Job Placement Service / Tech Support

[Darrel Taylor]

When I went to school for Telephone Systems in the early '80s, they had a Job Placement department that got me a job doing Telephone Systems.

This later turned into a CableTV Lineman Job. But after an injury, I went to school for AutoCad. And, of course, this school had a Job Placement department that immeadiately got me a job doing CAD drawings.

Now, I've found this really cool thing that I want to do for a Job, a.k.a "PicBasic Pro programming", and I'm stuck ... Where's the's Job Placement department? &nbsp; .... &nbsp; Oh yeah, ... where's the school?<hr>So here's my PBP Wish.

With each purchase of PicBasic Pro, you get a FREE Job Placement with a company in your local area. &nbsp; Of course, you would have to pass their training program at the nearest "PicBasic Pro training center", of which they have several hundred, located worldwide.

But then, I guess you can ask for just about anything you want here, since it's unlikely that anyone from meLabs will ever see this post.

In Fact, I've never seen any posts at all in these forum's from an meLabs employee. :(

So, let's scratch the previous wish, and make a new one.<hr>New Wish ...

I wish, that the meLabs Tech Support Department would take an active role in this Forum, so we can get a REAL glimps at what's going on inside, instead of just what people have been able to figure out so far. &nbsp; Or thought they figured out, so far!

It doesn't have to be an Answer Every Question type thing. Just peruse the posts every now and then, and answer anything that intrests you. &nbsp; Just like the rest of us!

Oh Yeah!, They won't see that either. Arrrrggghhhh!

DT
<hr>
Disclaimer: &nbsp; This is the personal opinion of the user Darrel Taylor,
and should not be construde as the opinion of anyone else.
Including the owners of this bulletin board system.

[Melanie]

That's one way of looking at it... but here's another...

The MeLabs Compiler is a tool in your toolbox, just like any other.

You pull a Soldering Iron out to glue some components to a board because you need to do it. After it's done, it's put away until the next time. It didn't come with a Soldering Course or a Job Placement - and probably it doesn't even come with a sticker telling you which end is hot.

However you CAN get a job stuffing components and melting solder all day long on an Assembly line if that floats your boat...

If you buy a complex product like a car, Ford Motor Co, doesn't care whether you use it for pleasure or business or for knocking people over in the street. It doesn't come with a Driving Course or a Job Placement. However if there is a major issue (wheel falls off when going over 70mph), they'll address it (probably through their legal department).

MeLabs answers all problems if you contact them directly, but they want to know if THEIR product is broke, and address that, and not with the fact that more than half the folks can't code properly, don't understand electronics or won't read Datasheets or Manuals.

[Darrel Taylor]

It's my current Un-Employment state that has me Wishing for a Job Placement Service.

And, it's the "half the folks can't code properly, don't understand electronics or won't read Datasheets or Manuals" that has me Wishing for someone else to answer the same ol' questions.

Since none of the other "Wishes" in here have been fullfilled, I assumed it would be a good place to Whine about the things I'll never get too.


But hey, I'm glad you're still keeping tabs on my Tool...box.
<br>

[BobK]

Hi Darrel and Melanie,

I just wanted to let both of you know how much I appreciate what BOTH of you fine folks contribute to this forum. In the past 2 years that I have been back at this "stuff" I take the time each morning and evening to read the various posts. Yes I agree that many of them could be answered by their authors if they spent the time to read previous posts. Someone just posted a question regarding their EPIC not working. That question really should have directed to ME Labs. Not here.

I just finished installing my second project, 2 160-zone annunciator panels for an apartment complex. My first project was a system that detects when trains are coming and is installed on one of Mentor, Ohio's busiest roads. It has been working great for over 2 years now. I was able to do these projects because of the information as guidance I got from this forum.

I can't begin to tell you and the other "pros" on this group how much I appreciate your time and expertise and contributions and how you are so thorough (and patient) with your responses. I do agree, though, that this doesn't put food on the table. I use to provide tech support for alarm systems on a news group for DIYers so I know what it's like.

Thank you, thank you and another thank you!

