StempleLABS Projects

Using BLD and BLS sockets with bulk ribbin cable I created a bunch of header connecting wires.

Created 2 custom cables for the LCD display using 8 wires to controller.  Was able to control the LCD with both the OOPic and BasicStamp 2.

Upgraded the power supply (120mm fan)  on both PCs, however the server is to loud with the case fans running.  Also installed a 4ft wall mount power strip.

Picked up an electronic label maker for $3 at Frys (after rebate).

Dim LCD As New oLCD
Dim x As New oByte

Sub Main()
  LCD.IOLineRS = 24    ’ Set up the I/O.
  LCD.IOLineE = 17
  LCD.IOGroup = 3
  LCD.Nibble = 1
  LCD.Operate = 1    ’ Turn on the oLCD Object.
  LCD.Init        ’ Initialize the LCD Module.
  LCD.Clear        ’ Clear the screen.
 
  LCD.Locate(0,0)
  LCD.String = “  StempleLABS 2006″
 
Do  
  For x.Value = 1 To 21
    LCD.Locate(1,x.Value)
    LCD.Value = 255
    ooPIC.Delay = 5
    LCD.Locate(1,x.Value - 2)
    LCD.Value = 254
  Next x.Value
 
  For x.Value = 1 To 21
    LCD.Locate(1,20 - x.Value)
    LCD.Value = 255
    ooPIC.Delay = 5
   LCD.Locate(1,20 - x.Value + 2)
   LCD.Value = 254
  Next x.Value
 
Loop  
End Sub

Forward:                 ‘forward 1 second
  FOR counter = 1 TO 42
    PULSOUT 13, 850
    PULSOUT 12, 650
    PAUSE 20
  NEXT
  RETURN

Left:
  FOR counter = 1 TO 24
    PULSOUT 13, 650
    PULSOUT 12, 650
    PAUSE 20
  NEXT
  RETURN

Right:
  FOR counter = 1 TO 24
    PULSOUT 13, 850
    PULSOUT 12, 850
    PAUSE 20
  NEXT
  RETURN

Backward:                 ‘backward 1 second
  FOR counter = 1 TO 42
    PULSOUT 13, 850
    PULSOUT 12, 650
    PAUSE 20
  NEXT
  RETURN

—–

End pdf pg 158

PDF Pg 136 - Formula for distance

Distance for 1 sec = 7.5in

To get 20in of travel =

time = 20 / 7.5 in/s
        = 20in x (1s/7.5in)
        = 2.66

This equals a loop of 98
       pulses = 2.66 x 40.65 / s
                  = ~108

Found that this came up with 2 inches short.  Bot only traveled 18 inches.  Still running on the first set of batteries so that is most likly a factor.

PDF Page #145
FOR counter = 1 TO 125   ‘FWR 3 seconds - At full
  PULSOUT 13, 850
  PULSOUT 12, 650
  PAUSE 20
NEXT

FOR counter = 1 TO 21    ‘90 degree  turn to left - At Full
                                          ‘adjust servo speed to correct
  PULSOUT 13, 650
  PULSOUT 12, 650
  PAUSE 20
NEXT

FOR counter = 1 TO 21   ‘90 degree  turn to right - At Full -
                                        ‘adjust servo speed to correct
  PULSOUT 13, 850
  PULSOUT 12, 850
  PAUSE 20
NEXT

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

——
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

—-

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

I currently have 10 bi-color 5×7 LED Matrix packages that were picked at a sale.
Found this NUTs and Volts story about driving this package use scanning.
http://www.parallax.com/dl/docs/cols/nv/vol2/col/nv70.pdf

Wishlist
=======
MAX7219 (DIP)  IC Driver LED Display 8 Digit - 64 bit $10.81
http://www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?Ref=12524&Row=546117&Site=US

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
=======
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