I'm a student, and trying to learn a bit more about fpgas, and struggling with the idea of buying a full development kit. I am based in the Uk (Cambridge - Anglia Ruskin University), and hence expect it to be more likely that a Cairnsmore1 miner is available in the UK (as that is where they were made) and I'd rather the money spent was on the item, than on P&P from the States or somewhere else ridiculous!
It was suggested that I try advertising here as a friend said that Cairnsmore1s were obsolete?, and the available documentation on them seems to be quite comprehensive:
http://www.enterpoint.co.uk/cairnsmore/cairnsmore1.htmlIt has lights/switches, and input/output connections of various types, a thermistor, and JTAG to investigate and explore so seems pretty much perfect as a mechanism to get started. The additional plus is that the board also has a Spartan 3E on it, giving me exposure to 2 different fpga series.
Other systems that looked sensible were an Icarus system and a Lancelot system, although the documentation relating to them was much poorer than for the Cainsmore1. Alternative suggestions also welcome.
If any UK people are trying to sell one of these (or something similar), or knows where I could get something like this fairly cheaply, then I'd be grateful if they could contact me.
Thankyou all in advance for any guidance (especially with other people's experiences of programming this device), suggestions or offers.
