Now what?

Jack Crenshaw · 2009-02-05 02:15

Well, I got my Protoboard USB and accessory kit. A couple of boards, some loose components, and a sales receipt. No wires, no cables, no nuttin'. So what do I do next?

I know that this forum has a ton of docs for me to read. I've already downloaded, and partially digested, the Propeller manual. But I could use some advice as to what docs to follow from here.

I guess I didn't expect a Heathkit, "prepare a 5" length of hookup wire," or "insert a 1 Kohm resistor (brown black red) at R11 (NS). But at least a "getting started" sort of sheet, like I got from Netburner, would have been nice.

While I'm at it: What soldering iron do y'all recommend. Forget the Weller, now pushing $300. On eBay, I saw a new Chinese soldering station for $18.95. Can that _POSSIBLY_ be right???

Jack

Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL) · 2009-02-05 02:26

Have a look the the soldering stations listed on this web site:{they offer good equipment for a fair price}

Circuit Specialists:

www.circuitspecialists.com/level.itml/icOid/6388

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Aka: CosmicBob

Post Edited (Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL)) : 2/5/2009 2:36:52 AM GMT

TreeLab · 2009-02-05 02:29

Hi Jack;

Well, I guess the next step depends on where you want to go. (Sounds like a Dr. Seuss story line). Did you have a cool project in mind, or something that needed doing? Let the forum folks know what you had in mind and they/we will do our best to point you in the right direction. More than docs to read, there are many very clever people on hand here, and they really do want to help.

The accessory kit makes it a lot easier to do useful things with the prop and to see what you are doing at the same time. I don't use the keyboard/mouse bits much, but the VGA connector is very useful. Having some lights to show signal levels is also very useful, if only to follow the manual's tutorials.

I can't help you much with irons; I use a Haake. But there should be simple Wellers that you can pick up for $20-$30. I bought a bunch of Weller WES51's for a class project. The were ~$125, and have good control and auto shutoff. I like them.

Cheers!
Paul Rowntree

Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL) · 2009-02-05 02:31

You can use the URL below to download a PDF to use as a reference to assemble your accessory kit.

"Propeller Proto Board, Proto Board USB and Accessory Pack (#32212/#32812/#130-32212)"

www.parallax.com/Portals/0/Downloads/docs/prod/prop/Propeller-ProtoBoard-v1.2.pdf

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Aka: CosmicBob

Post Edited (Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL)) : 2/5/2009 2:37:18 AM GMT

SRLM · 2009-02-05 02:35

I like the wellers. If you get the top of the line, of course it's going to be absurdly expensive. However, you can get a really good iron for a reasonable price. Here is an iron that I use and quite like.

Take a look at OBCs Propeller cookbook for ideas on the protoboard.

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=665736

ElectricAye · 2009-02-05 03:05

Jack Crenshaw said...
Well, I got my Protoboard USB and accessory kit. A couple of boards, some loose components, and a sales receipt. No wires, no cables, no nuttin'. So what do I do next?

If you're as clueless as I was when I first encountered the Propeller, I would recommend starting out with the Propeller Education Kit. Once you get the hang of it, then use your Protoboard for a first serious project. The Education Kit has all the little things you need to get started and you won't need a soldering iron to learn what you must.

have fun,
Mark

sylvie369 · 2009-02-05 03:32

"Well, I got my Protoboard USB and accessory kit. A couple of boards, some loose components, and a sales receipt. No wires, no cables, no nuttin'. So what do I do next?"

Chapter Three of the Propeller Manual, available online.

