Re: Any recommendations for a good overview of pic and basic stamps

From: Roger Hamlett (rogerspamignored_at_ttelmah.demon.co.uk)
Date: 08/23/04 

Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 22:08:10 GMT

"Bill Velek" <billvelek--NO-SPAM--@alltel.net> wrote in message
news:412A4471.3040001@alltel.net...
> While in the process of trying to find a solution to a problem, I
> received several suggestions that PIC or Basic-Stamps might be a
> solution. In order to fairly evaluate those suggestions, and decide
> whether or not I'm capable enough to use that approach, I'd like to get
> a good overview of what I'll be facing. I've joined another e-list for
> basic-micros -- Parallax's forum -- but so far I haven't received an
> adequate answer to the questions that I'll pose here. I _think_ this
> would be on-topic here, and I hope no one minds.
>
> What I'm looking for is links to sites that will give a broad general
> explanation to a complete novice of the nature and potential of PIC and
> Basic-Stamps; I've done a some googling without coming up with anything
> that is very helpful, so I might be way off base right now.
>
> My impression is that these are simply chips that can be programmed
> (perhaps something like an EPROM?), but it is done with very simple
> basic-language programs that are fairly short with relatively few
> instructions, and that the programming is done on a computer and then
> loaded onto the chip via a cable linking the chip and a PC. Then the
> chip can be installed on a small circuit board of some sort (e.g., a
> thermostat), after which it is then able to run the basic-program
> completely independent of the PC. Besides my thermostat needs, I can
> see possible future applications in my beer brewing hobby, so I am
> definitely interested at this point; for example, if I'd eventually like
> to build either a RIMS or HERMS (for non-brewers, that would be a
> "Recirculating Infusion Mash System" using a magnetic pump to circulate
> the liquid in the mash to help keep it uniform in pH and temp, and a
> "Heat Exchange Recirculating Mash System" which also actually controls
> the temp through various stages). Both of those systems can be designed
> to be fully computerized with temp sensors, PID controllers, solenoid
> valves, and magnetic pumps.
>
> At this point I'm not seeking technical help to solve a specific
> problem. Rather, I'd just appreciate some insight into what I'd likely
> be facing in this area, and also the sort of other 'fringe' benefits
> (like a cool hobby) that I might derive from this in order to become
> involved; for instance, if I purchase a bit of equipment, take my time
> learning all of this stuff, and then build my project, what other sorts
> of things can typically be done with this technology? What sort of
> costs am I facing -- at a minimum -- especially if I have only a
> soldering iron and a simple multimeter? What kind of learning curve
> will I be facing? ... and will I need to learn the equivalent of what it
> takes to earn an associate's degree, or perhaps just a single college
> course? Is there a website or FAQ page that will start me out with a
> good overview of this area of technology, explaining how the entire
> process works?
>
> Thank you for any help.
>
> Bill Velek
Another poster has covered most of the 'Basics'. The plus of the Basic
approach, is that it is quick to program, using a relatively easy to learn
language. However the overall performance is severely limited, when
compared to the 'bare' processor. As an example, several people have
implemented complete TCP/IP interfaces on a PIC, with something like the
Realtek 8019 interface chip. However the Stamp module, would not even be
able to start on such a project, lacking the speed, and the ability to
handle events at the timescales needed. Conversely though, many of the
Robot 'maze solvers' featured in TV shows etc., use the Basic stamp, as
their core.
The complete development systm for these, comprises a small unit driven
from a PC serial port, that reprograms the EEPROM used to hold the code.
Look at:
<http://www.seattlerobotics.org/encoder/may97/picchip.html>
<http://www.cybox.fsnet.co.uk/basicstamp.htm>
<http://www.compman.co.uk/htmlcat/1578201012_Microcontroller_Projects_Usin
g_the_Basic_Stamp.asp>
Kits are available to make programmers for the PIC itself, that run from
only a few dollars. You can also build the interface and socket to program
the Stamps (the details are in the full manual). The complete kit,
comprising a carrier board, programming cable, one stamp, manual etc.,
costs about £60 in the UK (depending on which Stamp is involved).
The Stamp, uses either a PIC, or the Ubicom SX processor, in the faster
versions, but the language remains the same.
There are dozens of PIC sites on the web, covering everything from basic
projects to complex motion control systems. Start with something like:
http://www.winpicprog.co.uk/
http://www.cq-tv.com/articles/picprog.htm

Best Wishes

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Any recommendations for a good overview of pic and basic stamps
    ... > received several suggestions that PIC or Basic-Stamps might be a ... and that the programming is done on a computer and then ... > loaded onto the chip via a cable linking the chip and a PC. ... Robot 'maze solvers' featured in TV shows etc., use the Basic stamp, as ...
    (sci.electronics.misc)
  • Re: Any recommendations for a good overview of pic and basic stamps
    ... > received several suggestions that PIC or Basic-Stamps might be a ... and that the programming is done on a computer and then ... > loaded onto the chip via a cable linking the chip and a PC. ... Robot 'maze solvers' featured in TV shows etc., use the Basic stamp, as ...
    (sci.electronics.repair)
  • Re: Any recommendations for a good overview of pic and basic stamps
    ... > received several suggestions that PIC or Basic-Stamps might be a ... and that the programming is done on a computer and then ... > loaded onto the chip via a cable linking the chip and a PC. ... Robot 'maze solvers' featured in TV shows etc., use the Basic stamp, as ...
    (sci.electronics.equipment)
  • Re: Any recommendations for a good overview of pic and basic stamps
    ... > received several suggestions that PIC or Basic-Stamps might be a ... and that the programming is done on a computer and then ... > loaded onto the chip via a cable linking the chip and a PC. ... Robot 'maze solvers' featured in TV shows etc., use the Basic stamp, as ...
    (sci.electronics.components)
  • Re: Any recommendations for a good overview of pic and basic stamps
    ... >>loaded onto the chip via a cable linking the chip and a PC. ... > Another poster has covered most of the 'Basics'. ... However the Stamp module, would not even be ... > comprising a carrier board, programming cable, one stamp, manual etc., ...
    (sci.electronics.equipment)
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