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SX's programmable without SX-key? — Parallax Forums

SX's programmable without SX-key?

morris4019morris4019 Posts: 145
edited 2009-05-19 23:41 in General Discussion
So my question is... Is there a way to program the SX28AC/DP-G without an SX-Key. For instance, I've looked through the BS2-IC carrier board and found that it is very simple to program the IC through a db9 connector (or usb) with just a few connections. But i'm wondering how to program the SX, but the data sheet isn't much help.



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······ I'll try everything once [noparse]:)[/noparse]

Comments

  • ZootZoot Posts: 2,227
    edited 2009-05-19 12:38
    No. The Stamp is actually a small PCB with support circuitry for a PC serial port. The micro on the Stamp is not actually programmed after initial factory setup; it's really only the small EEPROM on the PCB that gets filled up with your tokenized Stamp program.

    The SX is a single chip micro, and like all "flash" memory micros, generally requires a programming module of some kind to handle the high-speed data transmission and high voltages needed for "flashing" code into the chip. Programming module's often include some kind of debugging capability as well (SXs, PICs, etc, do not have "DEBUG" to the PC in quite the same way as the Stamp).

    Is the price of the Key/Blitz the issue? You only need ONE --- then your only cost for projects is the chips (~$4) and optionally a resonator ($1-$2 depending on source).

    I would suggest you look over the SX-Key Manual (it's the SX manual, really) and perhaps download the free SX IDE (coding application for your PC) and see what you think *before* spending any $$.

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    When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST

    1uffakind.com/robots/povBitMapBuilder.php
    1uffakind.com/robots/resistorLadder.php
  • ZootZoot Posts: 2,227
    edited 2009-05-19 12:40
    P.S. -- the connections are actually simpler than a Stamp -- just 4 pins from the Key/Blitz to OSC1, OSC2, Vdd, Vss. No other parts needed. Generally a 4-pin header is the most convenient way to set a board up for being able to program "in circuit". Plug the Key in and hit "Program" in the IDE and that's it.

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    When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST

    1uffakind.com/robots/povBitMapBuilder.php
    1uffakind.com/robots/resistorLadder.php
  • morris4019morris4019 Posts: 145
    edited 2009-05-19 13:54
    Yes cost of the SX Key/Blitz was a big concern for me, well I should say not for me, but the OTHER HALF. I have always been a machinist, my hobby has been software/web dev. + robotics. After a work releated injury I decided to go back to school to work my way toward making my hobby in to a career.

    Typically I don't spend too much on my hobbies, but I like to live a little. The cost issue is simply because that drives the overall price to build my bot up. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    I have yet to build very many yet, with microcontrollers anyway, but I always try to make what components I already have used before buying anything to cut the costs. I actually purchased last night, after many tiring hours of research a PROP chip/plug/5MHz crystal/I2C 32KB EEPROM because I have always been interested in learning the PROPELLER line of microcontrollers as well. I will do a little more research on the SX before starting in to it at the moment.

    I say that now, but most likely I will buy it too here in about a week [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    Thanks for the info zoot!

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  • CounterRotatingPropsCounterRotatingProps Posts: 1,132
    edited 2009-05-19 16:20
    Morris,

    being on a tight budget too, I wrestled with this also, but came to the same conclusion folks do early on in looking at the SX. The key is the way to go. Life's short, time is MORE valuable than money. (Building your own programmer for the SX would be very complex - this comes up in the forum often ... note the threads running here now. I've studied the timing diagrams - that alone shied me away from the attempt)

    After banging my head for *hours* against bad code using a Blitz (which has no real debugging), I borrowed a friend's KEY - and spotted the problem in < 30 seconds. DOH!

    Even if you use the ultra-cool Prop, I'd suggest you do indeed take a serious look at the SX. It is so flexible that it can do almost anything. Maybe your Prop-SX powered bot can make you (and your OtherHalf) coffee !

    cheers (and my 2c)
    - Howard in Florida

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  • morris4019morris4019 Posts: 145
    edited 2009-05-19 23:41
    Ya, I pretty much just gave up the idea of creating my own programing interface. I was just curious how easy it could be done, because the carrier board for the BS2-IC is very simple to replicate, but it does have the 232 serial compatability built on to the IC already. The SX and the Prop look like completely different animals and that intrigues me so i went, for now, with the Prop. But like i said, i will most likely buy the sx-key and dip soon, as i like to know what choices i have for microcontrollers.

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    ······ I'll try everything once [noparse]:)[/noparse]
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