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A newbie question — Parallax Forums

A newbie question

CowracerCowracer Posts: 2
edited 2010-08-22 17:21 in Propeller 1
I am totally new to micro controllers. I stumbled upon the Propeller while researching something for work.

Before I dump a lot of time in learning how to program/use the Prop Chip, I have a question on its capabilities.

I need to make a video "Analog" guage for a project at work. I need to feed it a 0-10 volt analog output and have it deflect a central pointer around a dial with numerical graduation. I also need this to output to a standard TV. Color is not required, but would be nice.

The display needs to resemble a vector generated display. Below is an image of a clock that looks pretty close to what I need. Just imagine it with just the hour hand, about 250 degrees of sweep, and static text where the digial time is.

5adp1.jpg

I am not looking for "how" to do it (yet, anyway), but just if it could be done with a suitably designed and programed Propeller circuit.

Thanks!

Tim

Comments

  • ColeyColey Posts: 1,112
    edited 2010-08-20 15:31
    Absolutey! :smilewinkgrin:

    Welcome to the forums.......

    Watch this video
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MMAMRoURcI

    Then check out this thread
    http://forums.parallaxinc.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=223961

    Enjoy

    Coley
  • HollyMinkowskiHollyMinkowski Posts: 1,398
    edited 2010-08-20 16:17
    Yes, this is the sort of application where the
    prop really shines.

    zMiFGVmG.jpeg

    Look at this demo!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef7ZAb5fOv8&feature=related
  • wjsteelewjsteele Posts: 697
    edited 2010-08-20 16:47
    Hey Tim,

    What can you tell me about those clocks? They look cool!

    Bill
  • PJAllenPJAllen Banned Posts: 5,065
    edited 2010-08-20 17:05
    Looks like CRTs.
  • Heater.Heater. Posts: 21,230
    edited 2010-08-20 22:32
    Those clocks are made from Cathode Ray Tubes and can be found here: http://www.tubeclockdb.com/scope-crt-clocks.html

    I have a big old round CRT, actually a radar display for use in aircraft, always wondered how well the Prop would drive it with it's ADC outputs.
  • wjsteelewjsteele Posts: 697
    edited 2010-08-21 11:52
    I saw the rasterized image and thought they might be some new type of LCD. Oh well.

    Bill
  • Toby SeckshundToby Seckshund Posts: 2,027
    edited 2010-08-22 02:08
    That wonderful clock would be just right on some film set, such as "Brazil". The sort of thing my Father would have done


    I wonder how they made the P.D.A. voltage safe?
  • Invent-O-DocInvent-O-Doc Posts: 768
    edited 2010-08-22 08:41
    Thats a good project for the prop. Also, there is an ACTUAL AVR based oscilloscopy vector clock on sparkfun:

    http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9306

    It is a good model for the display you are looking to generate. I bought one because it has a mode that lets you use the oscilloscope as an serial terminal display, which is a good use for an old analog scope.

    Anyway, the propeller would be a great tool to use because:
    -It has built in NTSC video capabilities,
    -The IDE is a free download and includes display are graphic objects that will make this project a simple programming exercise.
  • CowracerCowracer Posts: 2
    edited 2010-08-22 16:41
    OUTSTANDING!!! That video in coleys post is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much.


    Now to do some serious research. I read the post that Coley referred to, but I must admit its a bit over my head right now. I am a controls/automation engineer, and I could easily do this with a PLC based system, but I'd never get management to cough up the bucks for a PLC system for this project.

    Next Step:

    Which Propeller to buy? Doc, you mention the IDE is a free download, I'm not sure I understand what that is.

    Starting Monday, I will really tear into this, because if I can pull this off on the cheap (And soon), I will earn a real feather in my cap at work (Read: CA$H!).

    I want to learn how to use the propeller, but right now I"m on a time constraint. I'd be most grateful on what I would have to Buy/do next.

    tim
  • HarleyHarley Posts: 997
    edited 2010-08-22 17:21
    As always, it depends on what you actually want to do, your solder/assembly/DIY skills.

    For some projects, the Prop Demo board is it; for others a Prop Protoboard is usable, For some it is 'at the beginning' and maybe it is the breadboard level that is needed (I don't recall the Parallax name for it - experimenters kit?)

    Read many of the recent posts to get a flavor for what people are doing with their Props.

    Ask a more detailed question and the help will pour in from many of us on this forum.
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