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Need an idea already done to input alpha-numeric characters into an SX chip — Parallax Forums

Need an idea already done to input alpha-numeric characters into an SX chip

T&E EngineerT&E Engineer Posts: 1,396
edited 2008-07-23 22:15 in General Discussion
I'm working on a project that currently reads characters from a DATA statement. It will be a while before it is finished but I would like to think about a better method of input of characters. The user would enter up to·32 characters or more.

I don't want to spend too much time on something that may have already been done, but would like something someone else has already established as not to re-invent the wheel.

Some ideas that come to mind·might include:

1. Serial port to a PC (with PC software to input characters) to the SX chip.

2. Push button cycling through the letters/numbers (which I kind have already done this on my 16x16 ·bi-color RTC LED project).

3. PS/2 keyboard and LCD connections to an SX chip maybe.

I would like to keep it somewhat simple and not too big but willing to hear anyone's ideas for improvement.

Comments welcome.

Thanks!

Comments

  • BeanBean Posts: 8,129
    edited 2008-07-12 02:16
    I still have a bunch of those palm keyboards that might work (serial output) for $2.95.

    http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=TKB150P&cat=PDA

    Bean.

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    "A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you·have."·· Thomas Jefferson

    "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."·Dumbledore from Harry Potter

    www.iElectronicDesigns.com

    ·
  • T&E EngineerT&E Engineer Posts: 1,396
    edited 2008-07-12 02:33
    Bean,

    It sounds like you have not written any code for them since you said they might work. Do they come with cables as you can't tell by the picture too well - looks like it sits into it like a cradle.

    Although I am very temped, I may still get 2-3 if no other easier ideas come up. Thank you for your offer all the same. Let's see as it may be a few weeks still before were finished.
  • BeanBean Posts: 8,129
    edited 2008-07-12 02:37
    No cable. You need to open the case (easy) and attach 3 wires.
    These were documented in the propeller forum.

    Bean.

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    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    "A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you·have."·· Thomas Jefferson

    "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."·Dumbledore from Harry Potter

    www.iElectronicDesigns.com

    ·
  • ProfessorwizProfessorwiz Posts: 153
    edited 2008-07-12 10:08
    These keyboards look very cool.· They are sold out though.· I'm suprised they are so cheap, probably why they sold out!

    Russ
  • T&E EngineerT&E Engineer Posts: 1,396
    edited 2008-07-12 10:18
    Bean,

    I just ordered 3 from your misc webpage at your website. $10 was a bit steep on shipping as I was going to ship one of three to another forum member - so 2 shipping charges would be needed then. Any chance you can split one off and mail to a forum member that is helping me on my project? I just don't want to spend $10 in shipping for (1) $3 item.··I'll PM you with the address if you can. Let me know.

    Thanks!
  • BeanBean Posts: 8,129
    edited 2008-07-12 14:55
    Sorry, $10 is the default shipping for any quantity of items.

    No problem for a forum member, just order three and put a note in the comments (or send me an e-mail) and tell me where to send them. No extra charge.

    Russ: I still have a bunch of these if you want some, as T&E stated, it really not worth the shipping to purchase 1.

    [noparse][[/noparse]edit] I see you already ordered 3. Just send me a PM or an e-mail and tell me how many to ship where.

    Bean.

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    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    "A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you·have."·· Thomas Jefferson

    "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."·Dumbledore from Harry Potter

    www.iElectronicDesigns.com



    Post Edited (Bean (Hitt Consulting)) : 7/12/2008 3:00:54 PM GMT
  • John CoutureJohn Couture Posts: 370
    edited 2008-07-20 18:20
    Link to Propeller Discussion on the item. Pretty cool item!

    http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=702473

    Post Edited By Moderator (Bean (Hitt Consulting)) : 7/20/2008 11:31:50 PM GMT
  • T&E EngineerT&E Engineer Posts: 1,396
    edited 2008-07-23 22:15
    I have been able to use the micro datapad to enter in characters into my LED display. However, the LED is a repeating loop that can't be called like a subroutine because it loops for the LED scanning of characters. Because of this I connected a 4x20 serial LCD screen to see the characers and color code (red, green or orange - R, G or O). However, it might be too expensive for the end user to have a serial LCD for this project. I also tried putting the Display looping routine into an Interrupt, but it calls other subroutines and I got some error messages about being out of the address memory upper or lower half. So that idea was out - at least for now.

    We are thinking about going the route of using Hyperterminal with the use of a com port (USB to serial·converter). I saw something in the posts about using a MAX232 and another post about using s 22K resistor and the 9 pin serial port.

    Which is the better and / or easier approach to do this?

    I have a DB connector and I think a MAX232 chip and supporting components on my Professional Development Board (PDB). Can this be used for the SX chips? We're thinking of using Hyperterminal to enter and display all the 32 characters and color data.



    Comments?

    Thanks.
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