BobK

[Luciano]

Darrel,

Open a PayPal account. Contact all the companies selling
PicBasic and tell them that you provide technical support
for people having problems or questions regarding programming
with PicBasic. When you get an e-mail asking for support, tell
them to send you 30 USD on your PayPal account or to call you
on your paying technical support phone number. (The 30 USD are
just to look at the problem). If the problem is simple, you send
the answer at no additional charge or you give the answer over
the phone after 10 minutes at $2.79 USD per minute. If the
problem is complicated, ask for more money.

Best regards,

Luciano

[DynamoBen]

I hear you Darrel, I'm in the same boat looking for a job. After looking for week the last several weeks I now understand why people start their own businesses.

The only redeeming feature of not working is more time finishing projects, and helping others. Generally this means more PICBasic coding. ;)

As they always say "write if you find work."

[sougata]

Hi,

I think that we should have a projects showcase section where people can post complete documentation of what they do, can do. This would surely enrich this forum and be a pointer to employers.

[DynamoBen]

How about just a projects area. Just to show off what ppl have made. It wouldn't have to include documentation unless you wanted to share code and schematics. But it could spark ideas for others.

Something along these lines: www.opencircuits.com

[Melanie]

Thanks for the endorsements Bob, it's nice to know the effort is worthwhile.

[fanie]

I'm always amused at people's attitude that everyone else owes them a living. There's no such thing, or I've growed up the wrong way. It also amazes me that if someone loses a job they jump right in and get another one !

The world is full of opportunities, mostly we're too lazy to look for them, but those that do does flourich. Which is why you see adds all the time.. a way of finding another buyer or job to do.

Do what others won't, so you can have what others don't ! I bet if you do a little summary of how you really spent your time and what you do you'll get an eye opener. Next time you see someone so "lucky" to "have it all" think for a change - that guy did something to get there.

I was also a jobber a long time ago, I just got fed up with making someone else rich and having to have to listen to their crap and them decide what I'm worth. I decided the little grey matter I have could be put to better use.

A little planning also goes a long way, especially with a pen and paper. (Another new set of tools here !)

It does however boils down to one thing - ATTITUDE !

[mugwamp]

fanie doesn't list a location but I'm betting he's somewhere in the US because of his typical American attitude. I re-checked Darrel's original post and nowhere does he say or even imply that the world owes him a living. I get really tired of some people in this country always looking down their nose at others and saying they're in the situation they're in because they don't try hard enough or they have a bad attitide. People are often out of work for no fault of their own, especially in the technical field. The last thing anybody in that situation needs is a holier-than-thou attitude from some yahoo who thinks he's got everything figured out.

[schu4647]

American here and I agree with you. We will all be needing job placement soon unless you speak spanish or chinese. I say good for the french for standing up for themselves on the whole job security issue. They may lie down for any invaders, but they love there job security.

[fanie]

'The last thing anybody in that situation needs is a holier-than-thou attitude from some yahoo who thinks he's got everything figured out.'

I've been where most have not, I don't think I have that attitude and I didn't claim I have anything worked out. It's true, things happen to people, the idea would be not to make the same mistake twice ! but most are so clever about anything and everything you cannot tell them anything. I know lots of people complaining their butts of about their problems (in most cases they caused for themselves), but they sit in front of the electronic income reducer every night calling it 'family time' , will not do anything to improve themselves and the one time they work a bit overtime they expect a medal and residual income for life.

In my opinion, if you expect someone else to 'give you a job' yes you do think they owe you a living. If your brother has a lot of money and you're broke does it mean he must give you any ? Well, that's the attitude a lot of people have !

Statistics showed that less than one in a hundred will do something for themselves. The rest just prefer to stay in their comfort zone and float with the tide.

[schu4647]

Lets see those studies. Where is your data?

[Pic_User]

Because this is posted in the "PBP Wish List" section of the forums, it would seem we are welcome to "WISH" for anything that might be desired, by one or more user.

A Job Placement Service, does not seem like such a stretch. I think the negative reaction may possibly spring from the use of the word "free". Maybe the word "placement" is too strong.

It is obvious that you meant, if we buy PBP attend a "PICBASIC Pro training center", and pass a certification of sorts, maybe the meLabs company could help. Sort of like a "dating service". Set up to join companies with the need and programmers with the skill. Win - Win.

This would be a tremendous asset to small companies looking for talent. What could be better for everyone.

