PBP projects for R/C models

[mackrackit]

With a serial LCD backpack the chip that runs the LCD is "attached" to the LCD. Parallel LCDs use at least six pins from a MCU so a lot of times the project MCU does not have enough spare pins.
Use one pin from the project MCU to send data to the LCD MCU serially.

Are suggesting that all the students' cars contain standard PBP code (one license).

Yes, base code written by you.

To experiment with sonar calibration and steering reaction time relative to changes in car velocity and 'race' course size each student has a set of definitions that can be downloaded via MPLAB or PIC kit 2 programmer?

Yes again, these commands will be downloaded to a second MCU that communicates with the main MCU that you programmed.

The students will be able to use the free demo version and not be able to "mess up" the main chip.

[Kenjones1935]

If I can down load to another PIC why can I not download to my main PIC? I have no problems with pin count. I am not using a PIC KIT. I am using a naked 44 pin 16F887 and a solderless prototype board.

It would seem that part of my code could react to some signal from the USB serial port and download parameters into itself. I have not the faintest idea how, however.

Another thought: My code is written so that all the constants are defined in the preamble before "main:". A class of eight to ten students, I imagine, would be broken into four or five teams. They could change parameter values using a text editor, burn into a thumb drive (or use the school's internal network), cut and paste the data into their PBP code on the licensed machine, compile, plug the USB connector into their car, and download using PICKIT programmer. WRONG? Against the rules?

I never got MPLAB to work as a ASM compiler and chip programmer.

Ken

[Ioannis]

Ken,

1. Why are you bothering with assembly? Do you need it?

2. If you have to work on one licensed PBP, then do this. Connect an LCD on the PIC (I think you have plenty of pins) and 2-3 buttons and let he students change parameters with a menu driven software on the PIC. Then the LCD can be disconnected and leave the PIC running with new parameters.

3. To program a chip you need a programmer. Which one is your favorit?

Ioannis

[mackrackit]

Sorry Ken, I did not mean to confuse things.

I was trying to find a way for the kids to be able to work on a portion of the code with out having to use one machine (PC) to do it. Sounds like you have a work around for that.

MPLAB should do ASM with a standard install. The language may need to be set under the projects tab.

[Kenjones1935]

A couple of things:

1. Part of STEM at middle school level is "How things work". Computers including PIC's are "digital" - 1's and 0's. Each step away from pure machine language hides this basic fact. That physical phenomena like sound and light can be represented by 1's and 0's is my point. What is analog? What is digital? These are not part of this project, but it shows where I am thinking. (What is an echo and how can its response time be characterized in binary. What is hexadecimal?)

My PIC is on a prototype board inside the plastic body of a radio control car. This car body has holes for the two sonars, the six lead connector to which the USB connects, and for screw driver access to the speed controlling potentiometer.

Velocity is of the essence. Speed is the hook. That and the model level RC car's miniaturization of automobile mechanics. Turn over a model level RC car. Get in a grease pit and look up at a modern car.

The 1997 Cadillac Deville has 13 or more computers on board depending on which options in contains. Imagine the 2010 version. I think the 2010 Lexus car can back itself into a parallel parking spot. HOW DO THINGS WORK?

Ken

[Kenjones1935]

Is there a freeware version of C available for the 16F887? Is there a library available?

Is there a freeware version of C available for another more sophisticated PIC? I think I see something in the "MPLAB C18 C" reference in the MPASM Assembler HELP GUI. Is there a PICKIT that carries a PIC for which there is an available C package?

Ken

[ScaleRobotics]

Is there a freeware version of C available for the 16F887? Is there a library available?

Is there a freeware version of C available for another more sophisticated PIC? I think I see something in the "MPLAB C18 C" reference in the MPASM Assembler HELP GUI. Is there a PICKIT that carries a PIC for which there is an available C package?

Ken

I've never used any of the Hitech compilers, but there is Hitech C Lite version:

pic10-16 http://www.microchip.com/stellent/id...cName=en542849

And for more power full chips..... But for your project, I don't see why you would need anything more than a PIC18, or PicBasic for that matter.

PIC32 http://www.microchip.com/stellent/id...cName=en542866

Then, there is alway StickOS, which I think would be great for your kids starting out to learn how to control a MCU in basic, with no cost for development tools. Only problem is you can't (as far as I can tell) do anything else while you are sending a servo a signal. But might be interesting as another tool, or to talk to a main (backpack like) chip. Easier to learn than PicBasic.

http://www.cpustick.com/

[mackrackit]

Not C...
I have been wanting to try this
http://www.crownhill.co.uk/level3.php?cat=270&sec=1
http://www.myamicus.co.uk/content.php?117-Documents

[cncmachineguy]

Great find Dave, and if I read correctly, still makes use of PBP