New PBP version - Gold version - Is it really worth it?

[financecatalyst]

Hello, I have PBP 2.5b.
I was considering to upgrade it to PBP3 - Gold version. Can someone please advise what is better in PBP3.

1. Can DT_INT be used with them without limitation?
2. What are the major enhancements compared to PBP2.5b?

Any other relevant info is welcome. Thanks

[rsocor01]

Wow, now there is a new version of PBP. I was just getting confortable with PBP 2.60 . What are the improvements and changes of PBP3 Gold version?

Robert

[HenrikOlsson]

Wow indeed, $64 for the upgrade from 2.6, including new version of MCSP - ordered! I have no doubt it's worth it.

Here are a couple of items from the feature list that drew my attention:

• Parsing and Formatting of ASCII Strings
• Conditional Compilation with Command-Line Constants
• Configuration settings listed for each supported device
• New #CONFIG directive eliminates the need to edit header files

Only thing I don't like (but do understand) are the dreaded online activation keys... They do allow installation on three machines though which is nice.

I really hope the new version (5.0) of MCSP contains loader files for the newer PICs or better yet (if possible) a generator like they say is available for the MCSP ICD.

/Henrik.

[mister_e]

Only for the new
#CONFIG
#ENDCONFIG
option it worth it. BTW 50$ is nothing too keep the development alive.

In addition, the PM assembler is no longer supported

It's about time There's NO advantage to use PM over MPASM anyways.
Again MELABS get my vote, sure they done it well as usual. I use it since 99 (or so), and from the whole set of other compiler I bought/tried for this specific range of PIC, it's the best. Period.

[cncmachineguy]

I agree with Steve about the conditional configs, for that alone it is worth it to me. But they also got rid of the 64 character path limit- that's icing on the cake!!!

[enauman]

What exactly is a conditional config/compilation?

[ScaleRobotics]

I think it is worth it. But it depends on your situation.

Perhaps it is worth more that $50?

PBP GOLD 1 year maintenance/upgrades $50.00
CCSINFO.com 1 year maintenance/upgrades $200.00
HITech C 1 year maintenance/upgrades $275.00

[Heckler]

Configuration settings listed for each supported device

What do you mean by this? Where do I find this configuration settings listing?

Thanks
Dwight

PS. I all ready jumped in for the upgrade...

When I went over to the MELabs web site I was a bit disappointed by the LACK of fan fair!!
Come on MELabs TOOT that horn. Hype it up a bit!!

Did I miss the major announcement here on this forum?? or is this Thread the only hint that the new version is out??

[HenrikOlsson]

In the Migration notes they mention a new file structure and the introduction of .INFO files - it's in these files that the CONFIG directive options are listed - atleast that's MY understanding. Short of that the info is available in the MPASM header files anyway so I'm not sure exactly what the difference is - time will tell.

I didn't know about the upgrade either untill I saw this thread, it's got to be brand new since there's not even any info regarding it in the version history. I've also signed up for their e-mail list but haven't received any news thru that channel either. So, like I said, it's probably juuust released, I'm sure we'll hear more about it in the weeks to come!

[Darrel Taylor]

PBP3 was just made available in the on-line store on Friday.
It has not been officially announced, but it didn't take long for people to notice and start talking about it.

With the changes in the way PBP3 is purchased and downloaded, we hoped there wouldn't be a flood this weekend, in case a problem popped up with the new systems.

PBP3 installs with a 15-day trial that gives the FULL compiler with ALL available chips.
The trial is not limited to 31 lines like the previous demo version.
Feel free to download and try it at http://www.PBP3.com

• Yes, DT_INTS is compatible with PBP3.
• The #CONFIG block is awesome.
• The conditional compiling is more usefull than I ever imagined.
• The ability to add new commands to the language without modifying the compiler means you will be seeing a lot more capabilities at a faster pace.

It may even be possible for 3rd party programmers to write new commands and make some money.
But that part is only one of our wishes at this point.


HI2C, HSPI, CRC etc. is all possible now, the framework is there, but the code isn't, yet.

With easy updates from downloads, those pesky patches that won't run because you modified an .inc file are a thing of the past. Just download and install the new version and away you go.
Alain will finally be happy.

In fact, there is no reason to modify the .inc files at all anymore because the #CONFIG block eliminates the need to comment default configs. You can also use the new style CONFIG directives on the 18F's. (Much easier)

PBP3 is compatible with Microchips MPLABX IDE.

Get the 15-day trial at http://www.PBP3.com
It installs seperately from your PBP 2.60 and prior versions of PBP, so you can have it installed at the same time.
It includes the new version of MicroCode Studio which also co-exits with previous versions of MCS.

There are many more things to talk about, but I can't do it all in this post.
Get the Trial, give it a try, and Read The Manual.

[financecatalyst]

Ordered already! Will wait till tomm to get the new version.
Best part is that the old version does not get affected, any problems, I will still be able to carry on with my old version (if I understood the last 4 lines of the post above)