If a local company ran a PBP ad in the "help wanted" section of our local newspaper, for a year, I think there would never be one qualified answer. Any answers, would most likely be from, the same people that think data sheets are there to learn the pin-out and discard.

The small local company's only answer, would be to hire a "full blown" engineer. An "entry level engineer that is just beginning. One that has spent years learning Maxwell's equations and all the facets of electrical engineering. A new engineer, that will have to come in and learn the specifics of the small company's needs. Most likely starting very near entry level of microcontroller programming. His salary, could possibly, be near to the company's last years profit!

How about if ("PBP Wish List"):
That company, could hire someone that was up to speed with programming. Someone that could work with the company's existing electrical assembly department. Someone that could roll up their sleeves, help with the work load, AND contribute to improving and modernizing existing designs. Someone, to help the designers know what is possible, for future design. Not a coat and tie wearing specialist. Someone that could "pull their own weight".

How would that company know that a prospect had a level of programming skill that would be adequate for their needs. Hiring the traditional engineer, at a pay scale higher than the president of the small local company, would be out of the question. Why not a central clearing house of qualified prospects.

With that said:
I think the above is way beyond the scope of meLabs' abilities or desires. Someone (of us!) should start a WEB school for PBP. A real qualification filter. The best candidate so far would be Darrel. He has the HTML and the PIC knowledge to start this up. (and the free time) DynamoBen, could be included.

An example of this general (dating service) idea is the "board houses" page on Eagle's Printed Circuit Board site. There are small advertisements and links to PCB houses that accept Eagle file directly. This helps the board houses AND helps the Eagle users. It even helps Eagle directly because it shows prospective buyers the support available.

-Adam-

[schu4647]

Here is a stretch. Go to college and get an electrical engineering degree. Then you can do this all you want. It is not as fun when it becomes your job. It is like a hooker that doesn't service her husband when she gets home.

[Darrel Taylor]

Well, if her husband is simply expecting "service", it might be a good reason not to anyways.

But anyhow, just wanted to update the status of my "Wishes".

I found the school. And apparently I'm one of the instructors. Which is sad, cause I'm a terrible teacher. But my attempts to pass on what I've learned have somehow become a fairly decent "Resume".

And this school has a "Placement Service", which for me, came in the form of "This Thread".

Shortly after posting this silly thread whining about unemployment, I got offers from 3 different people, and am working at home doing PicBasic Pro programming (for the guys that are still paying the loans for their EE degree). It's not great money, but it's paying the bills.

So, there ya go.
Post your thoughts. Share your code. And you too could develop hemorrhoids from sitting in front of the computer for 14 hours a day. I know, Too much information, right? :eek:
<br>

[fanie]

'Shortly after posting this silly thread whining about unemployment, I got offers from 3 different people, and am working at home doing PicBasic Pro programming (for the guys that are still paying the loans for their EE degree). It's not great money, but it's paying the bills.'

Great stuff Darrel !!!

Now get some more customers, find some field of expertise that will tickle your fancy and post back when the money is great. It's nice to work at home and it's close to the fridge too.

Get two new customers each month... you'll probably lose two a month.

Stay out of trouble.

Best of luck !

[earltyso]

While working my way through college, yep through college, I had some great opportunities afforded my, 2 internships one for an electronics designer and one for an ASIC semiconductor manufacture. While working these internships, I worked along side many engineers and techs. Here is what I noticed, most techs whined and whined and whined about how little they got paid compared to the EE's even though they "knew" just as much or more. Whether that was the case or not does not really matter. The first point is that the EE went to school longer, worker harder, spent more money to do it and the world has decided they are worth more financially for it.
The second point ,,,,,You get what your work for in this life!

[Ryan7777]

fanie,

Darrel is probably the best PBP programmer on this forum, it isnt like this guy is some hack who doesnt know what he wants to do... he would be and im sure IS a great employee at this point for anyone that needs a PBP programmer. Jobs are far and few between these days, and yeah, there is stuff out there, but darrel flipping burgers would be a huge waste of talent. I just wonder if he shouldn't just pick up java or C, it's really not as hard as people think, and i'd bet its used far more than PBP... most places that use PICs in a product are probably using pure assembly anyway...

[Bruce]

I doubt there's any chance of having Darrel serve you up that next burger in the near
future, and I also doubt he'll need to learn any programming language outside of PBP to
keep that doubt current.


