The boss wants me to make a timer for her exercise regime. It needs to flash a LED and/or make a sound every 12 seconds, then every 5 seconds (or something like that). I was going to choose a couple of CMOS 555 timers, but then I thought this could be a good way for me to learn about PICs. I've yet to make the plunge into mucking about with them, so what are the thoughts? PIC or 555s? It's not urgent.
-- Trevor Wilson www.rageaudio.com.au
Have a look at picaxe.
A PIC will be more versatile. If you just want the job done with least fuss, then PICAXE is the easiest and cheapest way. Can be programmed with flowcharts if needed.
If you want to learn "real" PIC's then you'll need a programmer. I'd recommend a genuine Microchip programmer, the PICkit2. Cheap, works with MPLAB or standalone, and you can get ZIF socket adapters for it (it's an in-circuit programmer on it's own).
What software experience do you have? PIC assembler is really not that fun, and I'd recommend C if you have the experience. There is BASIC too if that makes you more comfortable. A PIC16F88 is a good general purpose PIC chip to use, but anything will do for this app. Start by modifying example apps to get a hang of the compile-program development sequence in the toolset of your choice. MPLAB will do assembler, and you can get C or BASIC compilers that plug into MPLAB and use that as an editing environment. Otherwise you could use say the PIC-C lite software on its own that generates the .HEX file and then use your programmer software - no need for MPLAB in that case.
Learn about the configuration fuse bits - a trap for young players.
Dave.
If you want to do it in assembly I'd go for AVR, a lot simpler for beginner than PIC. If you want easier approach then there is PICAXE or Bascom (for AVR). Or C compilers for both. For that size project any demo code limited tool will work.
Tom
**Update. Thanks for the suggestions. I will look at the PICAXE. I can do the hardware, the boss can do the software (she, being comfortable with C programming). I did machine code about million years ago, along with a smattering of BASIC and FORTRAN. None of which I particularly cared for. She uses C on a daily basis. She wants her toy, she can get involved. could be fun. Or there could be tears. We'll see.
-- Trevor Wilson www.rageaudio.com.au
When I said there are C compilers for both I've meant PIC and AVR, PICAXE is based on PIC but programmed in Basic (very simple to figure out if you know C) and the propgram is loaded via serial port, there is no need for special programmers.
Tom
**Ah. Thanks for the clarification.
-- Trevor Wilson www.rageaudio.com.au
Picaxe is a great way to go for applications like you mentioned above Trevor, however you will soon find the limitations if you wish to proceed onto more involved applications.
have a read of:
Picaxe will do what you want. Perhaps you could use it to get your feet wet, as a lot of people do, and if you really want to learn about PICs, then get something a bit more serious later on.
Cheers Don...
-- Don McKenzie Site Map: http://www.dontronics.com/sitemap E-Mail Contact Page: http://www.dontronics.com/email USB to 4 Relays. Many other modules available. http://www.dontronics-shop.com/super4-usb-relay-module.html
**Thanks Don. I'll peruse your site and see what I can find. I presume there is a discount for repeat, regular customers? I purchased a 256kB printer buffer (using second hand memory chips) from you awhile back. I presume you'll trade it in, as I no longer have a need for it.
:-)
-- Trevor Wilson www.rageaudio.com.au
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