Stellaris Ek-Lm4F232

Bob Murphy said:

... just want to experiment with example software at first them attempt to write some of my own stuff once I get comfortable with the programming environment

The free version of Keil should be just fine for that!

Similarly IAR.

Bob Murphy said:

I inquired about a full License and was told by Keil $6800

That sounds like the top-of-the-range, all-bells-and-whistles price - did you ask them about the other versions?

http://www.keil.com/arm/selector.asp

CCS is free & unlimited when used with a TI board: http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/Stellaris_support_in_CCS#What_CCS_License_types_support_Stellaris.3F

It is possible to build a "free" (sic) toolchain from open-source components - but that very much depends on you having the wherewithall to collect and put it all together. IMO, that's not a beginner's option.

A Red Suite Full Licence from Code Red Technologies supports Stellaris: http://www.code-red-tech.com/products.php

Agree 100% w/above poster - and encourage you to download the "free - unlimited time versions" of both Keil and IAR.  Believe that in both cases you can debug and program up to 32KB - with minimal loss when compared to the "paid" version.

Beware - know that IAR also offers a, "time-limited - code size unlimited" version.  Forgive me - but, "Avoid this like the plague!"  (strong msg to follow)  Even if you far exceed our group's "dull normal" status - you will not be ready for a time-limited incarnation - and haste - especially in MCU development - too often makes waste.  Later - after you've mastered the basics - is the time to try time-limited.  (and that time will pass in an instant...)

Unsaid (and perhaps unwelcome here) is that Keil & IAR (possibly others) accept a variety of ARM and non-ARM MCUs - you are not limited to "one" MCU vendor.  Choice is important - especially when cost and availability issues litter the landscape...

BTW - your boards may have come w/one "flavor" IDE - but most always there is no "lock" forcing you to use only that.  Now is an excellent time to experiment - see which one best suits.  In our case we purchased multiple "seats" of 256KB IAR - far less costly than what you quoted. 

Apart from IDEs - the SW-DRL-UG and your MCU datasheet (some 1400+ pgs.) will prove immensely helpful.  Also read/review many code examples - especially those which came with your Eval Board. 

Many new users attempt to create their own, "Unique Projects."  Don't!  Heartbreak lurks around that corner - instead choose an existing project as close as possible to your needs - copy/safely save the original project - and then "add" your elements to the "known working" project.  (just forum search for, "Create Own Project" - reads like review of SS Titanic by those who survived...)   Bon chance...

cb1_mobile said:

your boards may have come w/one "flavor" IDE ...

The various options are listed here: http://www.ti.com/tool/ek-lm4f232

• Keil
• IAR
• Sourcery CodeBench
• Code Composer Studio

cb1_mobile said:

... but most always there is no "lock" forcing you to use only that

Indeed!  And you can download the images of the CDs which accompany each variant - so you can try them all!

The possible exception is CCS - it might be best to speak to your local FAE/Distributor/Sales office for clarification of CCS licence...

cb1_mobile said:

read/review many code examples - especially those which came with your Eval Board. 

Note emphasis!!

The advantage of sticking with the "supported" toolsets (above) is that they are, well - supported! ie, you get specific documentation & examples relevant to those particular tools.

cb1_mobile said:

we purchased multiple "seats" of 256KB IAR - far less costly than what you quoted

I beleive that the Keil 256K version would be far less than quoted - but did you also get a "deal" for buying multiple...?

Andy Neil said:

but did you also get a "deal" for buying multiple...?

But of course, mon ami - but of course...

Bob:

I am using CCSV5 -- I am quite happy with it now and would recommend it if you need the large program sizes. Some experience with Eclipse for Android or GCC make it easier -- but it can be done...

See here for additional videos -- related to the launchpad LM4F120XL -- but should be applicable to the "big brother".

http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/Getting_Started_with_the_Stellaris_EK-LM4F120XL_LaunchPad_Workshop?DCMP=stellaris-launchpad&HQS=stellaris-launchpadtraining

CCSV5 with the latest Stellarisware is a true bargain -- free! Dig around for free courses and workshops on the TI site. They will get you started.

Dave Robinson said:

Dig around for free courses and workshops on the TI site.

And also with local distributors, tool vendors, etc,...

And, of course, ARM themselves: http://www.arm.com/ - check out the "Community"...