Darrel is probably the best PBP programmer on this forum

Darrel's one of the best programmers around. What's really cool is that he does it all with
PBP, and a tad of assembler if it needs some tweaks.

I wouldn't even consider Java for embedded programming. C is definitely an option, but
there's little you can produce with even the best PIC C compiler out there that Darrel
couldn't beat or at least match with PBP. Just my own opinion of course...;o}

It's not always the tool. It's the craftsman using it.

[Darrel Taylor]

:D Thanks you two! I'm blushing .. :o

Well, just to update ...

It's been 2-1/2 years since I quit my job.

I'm still at home, paying the rent by writing programs.
I'm still using PBP/ASM.
I'm still sitting in the same chair 14hrs a day.
And I've still got the hemorrhoids. :eek:
(gotta get a new chair)

It's worth every minute of it!
<br>

[Ioannis]

And I've still got the hemorrhoids

Hmm, If you like your chair, keep it!. Now they treet hemorrhoids with laser once and for all!

Consider it as it is (I know) very painful....

Ioannis

[T.Jackson]

Actually it surprises me as to why Darrel doesn't design / run some online course(s) for PBP. Setup a website specific for the purpose, design a course with theory and practicality (assignments), get the course accredited somehow and charge people $500 to enroll. Lot of Universities are all for online education (it is without a doubt the future)

Trent Jackson

[tazntex]

"Do what others won't, so you can have what others don't !"

That is very good advice, that is how I've kept a job for the last 25 years. I would like to thank everyone on this forum for their time, patience and knowledge. I understand all of you take time out of your day to lend a hand, and to think your giving advice for free. I manufacture prototype pcb's daily for different customer applications, I draw up the circuit do the board layout and produce the finished pcb, all by myself, and we have customers worldwide. However, there are times when I hit a brick wall and other than googling for a suggestion or idea, I am grateful that I can come here and ask for advice without worrying that I being led down a dead end street. It is great that I can count on the advice given here to be true and correct As I said earlier, I know ya'll take time out to help us and some have made suggestion about paypal type support. There have been times I would have been willing to pay out of my own pocket for solid advice just to get a project finished.

I would especially like to thank Skimask, Mackrackit, Joe.S, Bruce, Darryl Taylor,Dave and Melanie for their help, and hope that everyone who visits here who has called a tech support hotline only to hear they'll be charged for telephone support, stop and think,ALL THESE PEOPLE HERE ARE HELPING US FOR FREE!!!!

[skimask]

ALL THESE PEOPLE HERE ARE HELPING US FOR FREE!!!!

Wait until you get the bill next month!!! :D hhhmmmmmmwwwaaaaaaahhhahahahahah!!!!

[Bronurstomp]

How about an online Syntax checker? Or something that could at least count the amount of code you used and suggest a suitable PIC for the job? Or perhaps let you know if what you've done will even fit into the PIC you specify? I'm not asking for FREE answers, just a sanity check. I would like to know if what I'm doing will fit into the PIC I've chosen so I can go on and lay out a PCB. I'm thinking of something similar to Advanced Circuits' DFM service that will analize your Gerbers and tell you if you have DRC problems.
Something like that would be very helpful while waiting for your development bundle to get through the purchacing department. While I wait all I have is Notepad and the PicBasicPro manual and the PIC datasheets.
Besides that, I would add that most of those that use these forums do what others CAN'T, and therefore get what others only wish for... job satisfaction ;)

[rxforspeed]

I love the idea that was mentioned about online courses for teaching PBP. I have only found one company that actually teaches PBC and PBP, but it's a three-day course and you have to be present at their current location to participate. Oh yea, the cost of enrollment in the course is only $1995 per student...Here's the link: http://www.rcgresearch.com/

I would be all for an online course that taught PBP! I've bought numerous books, read the manual twice from cover to cover, and have even had the local library order books I don't have so I can read them and decide if they're worth puchasing for myself. I'm sure your current income situation is pretty demanding with your time and energy, but just imagine if you, Darrel, and possibly others with a lot of experience in PBP programming and HTML got together and developed a complete online course on PBP. I know it will initially take quite a bit of time and effort to develop such a course, but imagine the rewards within the next few years afterwards. Charge $500-$1000USD or more for enrollment, send out a certified "degree" or "diploma" to passing participants, and answer a few questions from them during the course if need be and you'll pretty much be set. If you design the course yourself, you should really only have to pay a fee for hosting of the site and whatever percentage of the net profits to others that have assisted in development. I'm sure that microEngineering Labs would be more than willing to list your online course under it's "Developer's Resources" section, and the forum owners here would most likely be happy to help in advertisement of it also.

