NE1 here do PICAXE ucontrollers??

[W4INF]

Looking for anyone else that has messed with the PICAXE microcontroller, I have given up on Atmel AVR, was about to go with PIC, then discovered the PICAXE!

Andrew

[WY7A]

I havent done anything with the PICAxe, but it seems the PICAxe doesnt offer much more than a regular PIC does (They do use PIC chips).

Some PICS (the ones that PICAxe uses) can programm themselves, this means a bootloader program can be installed so you can reprogram your chip via serial port on the fly. PIC programmeres are not expensive or complicated as PICAxe makes you believe.

As for programming languages, you do not have to program a PIC in assembly, there are many high level language compilers available, including BASIC, for you to use.

What kind of projects do you have in mind?

73

Eric

P.S. I have been following your blog for quite a while, very enjoyable

[W4INF]

TU sir for you comments.

1) The blog has slowed down right now... Reason being I am plotting out a site redesign in the way data is stored and accessed. The blog will be gone, and the site will be "blog like", but it will not be a true blog. So, as of now I have about a DOZEN pieces of data I want to add, but am focusing on the site before I do that.

2) The PICAXE is much simpler to program, and put into service. Also, the BASIC compiler is FREE. These two things make the AXE a better choice over the PIC. Also, PICAXE chips are "just as cheap" as PICS. A USB programmer can be had for $25, the PICAXE can be reprogrammed while in circuit, very easily.

I have a bunch of concepts in mind. One is a "light bar" for the rear of my Jeep, it will go inside the hatch at the top of the glass (Cherokee) and can be used for flashing sequence as hazard lights. No, Im not a whacker, but its a project Ive always wanted to do. :-)

Id also like to figure out how to make a LCD display for WATT and SWR using an existing meter's guts.

A CW IDer would be nice too, for split site repeaters.

Theres a LOT of things, as soon as I can experiment with one Ill know better what it's capabilities are.

Thx much-
Andrew

[AB3RI]

I started with the Picaxe but soon learned of its limitations.

The Picaxe is well supported, however, I would suggest you take a look at http://www.microchip.com. Some additional pages:

http://www.microchip.com/stellent/id...GE&nodeId=2119

and be sure to check out the PicKit 2 Starter kit at:
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/id...cName=en023805

and

http://forum.microchip.com/

I've developed several projects during my learning process, but my main project was a CW memory keyer that had limited success. Not a fault of the PIC....just the developer.

Also, check out:
http://www.gooligum.com.au/tutorials.html

and

http://www.amqrp.org/elmer160/lessons/

One thing you will learn is the limitations of the programming language. Pic Basic is very limited and only useful for small project. Development using the C programming language is popular but for PIC Assembly is the language for the serious PIC programmer. PIC Assembly really isn't that hard and it'll make you really think about the programming process.

Bottom line, you're in for quite a learning experience as you will be doing a lot of referencing and experimentation.

Best,
Brian

[W4INF]

TU VRY Brian, I have been evaluating the pros and cons. I still think the PICAXE will suit me and the projects I am interested, and also the BASIC language appears to support the needs at this time.

I understand what you are saying, and feel I may very well move further into PIC and Assm. I did do Assembly in 6502, back in the C-64 days, so thankfully Ive already got the principle down.

Many thx-
Andrew

By the way, ur - . -. - . -.-. looks nice!

[AB3RI]

I understand what you are saying, and feel I may very well move further into PIC and Assm. I did do Assembly in 6502, back in the C-64 days, so thankfully Ive already got the principle down.

I learned Z80 assembly using the TRS-80 and then 6502 on the C-64 as well. That was over 20 years ago, but, it did help in learning PIC assembly.

These days I program using C/C++ (and because of web applications) mostly Perl or PHP.

Have fun!
Best,
Brian

[KB1KIX]

That's what's neat about these forums.

I just received my ziff sockets I ordered so I can roll my own pic programmer. Now I have some links to continue my journey into killing time!!!

When we get our sunspots back.... I dunno what I'm going to do with ye olde junque drawer!

For now, listen to what could be and burn solder.

Jonathan

[W4INF]

What would the world be like without ZIF sockets? I dread to think....


Andrew

[KB1KIX]

What would the world be like without ZIF sockets? I dread to think....


Andrew

or Ebay to get 'em cheap.

I order 2 40 pin ZIF sockets (from China, maybe a knockoff, who knows, they look and feel same as original) for only 9 bucks including shipping.

They do have the whole 3M mark on 'em and all..... but after seeing knockoff merchandise on the street everyday in NY, you gotta wonder....

But hey, 2 for projects..... not bad at all.

Same vendor had 50 super white LEDs. to sets of resistors (100 in all) depending on whether power source was 12V or 5V - also for only $8.00 or so bucks.

If you look, you can find some deals. Took a couple weeks to ship, but this vendor was up front about that.

So..... soon I'll be playing in the PIC arena.....

Of course, I'll be stealing everyone elses code.... I don't remember all that stuff (BASIC either) for that matter. That was over 20 years ago!

Jonathan

[W4INF]

I just ordered X2 PICAXE 14M chips from SparkFun.com, this should be fun! Ill let you guys know what I end up doing with them. Oh, and I ordered 2X 14 pin ZIF sockets for the programmer Ill build. So far, Ive spent less than $30, thats including shipping and parts!

Thx-
Andrew