Hook up some LEDs, and learn to program the thing. Oh, it'll be easiest if you solder some of these into the holes that access the Prop I/O pins and Vss/Vdd:

www.parallax.com/Store/Components/WireConnection/tabid/151/CategoryID/29/List/0/SortField/0/Level/a/ProductID/190/Default.aspx

Then you can put the LEDs into a protoboard and run wires from the Prop to the appropriate spots.

jazzed · 2009-02-05 03:33

After years of messing around with the cheap-o lay on the table iron disappointments, I got one like this at Fry's in San Jose and have been quite happy. I would like auto shut-off although I·left it on all night once and am still using the same tip. I'm a little annoyed at the way the iron gets stuck in the holder sometimes. Heat up time is quick.
http://www.all-spec.com/1/viewitem/936-12/ALLSPEC/prodinfo/w3path=vend

I second SLRM's suggestion as OBC has a .pdf with some really nice illustrations:
http://ucontroller.com/Propeller%20Protoboard%20Designs%20for%20the%20Beginner.pdf

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--Steve

Paul Baker · 2009-02-05 03:33

ElectricAye said...

Jack Crenshaw said...
Well, I got my Protoboard USB and accessory kit. A couple of boards, some loose components, and a sales receipt. No wires, no cables, no nuttin'. So what do I do next?

If you're as clueless as I was when I first encountered the Propeller, I would recommend starting out with the Propeller Education Kit. Once you get the hang of it, then use your Protoboard for a first serious project. The Education Kit has all the little things you need to get started and you won't need a soldering iron to learn what you must.

have fun,
Mark

This was going to be my suggestion, the PEKit is designed for the just getting started crowd. The protoboard is geared towards those that have already worked with the chip and want to make a specific application.

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Paul Baker

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) · 2009-02-05 03:49

Jack,

Start with three resistors and built the composite video circuit. Once you've done that
load the graphics demo and sit back and enjoy how easy it is to build up the Propeller.
Proceed to a single channel of audio, followed by PS2 keyboard.

Check the original Cookbook link below and jump in. It's nowhere as complicated as
a Heathkit and twice as much fun.

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Check out: Protoboard Introduction , Propeller Cookbook 1.4 & Software Index
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

mctrivia · 2009-02-05 03:56

I have purchased cheap chinese nock off solderng rons before. The first 2 did not last more then 2 months. I now use a JBC AD 2700. Very expensive but is worth every penny. It heats instantly. Cools to half temp when on rack and you can change the bits without turning it off, using any tools or waiting for it to cool down. The bits also last forever(have had for 3 years and have not replaced one yet).

Jack Crenshaw · 2009-02-05 04:48

Thanks to all for all the advice.

Jack

Cluso99 · 2009-02-05 08:39

Just put a led into the protoboard (without soldering - just be careful). I did this using the resistors already on the pcb. I have since seen the same in either the cookbook or one of the labs. If not, search for my post about May 2008 where I describe how to do this including a circuit in the source spin file.

Buy 4 Super Bright different colored LEDs for this. Then you can make various flashing patterns. Use the mouse/keyboard/vga resistors already on the pcb for the leds.

If you don't understand, just ask and I'll draw it up for you.

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Links to other interesting threads:

· Home of the MultiBladeProps (SixBladeProp)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)

My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz

hippy · 2009-02-05 18:09

I'm with OBC; get the TV interface wired up, stand back and be amazed.

What you do next depends where you want to go. Just having a TV display allows an awful lot to be
done, especially when learning Spin to start with. Get to know what the TV display routines are and
do and you can easily see what your program is doing. There's PropTerm as well if you do not want
to have the TV on or wires trailing across the room.

Nearly all my Prop work has been software oriented and done with a bare proto board plus TV. I
have a 3.5mm stereo jack for TV with an RC audio channel, a two-resistor serial interface, plus USB
connector as per BradC's work, a couple of LED's and that has kept me well entertained.

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) · 2009-02-05 18:19

Cluso99 said...
Just put a led into the protoboard (without soldering - just be careful). I did this using the resistors already on the pcb. I have since seen the same in either the cookbook or one of the labs. If not, search for my post about May 2008 where I describe how to do this including a circuit in the source spin file.