This really could be your ticket to a very comfortable retirement. If you do decide to do this, you should offer a hefty discount to forum members (like me) who have been encouraging this...Or let a couple of forum members (pick me, pick me!) test and contribute editorial and technical reviews and/or corrections to the first version of the course (I'd make an excellent grammical and punctuation editor)...

I'd volunteer my time (just like you have yours to helping members of this forum) to help with whatever I could-ideas, suggestions, editing, etc. if this were to become a reality. At this time, there are no competitors that I know of (at least for online courses, anyway), and as somebody else had pointed out-we're evolving to online courses for almost everything these days anyway. I would really love to see this develop-think it over and imagine how your retirement would play out...

-Adam Collins

[T.Jackson]

You'll have trouble filling seats with "serious contenders" unless it's actually accredited by a recognized institute.

Unless you're holding a bachelors degree in education (or similar) I would never bother seriously considering it.

[rxforspeed]

You'll have trouble filling seats with "serious contenders" unless it's actually accredited by a recognized institute.

Unless you're holding a bachelors degree in education (or similar) I would never bother seriously considering it.

Of course I don't currently have the knowledge, resources, or accreditation to attempt it myself-that's why I was just trying to encourage what I thought was a great idea to some of the PBP gurus on this forum. I'm pretty sure that RCG's course doesn't hand out college credits to passing participants-it would really be for individuals and employers that have a need for a thourough understanding of the PBP language and some real-life uses and better information about programming PICs over what can be found in the current books available on the market today about the subject. A couple or few gurus from this forum with a bit of HTML (and preferrably, like you said Mr. Jackson, educational) experience could get together and design a course that could teach students/participants the basics of PBP and real-world examples/uses of PIC MCUs that could be completed at the student's leisure.

An online course would be preferrable to many, and could be completed at their own pace without the need to take time off work, provide travel and hotel accomidations, food allowance, etc. by having to physically appear at a predetermined location that could be hundreds or thousands of miles away from their home and families. Like I said, I'd be up for a similar course no matter how much PBP experience I have (or don't have) for the simple fact that you can NEVER know EVERYTHING there is to know about ANYTHING. There's ALWAYS more to learn. When you get to the point to where you think you know it all, that's the beginning of the end. ;) I'm sure that there are quite a few tips and tricks some of these gurus could show us that could save most of us more than just a few headaches and a few bytes of ROM...

It's just an idea at this moment, but I'd gladly be one of the first paying students to learn all the course could teach me...

[T.Jackson]

Everything in this world has politics, PBP is no exception. I see a very bleak future for some.

[rxforspeed]

Everything in this world has politics, PBP is no exception. I see a very bleak future for some.

I was re-reading this thread and had discovered that YOU, Mr. Jackson, had first mentioned this idea back in August, and I still think the idea is excellent... I understand that it's GOT to be more complicated than I'm picturing it, otherwise it would've been done already. Either that or there's no market for it. And I'm sure it's a mixture of both...

I've led a very interesting life as of so far, but I'm still young (if you consider almost 29 young) and there's a great deal of things that I still don't understand, politics being one of many of them. I'm honestly not trying to argue with you, ;) I just got a bit excited and was hoping to see this course become a reality. If not, and I can afford the time (and tuition, transportation, food, etc.) within the next four years as I'm working on my BSEE (Electrical Engineering) or after graduation, then I may take RCG's course. Of course, I'll make sure to thoroughly investigate it in every way, shape, and form possible to make sure I'll actually learn something not only useful, but valuable from it. I was just trying to state in my previous posts that everything I've heard, read, and seen about Darrel Taylor and many other members (or "gurus") of this forum that I wouldn't hesitate to enroll in a course offered by any or all of them...

