Basic questions on using the SX chips with the proto boards

unebonnevie

Hi,

I browsed through FAQ posted but didn't find the answers to my questions. My questions are:

1. Anyone has done NTSC output to television using one of the SX chips (preferably with the proto boards)? Schematics?

2. How would I execute programs that's more than the Flash memory limit in the SX chips? I would think storing the code in EEPROM and page them into the flash memory?

3. How about sounds? Or cool projects out there with the SX chips?

4. Really newbie question: Why would one need the resonator for the SX chips?

Thanks.

Capdiamont

1) don't know about using a proto board but NTSC out has been done before http://www.hittconsulting.com/sxvideomodule.htm is bean's work. Forum Moderator here.

2) I don't think you can have program that run from external memory. You can store data in external memory, leaving more space for program.

3) bean's video also does sound, also see http://www.parallax.com/ProductInfo/Microcontrollers/SXDevelopersProjects/tabid/395/Default.aspx

4) anytime you need more accurate timing. Serial communications, such as talking to a PC need a resonator. I think video out will require a resonator. Also the internal timing will only do a max of 4mhz. If you need something faster, you need some sort of external timing such as a resonator.

unebonnevie

Thanks for the answers! I just saw Bean's NTSC monochrome module...I was hoping to try to build one.

Forrest

Here's some links to SX projects, including a few that generate NTSC video www.sxlist.com/techref/ubicom/projects.htm

The XGamestation Pico edition and SX Color Video Tetris projects both generate color video with the SX28 and R-2R resistor networks.

unebonnevie

awesome! Thanks very much! I am starting with electronics--a software vet starting experimenting with and learning about micro-controllers. I figure that the propeller chip does a lot of stuff for me but wanted to learn the hard way first by experimenting with cheap chips and not to blow money too quickly.

By the way, if anyone is curious or interested, google "uzebox" and see an open-source game 256-color with sound game console that is built with just two chips! WOW!