StempleLABS Projects

This morning after thinking about this for several months I ordered a 0-30v / 0-5a bench power supply.  I have built my own supplies for projects using wall-warts and regulators, but each time I start a new project I have to take parts from old ones.  I plan to use this for development and testing then when the project is wrapping up I will build a supply to keep with the project.

CSI3005×5

http://futurlec.com/

Found in Nuts and Volts ad from Feb 07.  Am interested in some of the PIC training or proto boards.  Also the stepper mini-board.

Used for inital leanring and work with the Renard dimmer:
http://www.microchipdirect.com/productsearch.aspx?Keywords=DV164120

~$50 Kit when ordered from Micro

Max7219 chip - Control matrix led - 64 bits
Review chip and project - ‘Let there be LED’ Nuts and Volts
Column #70 - Feb 2001
http://www.parallax.com/dl/docs/cols/nv/vol2/col/nv70.pdf

Found 1998 review of PIC as compaired to Basic Stamp 2 (Out dated)
http://www.phanderson.com/stamp/stamp-pic.html

Suggested Using Basic Stamp2 as Development, then compile with ME Labs Pic Basic Pro ($249)

ME LABS
http://melabs.com/products/pbp.htm
With things such as EasyPIC4 - is this needed? Is PicBasicPro going to be same value?
melabs U2 Programmer with Accessories - $119.95
http://melabs.com/products/usbprog.htm

**Able to get PicBasicPro plus USB programmer for $358

MICROCHIP
On into a MicroChip PIC using the Free MPLab .ASM Software from the above compile Pic Basic Pro .ASM file
http://www.microchip.com/
MPLab - Assembler Developer
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en019469&part=SW007002

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Review PicAXE - cheaper production use of BS2?
http://www.phanderson.com/picaxe/picaxe.html

Still required is a PIC Programmer?

EasyPIC4 - [Order this, get software later]
PIC Developement Board?
Found this from an ad in Nuts and Volts - EasyPic4 $169. Not sure what is involved yet.
http://www.circuit-ed.com/easypic4.htm
Use mikroBasic or MikroC and Flash o program pic (free limited to 2k Hex Word)
This would also serve as PIC Programmer. Need to validate software is required to Program the PIC via a USB port.

Using MELabs PicBasic Pro to programing in Pbasic (BS2) then download to pic on easypic4 board or ME USB Programmer.

Comes with PIC16F877A - ($10) http://melabs.com/products/mcus.htm
($ 6.80) http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplgidcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1335&dDocName=en010242

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**Could use PicBasicPro then use flash loaded with EasyPic4 to program / test
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Summary

Microchip makes PIC processors.
MeLabs makes a PicBasicPro Basic Compiler compatible with BS2. This compile will work with MPLab IDE (Microcip’s IDE) or MicroCode Studio (MELab’s IDE). Using ME Labs Programmer to load Chips.

EasyPic4 uses built in Flash Programmer to program PIC Chips. They supply own Basic Compiler to use with own Flash loader (USB).

?Could use PicBasicPro to compile to .asm and have MPLab create hex for use with EasyPic4 Flash loader?

Would like to order the 3 year subscription to Nuts and Volts Magazine.  Also looking at several other magazines as well.

Wishlist
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Nuts and Volts Electronics and Tech Monthly in PRINT
  3yr $65.95 –>$1.83 each
  2yr $45.95 –>$1.91 each
  1yr $24.95 –>$2.07 each
  (Normal Cover price is $5.50)
https://www.pubservice.com/Subnew1.aspx?PC=NV

Looking for the Max232 chip for use with PC Serial to Microcoller converter.  Use with Basic Stamp or Nemisis or other 5V serial application.

Wishlist
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AWC - 5V power Kit for Breadboard use $14.95
http://www.awce.com/ps1.htm

AWC - MAX232 Serial Breadboard kit $13.95

http://www.awce.com/rs1.htm

12-01-2006 - Do not get this. Skip buying another pre-made PIC chip config. Want to learn how to work with PIC chips directly. Looks like the Nemesis is similar to BasicStamp and OOPic.

http://kronosrobotics.com