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Need some help in getting started — Parallax Forums

Need some help in getting started

MaluneMalune Posts: 4
edited 2010-03-17 17:59 in Propeller 1
Hi everyone,

I am new to the world of propeller and uControllers and I have a project that I am working on but unfortunately I think I need a lot of help getting started. I would really appreciate a guide to how to start!! I have my uController and I want to detect an input from it. but I cant figure out how to connect it to my computer and build the circuit.

Can you please provide me with step by step guides if you have or any kind of tips that might help me here.


Thank you in advance ..

Comments

  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2010-03-13 03:57
    Have a look at the Propeller Education Kit tutorials and the "Getting Started" thread, both in the "sticky thread" portion of the Propeller forum thread list.
  • MaluneMalune Posts: 4
    edited 2010-03-13 04:04
    Thank you, a question please. Do I need the regulators,32 kB EEPROM DIP-8 and the crystal to set up my propeller and connect it to the computer? I mean is there any way around it or is it a must have hardware?
  • jknightandkarrjknightandkarr Posts: 234
    edited 2010-03-13 04:50
    Malune said...
    Thank you, a question please. Do I need the regulators,32 kB EEPROM DIP-8 and the crystal to set up my propeller and connect it to the computer? I mean is there any way around it or is it a must have hardware?

    The regulators protect the chip from access voltage as well as providing a stable voltage supply, so you don't blow it, the crystals is required if you want to use an external clock freq or more accurate frequency, such as for a timer or clock, the EEPROM is for non-volitile storage which isn't erased by restarting the Propeller.

    Joe

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    I'm going insaine. It's SOOOOOO much fun. lol
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2010-03-13 05:16
    To extend jknightandkarr's info ... You need a crystal for a stable system clock if you want to do asynchronous serial I/O or video or audio processing. The built-in RC system clock is not accurate enough for video or serial I/O or audio. It would be fine for controlling LEDs or servos or reading switches or a keyboard. You don't need the EEPROM if you don't mind reloading your program from an attached PC every time you turn the power off and on. It would be fine for learning and experimenting with the Propeller.

    It's possible to run the Propeller off an unregulated, but stable power source as long as the supply voltage is between 2.7V and 3.6V. Anything in excess of 4V, even momentarily, can destroy the Propeller and it won't work reliably below 2.7V. A single Lithium CR123A for example would probably work for a couple of hours before its voltage dropped below 2.7V.
  • ElectricAyeElectricAye Posts: 4,561
    edited 2010-03-13 05:19
    jknightandkarr said...
    ...the EEPROM is for non-volitile storage which isn't erased by restarting the Propeller...

    In other words, you could omit the EEPROM but you would have to reload your software from your computer after every reset or power-up, which is not a big deal if you are just starting out. You need the voltage regulator unless you already have a way to directly power the Propeller chip that will provide the correct voltage with no voltage ripples, etc.

    Echoing Mike Green: if you're just starting out, get the Propeller Education Kit and work through the many labs it provides. If the Propeller seems too complex, then you might want to start with the Basic Stamp microprocessor instead of the Propeller. There are tons of free downloadable pdf files that provide you with lots to read.

    Prop Kit:
    See the free downloadable books in pdf format at the bottom corner of this page:
    www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/415/Default.aspx?txtSearch=Propeller+Education+Kit

    Basic Stamp:
    The free downloadable book entitled "What's a Microcontroller?" is an excellent start and can be accessed at the bottom corner of this page:
    www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/313/Default.aspx?txtSearch=what+is+a+microcontroller

    have fun!
    smile.gif
  • blind_botblind_bot Posts: 22
    edited 2010-03-13 16:18
    I think the education kit is a great way to go. It offers everything you need to get it running, plus some, as well as the text. Sure you could buy all the parts seperate and possible save a buck or two, if you cannot find it in one place you will have to order the stuff in possible several different supplyers, then get cut up on shipping cost. Here it is all together. For me it is pretty normal getting everything together like this in kit form sence we usally have to order it in a simular way from school for labs.

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  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2010-03-13 23:51
    Malune - I started my microcontroller education a couple of years ago. I purchased both a Basic Stamp 2 board and a Propeller Demo Board at the same time. I started with the Basic Stamp 2 since I’d read it was easier to learn. In hindsight I wish I’d saved my money and not purchased the BS2 and just started the Propeller. I would recommend the Propeller Demo Board over the Propeller Education Kit. It’s really easy (and frustrating) to hook up something wrong when using the bare chips. With the Demo board you can just start programming. I can see where others would prefer the PEK (and I agree it’s also a good way to get started) but I think there is a greater chance for early success with the Demo Board. The Propeller Proto Boards are great once you’ve learned enough to use the Propeller in a real world applications. The Propeller has made my job (as a chemist) more profitable and fun.

