NTSC experimenting
El3ctroded
Posts: 2
Hello all. First I use PIC16 processors a lot, program them in C. I have recently wanted to begin experimenting with NTSC video, and read that the Propeller has NTSC libraries.
So, what I would like is if someone would provide some information on what is the quickest, least expensive, but still versitile, kit for me to get started with NTSC video generation. I'm not looking to make a game or anything, just display some text data in color, and display about 10 icons that can change color based upon inputs. The input would be from ADC input.
If the kit included code examples for displaying NTSC and inputting ADC, that would be excellent!
Thanks!
So, what I would like is if someone would provide some information on what is the quickest, least expensive, but still versitile, kit for me to get started with NTSC video generation. I'm not looking to make a game or anything, just display some text data in color, and display about 10 icons that can change color based upon inputs. The input would be from ADC input.
If the kit included code examples for displaying NTSC and inputting ADC, that would be excellent!
Thanks!
Comments
I have a pretty nice NTSC color text driver. I'll edit this post in a few moments with links to it. DIP props are in a shortage state right now, or I would recommend you just breadboard one up. A Protoboard / Demoboard or just about any of the nice prop kits often referenced here will work just fine for video. I'll let others recommend basic "get started" setups. There are several to choose from, and a lot can be done with any of them really.
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=840574
First post in that thread is where the text driver is located. It's 8x8 color text, 8, 16, 32, 40, 64 and 80 columns, with redefinable characters. Right now, it's configured for composite out, and will autodetect the common boards, HYDRA, Demoboard and HYBRID. Adjustments can be made for other boards easily enough.
The Propeller Tool comes with NTSC graphics and text libraries also.
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Post Edited (potatohead) : 10/29/2009 7:16:50 PM GMT
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Composite NTSC sprite driver: Forum
NTSC & PAL driver templates: ObEx Forum
OnePinTVText driver: ObEx Forum
2) There is an application note (AN001) available from the Propeller Downloads webpage that documents the use of the counters that come in each cog (processor) of the Propeller. The application note archive includes sample programs for ADC, DAC, PWM, and frequency counting.
3) The Hydra Manual includes very thorough chapters on video (NTSC) generation using the Propeller and is the best reference for this. It also includes a CD with lots of sample programs, most of which can be very easily modified to run on non-Hydra boards.
4) With your experience with PIC16 processors, you might consider Nurve's Chameleon (www.xgamestation.com/view_product.php?id=52) which combines a Propeller with a PIC16. There's also a version with an AVR that's compatible with the Arduino development tools. Another option would be Parallax's Propeller Demo Board. The ADC circuitry is not readily available for anything other than the built-in microphone, but you could easily add a cheap external ADC on the little breadboard area. There's plenty of ADC drivers and sample code in the Propeller Object Exchange for a variety of ADCs.
Oldbitcollector (OBC) has a simple video design in the Propeller Cookbook (http://ucontroller.com/Propeller Protoboard Designs for the Beginner.pdf). If you have either the Proto Board, a propeller "basic setup" on a breadboard/PCB, or one of the various kits available (ucontroller.com, gadgetgangster.com), you should be able to get NTSC output.·
[noparse][[/noparse]Edit:] As mentioned, there is a shortage of Propeller DIP's, so some of the available kits may not come with the chip.· Also of note, you would need a Prop Plug/Clip if you were to go that route (which is ~25 USD + S/H).· It may be worth it to buy a Proto Board USB and add the simple video circuit.
As Mike Green mentioned, the PIC version of the Chameleon would be an excellent kit for you, as it already has composite video out, and you could leverage your knowledge of the PIC16 (it is about the same price as the Propeller Demo Board).
Post Edited (trodoss) : 10/29/2009 9:19:28 PM GMT