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Quickstart board USB as serial debug — Parallax Forums

Quickstart board USB as serial debug

FORDFORD Posts: 221
edited 2012-02-14 20:01 in Propeller 1
Hi to All,

Is it possible to use the usb port on the Parallax QuickStart board as a serial debug port ?

Meaning - In my prop code, can i simply send (or receive) serial characters out of a prop pin(s) on the board, and receive them in a terminal program ?

Or do I need to dedicate separate i/o pins and use them to rx / tx thru a separate usb/serial adaptor to my pc ?


cheers
Chris

Comments

  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2012-02-13 03:35
    Of course you can! It's the usual debugging technique used when developing Propeller applications.
  • CircuitsoftCircuitsoft Posts: 1,166
    edited 2012-02-13 03:35
    You certainly can. The serial port is on P30/P31. I can't remember which is send/receive, but try it both ways, one will work.
  • FORDFORD Posts: 221
    edited 2012-02-13 03:39
    Thank heaps for the quick replies,
    now i can get stuck into it...

    thanks again...
  • max72max72 Posts: 1,155
    edited 2012-02-13 13:38
    For debugging I use "parallax serial terminal", included in the prop tools. The configuration is very easy (you only set the baud rate).
    It has string output, decimal conversion and some other options available. A nice starting point.
    In case of need ask.
    Massimo
  • FORDFORD Posts: 221
    edited 2012-02-14 05:42
    thank you Massimo.

    i am using a mac, so i think my options may be limited (i haven't done much research yet though, its a new laptop.

    thanks again for your info
  • max72max72 Posts: 1,155
    edited 2012-02-14 06:44
    Sorry, my post wasn't clear.
    parallax serial terminal.spin is an object to be used in the propeller for debugging purposes.
    In my opinion it is a nice starting point because it requires little configuration.
    under MAC I guess you have BST as an IDE. Inside BST you can find a serial terminal, and the nicest thing is BST disables the terminal before uploading to the propeller and the enables it again, so again little overhead to get started.
    Remember to set the correct port and baud rate in the terminal, and you are ready to connect.
    Massimo
  • HShankoHShanko Posts: 402
    edited 2012-02-14 07:44
    @ FORD,

    Using a Macintosh, there are several 'virtual engines' on the market. Apple has their Boot Camp. I've been using Parallels. And there is at least another; can't recall the name at the moment.

    This then allows one to install and run Windows which then allows one to use PASD, Viewport and Parallax's Prop IDE. Just my 2¢.
  • JonnyMacJonnyMac Posts: 9,197
    edited 2012-02-14 12:35
    I do this all the time. If you have a spare cog you can have it send your test values to the the terminal so that the operational program is not burdened or slowed down with this process.
  • FORDFORD Posts: 221
    edited 2012-02-14 13:50
    Thankyou All,

    I have bst on my laptop, havent looked closely at it yet, just detected the prop to make sure my usb-serial was working, and its fine, (Parallax brand).

    I'm just trying to get back up to speed with some prop basics, as i havent done anything with it for a few years.

    Thanks again for your assistance, now its time i did some work on it instead of asking the lazy questions :)


    Cheers.
  • JonnyMacJonnyMac Posts: 9,197
    edited 2012-02-14 16:05
    Chris,

    Attached is a little demo program to show you want I was talking about. I am hoping that Brad adds PST-style formatting commands to his terminal window as that helps to create nice output without having to connect a monitor or TV.

    And do note that this is a very simple demo. I have several client projects where I can use PST and have a very nice monitor output while their project is running.
    spin
    spin
    jm_monitor_demo.spin
    4K
    monitor_demo.jpg
    1024 x 640 - 95K
  • FORDFORD Posts: 221
    edited 2012-02-14 20:01
    As always Jon,
    thanks heaps for your assisatance, I will have a good play with that tonight.

    cheers,
    Chris
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