    Duane
  • MaluneMalune Posts: 4
    edited 2010-03-14 00:04
    Thank you all for the help I really appreciate your advice.

    Duane, will I have the propeller chip and I am missing the programming kit. So do you think I might be better of with the Propeller Demo Board over the PEK?
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2010-03-14 22:30
    Malune - Depending on your budget there are several good choices for someone starting out. Right now the best deal for your dollar is the Propeller Starter Kit + Free! Official Guide. While Parallax provides just about everything it publishes as a free download, it’s nice to have a physical book (Propeller Manual) to refer to. I’ve been reading the "Official Guide" (not published by Parallax so there isn’t a free download) and it has lots of great information I wish I had it when I was first starting out. If you can spend a hundred bucks right now, this is the way to go! Another item I wish was available when I was first starting out is the Propeller Professional Development Board. I’m watching for this to go on the Deal of the Day. Another good thing about the Demo Board is that a lot of the games make for the Hydra also have Demo Board versions. Make sure you get some wire for breadboarding and various resistors (1/8 Watt don’t work with breadboards). If you get a Demo Board read this link to learn about a quirk it has. Gook luck and have fun.

    Duane
  • Cats92Cats92 Posts: 149
    edited 2010-03-14 22:56
    With the Propeller Education Kit you have all you need to begin and progress quickly . Use it with the tutorialsl and the labs : you can download all this documents for free.
    http://www.parallax.com/ProductInfo/Microcontrollers/PropellerGeneralInformation/PropellerMediaPage/tabid/832/Default.aspx

    Cats92
  • potatoheadpotatohead Posts: 10,261
    edited 2010-03-14 23:26
    If you want to do programming, detect inputs, make outputs, and get basic control of the thing, I recommend a Demo board, because it's just easy, and has a little breadboard there for the basics. It's a great overall board for just running stuff. And, pick up a 6.25 Mhz Xtal for 100 Mhz operation, if you want to. A demo board, with 5Mhz, 6Mhz, and 6.25 Mhz Xtal runs a ton of stuff. It's really nice to just get the board, hook it up to your computer, and then go check out a lot of stuff. Hard to go wrong here.

    If you want to build stuff up and get control of the hardware more, which is what I'm doing right now BTW, then I would either go for the PEK, or PPDB, depending on your budget.

    The PEK is cost effective, and realistically, just a convenient package. If you have a Propeller or two, you can build up all the labs on your own stuff, just by downloading the materials. This is a great starter deal for those on a small budget. If you've got some components, power supply, breadboard, etc... buying a prop-plug, and a propeller or two is sweet. Add a Demo board as your "just run it" reference board, and that's a good set of kit. Best bang for the buck, IMHO. If you go this route, be sure and get a prop-plug, for the dead simple hook it up for programming option. Just don't lose the darn thing! It's small enough to warrant attaching it to a cable and leaving it there. That's what I did after losing mine for a week or so! PITA.

    If your budget allows, I really like the Professional board. It's not cheap, but it's really great. Nice big breadboard for your test / learning / prototype circuits, and a great collection of setup and ready to go components, like LEDs, pots, video outputs, etc... The PPDB (pro board) can be easily configured to operate like the other boards with a few wires here and there, making it a great all around, "just run it" board. I like this one because it's kind of the "all in one" board that can be made to run most everything, and do lots of stuff, without too much hassle.

    I don't have a workbench where I can just set up a bunch of stuff and come back to it. Because of that, I either run something like a Demo Board, for just programming exercises, or build stuff on the PPDB, keep that in a box so it doesn't get hosed up, and when I find time, pull it out, make a few connections, and do some stuff. For this, I have found a rechargeable battery of some kind is a total win. I use a few 9V batteries on rotation. Charge a few up, then just use them until I'm down to the last one, then repeat. Others have used AA packs, and those have a longer run time. For me, I get a few hours tops, and one or two rechargeable 9V batteries easily takes care of that. The point being you can toss the Demo Board or PPDB in a backpack, or laptop bag with few worries, where the education kit is more fragile. That's the trade-off there. So, if you've got a steady workspace, deffo go PEK.

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  • Steph LindsaySteph Lindsay Posts: 767
    edited 2010-03-15 23:26
    Hello Malune,

    Just so you know, these free resources are bundled into the Propeller Tool software installer:
    • Propeller Help·includes a·programming tutorial, built around the Propeller Demo Board
    • PDF of the Propeller Manual + example code
    • PDF of the Propeller Education Kit Labs + all the source code

    You can buy the PE Kit sub-kits, and almost all of the components, separately if needed. The sub-kits and all the components are listed here.

    Whatever path you choose, have fun!

    -Steph
  • MaluneMalune Posts: 4
    edited 2010-03-17 17:59
    Thank you all for all your inputs in here you really helped me. Now I now exactly what I need and how to start. I think I'll go with the missing components and read all the manuals that you provided me with.

    Thanks a lot =)
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