Here's the LED placed in the protoboard project. Did this because I knew that our Expo goers
might not have much more than a blank protoboard.

www.parallax.com/Portals/0/Downloads/docs/prod/prop/32212-32812-Protoboard_Introduction.pdf

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Check out: Protoboard Introduction , Propeller Cookbook 1.4 & Software Index
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) · 2009-02-05 18:58

You know, looking at the schematic for the protoboard, I'll bet we could
tap some primitive TV video off the VGA connector. Might not look as
sharp, but may give beginners with a couple parts something more to play
with. {/me plans to explore this a little more this evening}

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Check out: Protoboard Introduction , Propeller Cookbook 1.4 & Software Index
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

QuattroRS4 · 2009-02-05 19:12

OBC - That green in your signature looks a bit bright !

Rgds,
John Twomey

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'Necessity is the mother of invention'

Those who can, do.Those who can’t, teach.

potatohead · 2009-02-05 19:31

I'll third the TV display.

A whole lot of things can be done, and it's great for learning about the chip in a graphical way.

That's where I started, and doing it helped me get going nicely. It's nice to have a nice base to work from, while learning about the COGs and how things fit together. TV environment is great for that.

If you have a good scope, I would explore that as well. After watching Phil debug and test things, I'm envious! Hooking the Propeller up to a scope is on my short list!

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Nick McClick · 2009-02-05 21:10

Aren't the wellers all made in china, too? Anyway, I've been using an elenco I got at fry's (like this one) for a while and it's been just fine. I just suggest you get a soldering station, or at least an iron holder.

I had the same problem when I got started (now what?). So I thought up a few different projects and tried to build them. I have a list of project ideas (here and here), if you're looking for an idea.

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Alex Bell · 2009-02-06 04:13

Are you THE Jack Crenshaw?

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) · 2009-02-06 05:19

I was right. (and I'll give it it's own thread when I get it nailed down flat)

Tie a composite video line to where pin 20 reaches the VGA connector,
(Plug the composite center into the bottom hole where the center 470ohm resistor would go
on the Propeller Protoboard) and you'll get primitive color video with
no other resistors required (than the ones on the board), just two wires.

I don't have time to completely test it tonight, but I'm guessing 8 colors maybe.
Graphics demo works, as well as AI Generic text.

Not bad for someone with just a protoboard, as long as they realize that
a few basic parts would improve things considerably.

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Check out: Protoboard Introduction , Propeller Cookbook 1.4 & Software Index
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

rjo_ · 2009-02-07 05:02

Jack,

There really isn't a single answer to your question, there are a variety of portals, depending upon your global experience and goals. If you are THE Jack Crenshaw and not just a Jack Crenshaw... find a document called "Propeller Guts." It is all you really need.

If you are like me and are starting out knowing almost nothing about electronics and even less about controllers, then the only place to start is the learning labs... they are "absolively, positutely" fabulous.

The other way to go is to pick a project.. any project... and then just jump in. Search the forum for keywords that come from your project, look through the object exchange... you can knock out something knowing almost nothing.

Regardless of what path you take... take the time to order the Propeller Bible...

http://www.parallax.com/Store/Books/Propeller/tabid/171/List/1/ProductID/474/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName

which belongs on enlightened night stands and in finer bathrooms everywhere.

You don't have to read it cover to cover... you can use it like an extended glossary.

Welcome aboard.

Rich

Jack Crenshaw · 2009-02-10 05:29

Ok, guys, thanks a lot. I may be over-spending the problem, but I just bought an Education Kit also.

THE Jack

heater · 2009-02-10 08:42

Yes you are over spending[noparse]:)[/noparse]

Thing is you almost need nothing to get a Prop running:
A power supply - common or garden regulator.
Programming interface- The two transistor circuit connected to a PCs serial port. (Via a USB/232 adapter in my case)
No crystal required to "see if it runs"
No EEPROM required to "see if it runs"

At this point you can see if the Prop Tool can down load code.

Next up - a LED and a resistor, to run your first example program.

Next up - a bunch of resistors to get something on TV.

Now work through the example codes in the manual, that's it.

This is how I started with my DIP Propeller chip having decided that the Prop Demo board has nothing on it I need.

Now I have a home made Demo Board equivalent, all be it pig ugly[noparse]:)[/noparse]

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For me, the past is not over yet.

Now what?

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