:( You've hurt my feelings by stating that you "see a very bleak future for" me. I had just been commendated by ALL of the administrators at the local community college for the scores I'd pounded out only a couple of hours ago on my "Compass" test (college placement test here in Kentucky). The words "unbelievable", "genius", and similar up-lifting statements were thrown around when referencing my English and Reading scores. I was in the best "happy-go-lucky" feeling I've felt in quite some time-until stumbling upon your last post...

I promise to drop the subject-until somebody else mentions it, OK? I don't enjoy arguements and confrontations, so I won't bring it up again. I apologize for continuing to encourage it; I had just hoped it would actually be as easy as I was envisioning it and profitable enough for it to really be a consideration for some of the "gurus" here. Wishful thinking on my part, but it seems the only thing I had accomplished was cramming my foot into my mouth...

Anyway, Mr. Jackson, I sincerely hope that neither you nor any other member of this forum think I'm an outright idiot. You have a LOT more experience than me in not only programming these PIC MCUs, but a great deal of other areas also, I'm sure, (and it sounds like the accreditation to prove it from other posts) so I would be HONORED to be able to call you a friend, teacher, mentor, ect. instead of anything even remotely resembling the opposite of those. If nothing else, I'm a quick learner-so I would GREATLY appreciate your input, help, suggestions, and constructive criticism on any and all future topics that you could (and would be willing to) help me out with-especially while I'm still "learning the ropes" of PBP...

Again, sorry to seem so hard-headed. Like I said, I was just a bit excited about the general idea that had been mentioned...Thanks in advance for your time and understanding...

Sincerely,
-Adam Collins

[mackrackit]

Hey Adam,

Do not worry about Trent, he means well. I think :)

I can only speak for myself, but I will bet many will agree. It is refreshing to have another newbe here that really wants to learn. I have a suspicion you will not be in the newbe category for long.

As far as the online classes go. I would like to see one setup by one of the gurus here too. I would be one of the first to sign up.

Bruce is working on a book, maybe he could create a course to go with it?

Keep doing what you are doing, seems to me you are on the right track.

[Archangel]

Everything in this world has politics, PBP is no exception. I see a very bleak future for some.
Grumpy though He may seem, Trent is correct, there is politics in everything. That's life, like it or not.<br> Adam, I do not believe he specified anyone, just for some. You are young, I gather, and that makes you a little unsettling to some of our more seasoned citizens, that's OK they will get used to you and you them, Personally I thought you might be running for office, judging from the length of some of your posts :D :D Hang in there Buddy.
JS

[T.Jackson]

My apologizes Adam.

You're in the minority, your future looks bright :)

[rxforspeed]

:D No politics for me, at least not at this time anyway. I am getting ready to go vote though, so I can do my part to ensure that the US Consititution will-for the most part-remain in at least some recognizable form over the course of the next four years...

Like I had previously mentioned, I don't understand politics and why we're constantly stuck with two choices every four years, BAD and WORSE. Where's Ross Perot when you NEED him?!? Anyway, enough about political BS; I think I've done enough to stir up crap in this section of the forum for quite a while...

BTW-thank you all for the encouragement, especially yours Mr. Jackson-it really means a lot to me. I really appreciate it all!

Sincerely,
-Adam Collins

[ScaleRobotics]

Ha ha! I found this 5 year old post ironic on two levels.

1. Darrel now works for Melabs
2. Darrel IS the answer to his own "New Wish".


When I went to school for Telephone Systems in the early '80s, they had a Job Placement department that got me a job doing Telephone Systems.

This later turned into a CableTV Lineman Job. But after an injury, I went to school for AutoCad. And, of course, this school had a Job Placement department that immeadiately got me a job doing CAD drawings.

Now, I've found this really cool thing that I want to do for a Job, a.k.a "PicBasic Pro programming", and I'm stuck ... Where's the's Job Placement department? .... Oh yeah, ... where's the school?<hr>So here's my PBP Wish.

With each purchase of PicBasic Pro, you get a FREE Job Placement with a company in your local area. Of course, you would have to pass their training program at the nearest "PicBasic Pro training center", of which they have several hundred, located worldwide.

But then, I guess you can ask for just about anything you want here, since it's unlikely that anyone from meLabs will ever see this post.

