you could... But you couldn't program it)
      You can find MSP430 chips from Digikey, Newark, Mouser, Etc... Or you can ask TI nicely for some samples.

      • disabelle / about 14 years ago / 1

        oh ok thanks ill go look and thanks for letting me know that there is a way or mod to make a shield for this thanks

        • disabelle / about 14 years ago / 1

          can i use a different ide on this this one seems harder(could i use arduino ide or maybe the .net ide like you would use on the fez series? )

          • Member #259239 / about 12 years ago / 1

            Late, I know, but for future users try energia (arduino like IDE).

  • disabelle / about 14 years ago / 1

    are these pin compatible with the arduno uno pins like can i use some of the sheilds with or without modifications?

    • MattTheGeek / about 14 years ago / 1

      Hi disabelle, This isn't pin compatible with the Arduino. However I'm working on a Arduino To MSP430 Launchpad conversion add-on, I'll keep you posted.

      • disabelle / about 14 years ago / 1

        so with the pin conversion i could plug a usb host shield like this http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9947 or will that not work as in saying if the pins connect to the right pins will it work?

  • voodoobot / about 14 years ago / 1

    I'm sure there is a good reason for this being $6 when it's intended sale price was "$4.30". Not saying it's not worth it though, this kit rocks for what it is, and what it is is pretty impressive. As mentioned above, it comes with quite a bit and it's worth it to get one just to play with it. The datasheets are great and not as cryptic as some of the avr sheets.

  • Suyog Vyawahare / about 14 years ago / 1

    I have one of these!

  • EmilioG / about 14 years ago / 1

    I got this the second they came back in stock, the 2nd I think it was. TI's documentation is a little sparse, so it's taking me a little longer than usual to get going with this. Overall, it just can't be beat for the price. Plus, it's finally forcing me to move up from Arduino.

  • Manwolf / about 14 years ago / 1

    Any idea when you might have them back in Stock? I have had two on back order for awhile now.

    • Stock on these has been very unpredictable. They have been very difficult to keep in stock. We have no idea when we will get them.

  • bluehash / about 14 years ago / 1

    There is a community site at http://www.43oh.com
    The forum has quite a few project to get started.
    http://www.43oh.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=9

  • MattTheGeek / about 14 years ago / 1

    I must be lost... Could someone explain to me why this is less than 6 dollars!? So many features for so less... This product virtually beats every low and medium scale microcontroller. Will you stock chips soon?
    --MattTheGeek

    • NXTreme / about 14 years ago / 1

      And, the MSP430 line of micros is super power efficient. Perfect for those wireless temperature monitoring applications were all you have to set up for a power supply is a little solar panel (from a cheap calculator or similar) and a couple farads of caps. Check out Hack A Day for more: http://hackaday.com/2010/09/30/launchpad-takes-ultra-low-power-to-the-extreme/

    • MattTheGeek / about 14 years ago / 1

      Scratch medium. Looks like i jumped the gun and thought, "Hey, 100Kb of program memory and tons of peripherals, what a great deal!" until i found out that this is the value series. Still a awesome deal for programmer, 2 micros and a usb cable.

  • Wow, what a cheap Arduiono alternative!
    (not as featured and easy though...)

    • isaacbwagner / about 13 years ago / 1

      It may not be as easy, but the value line chips are packed with features if you're willing to learn C or assembly.

  • jdawg / about 14 years ago / 1

    I bought two from digi-key for 4.30 a few weeks back. Mouser had some on order for the same price.

  • demonicanima / about 14 years ago / 1

    Wait...how did you guys get a hold of these? I'm still waiting for a couple I ordered back in July...

    • Kevin Vermeer / about 14 years ago / 1

      I ordered two on the 4th from the TI e-store, and they shipped yesterday. Don't know what's up with that. However, I don't expect the evalbot that was in the same order to come in anytime soon.

    • We ordered them awhile ago too. But, we are gone now. Sigh.

    • halfwaythere / about 14 years ago / 1

      I originally requested one from TI in July also, got sick of waiting last week and ordered one from digikey instead which arrived the next day.
      Low and behold, TI delivered theirs the following week.

  • Kevin Vermeer / about 14 years ago / 1

    Any plans to sell the Evalbot?
    http://hackaday.com/2010/10/04/125-off-the-evalbot-is-a-steal
    I'd much rather use your e-store than TI's.

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