In Fact, I've never seen any posts at all in these forum's from an meLabs employee. :(

So, let's scratch the previous wish, and make a new one.<hr>New Wish ...

I wish, that the meLabs Tech Support Department would take an active role in this Forum, so we can get a REAL glimps at what's going on inside, instead of just what people have been able to figure out so far. Or thought they figured out, so far!

It doesn't have to be an Answer Every Question type thing. Just peruse the posts every now and then, and answer anything that intrests you. Just like the rest of us!

Oh Yeah!, They won't see that either. Arrrrggghhhh!

DT
<hr>
Disclaimer: This is the personal opinion of the user Darrel Taylor,
and should not be construde as the opinion of anyone else.
Including the owners of this bulletin board system.

[Ioannis]

So, be careful what you wish for,right? :)

Ioannis

[Darrel Taylor]

It's funny how things work out sometimes. :D

And I found the school.
But the Job Placement came first.

I've learned so much being around Charles and Jeff...
And answering the phones and emails all day are the exercises, quizzes and tests.

Unfortunately, when dealing with 15-20 people a day, I can't spend 4-5 hours troubleshooting individual problems like I used to. So now I can understand why they didn't participate in the forum very often.

Yes, be careful what you wish for.
Because years later, it just might come true. :)
And it might be better than you thought it would be.

Waking up in the morning wanting to go to work, is something I've never experienced before.

[Archangel]

Waking up in the morning wanting to go to work, is something I've never experienced before.
Me either ! You DESERVE A Job like that Darrel ! I am VERY HAPPY you got it. Kudos to M E Labs for making it available.
I cannot think of anyone more suited to helping people.

[Ioannis]

I cannot think of anyone more suited to helping people.

Double that.

Also noted that Darrel has moved from California?

Hope wether is good there too. Like my sunny place :)

Ioannis

[Heckler]

Hey Darrel,

Any chance that some of your excellent code modules, like instant interrupts, LCD bargraphs, etc. etc. etc., might show up in a new version of PBP any time soon?

I often wonder how long PBP can survive in this world of "arduiino" and C.
I have been programming in basic every since I got my IBM PCjr back in 1985... and really have no desire(time) to learn a new language. But I think PBP could benifit from some publicity. The more people that use PBP the more healthy it will be in terms of support and such.

I also think that it would be good to have some postings of PBP projects on places like hackaday.com, etc. to generate interest in this excellent PBP.

[Darrel Taylor]

Any chance that some of your excellent code modules, like instant interrupts, LCD bargraphs, etc. etc. etc., might show up in a new version of PBP any time soon?
There's a very good chance of that.
And there's a good chance a lot more will be added too.


I often wonder how long PBP can survive in this world of "arduiino" and C.
The Arduino is just a toy platform for newbs.
No self respecting company is going to develop their product with an Arduino.
Most of melabs customers are serious commercial businesses.
At least 90% of them are not hobbyists.

I've talked to people from NASA, GM, Army, Air Force, TSA, DOT, which are the government agencies I can mention, and literally hundreds of other companies that I can't mention. And I've only been here 6 months.

It's funny how many of them are using DT_INTS. :D
I had no idea.

[Heckler]

The Arduino is just a toy platform for newbs.


That may be true... BUT many of those "newbs" will go on to be engineers, who will turn first to what they are familiar with when selecting a developement language. So if MELabs can generate more interest in PBP and attract the newbs now they may gain a more loyal following over on the commercial side.

Question... is there a good percentage of commercial products that are developed using PBP?

Final question... Can you possibly hint at when we might see this "new" version.

Thanks!

[Darrel Taylor]

I think the Arduino is now just a "Form Factor", that allows you to plug similar boards together, with fair versatility, and little work.

With boards like the Amicus18 (http://www.myamicus.co.uk) that has the same "Form Factor" but uses a PIC, you can use PicBasic Pro, Proton, C, ASM or whatever with all those Arduino shields. It might have started with an ATMEL chip and pseudo C, but it's not limited to that anymore.


Question... is there a good percentage of commercial products that are developed using PBP?
Almost everyone I talk to is using PBP.
Answering the melabs support calls has nothing to do with it. :)


Final question... Can you possibly hint at when we might see this "new" version.
That information is Top Secret!
So you can probably find it on Wiki Leaks. :rolleyes: