The point is, that diy photographer should be able to reproduce the device with minimal cost & effort.
That's a slightly different target form the average poster on here.
"minimal cost & effort" depends on the users skill levels.
If you want someone with low levels of electronics skills to "reproduce the device", then you need to base it on a Module, and ideally one with a display(so they just add software)
The neatest 'working system' modules that include displays I have seen are the
STM8L-DISCOVERY (and maybe the STM32L-DISCOVERY) - these both have LCD 6 Digit Segmented display, and 2 buttons.
Both are ~$10, and stocked in quite good numbers at Distributors.
The another (big) problem is, that I know only Basic language and have absolutely no intention to learn C for example. I even bought "C for dummies" but everything appears illogical and instead of simplicity, obscurity is introduced, so I want something, that is cheap and BASICeable
You're introducing too many constraints into your search. Most microcontroller programming that is done in other than assembly language is done in C. Exceptions have already been noted earlier in this thread: BASCOM, PICBasicPro, PicAXE, and SXBasic, all of which are problematic for you one way or another. You've apparently got a lot of PIC hardware on hand, yet dislike learning about the peripheral processing units. I don't blame you. They're messy at best, but there's no magic bullet. People pay a premium for a dressed up PIC in the form of a Stamp or PicAXE for a reason.
At the same time, I'm continiuing to evaluate picbasic pro - I already done a simple circuit just for test - PWM dimmer for LED driver. It has two buttons "up & down", uses 2 digit 7 segment led indicator to show the current value, and also memorizes value upon power down and restores it on power up. It took me about 4 hours to complete, excluding the soldering time (I had no 747HC595 on hand in DIP format, so had to manufacture SOIC 2 DIP adapter for these IC - they are used for 7 segment indicator driving).
The another (big) problem is, that I know only Basic language and have absolutely no intention to learn C for example. I even bought "C for dummies" but everything appears illogical and instead of simplicity, obscurity is introduced, so I want something, that is cheap and BASICeable
I had gotten that impression. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to stick to BASIC, but I do agree with Mike; you'll probably have to compromise at least a little in one or more of your criteria. (I see now that you're giving PICBASIC another look, so perhaps you've already come to grips with that.)
I'll mention one more option here. Are you familiar with Great Cow BASIC? I know nothing about it other than what's on its main page. It looks like something that might interest you, and the price is certainly right.
If you are looking into the 8051 derivatives, check out infineon and their XC800 family. Not sure of what BASIS tools are out there, but here is another 8051 look alike. Of course, Infineon was once owned by Siemens and they had a whole line of now EOL'd SAB80c5xx 8051s.
Also check out PJRC.com for lots of 8051 goodies including a tiny basic compiler. Never used it, but it is there.....
At the same time, I'm continiuing to evaluate picbasic pro - I already done a simple circuit just for test - PWM dimmer for LED driver. It has two buttons "up & down", uses 2 digit 7 segment led indicator to show the current value, and also memorizes value upon power down and restores it on power up. It took me about 4 hours to complete, excluding the soldering time (I had no 747HC595 on hand in DIP format, so had to manufacture SOIC 2 DIP adapter for these IC - they are used for 7 segment indicator driving).
You're introducing too many constraints into your search. Most microcontroller programming that is done in other than assembly language is done in C. Exceptions have already been noted earlier in this thread: BASCOM, PICBasicPro, PicAXE, and SXBasic, all of which are problematic for you one way or another. You've apparently got a lot of PIC hardware on hand, yet dislike learning about the peripheral processing units. I don't blame you. They're messy at best, but there's no magic bullet. People pay a premium for a dressed up PIC in the form of a Stamp or PicAXE for a reason.
Re-emphasize.... "no magic bullet". I agree whole-heartedly with Mike Green.
Many of us hit a wall of wanting an easier way of learning and have grown weary of spending money for items that are supposed to ease the way. Simply put, there is 'sweat equity' involved in micro-controllers. One does have learn any chip selected on a very detailed level to master it.
Switching languages and switching silicon can be a way to avoid really moving ahead. A generic PIC or an SX chip can teach you just about all you need to know, if you master it. PIClist and SXlist web sites have most of the reference material if you just work through it.
Of course, a Propeller 1 and C are also and excellent setup to develop one's knowledge, but you exclude that option.
Thanks everyone for contribution. I already made a decision and settled on Picbasic PRO from Melabs. Sure, it is not cheap, but it provides "feels like basic stamp" situation, while supporting interrupts, hardware pwm, adc and so on. And PICs are damn cheap.
Comments
That's a slightly different target form the average poster on here.
"minimal cost & effort" depends on the users skill levels.
If you want someone with low levels of electronics skills to "reproduce the device", then you need to base it on a Module, and ideally one with a display(so they just add software)
The neatest 'working system' modules that include displays I have seen are the
STM8L-DISCOVERY (and maybe the STM32L-DISCOVERY) - these both have LCD 6 Digit Segmented display, and 2 buttons.
Both are ~$10, and stocked in quite good numbers at Distributors.
I also found this
http://stores.ebay.com/AL-Tech-Electronics/_i.html?_nkw=LCD&submit=Search&_sid=22161793
it is cheap, ($9.99) and includes what should be a BASICeable 44 pin 8051.
Details are slight, and it is an unusual combination of two char modules....(but if you really want cheap, do not expect a thick manual)
edit: I also see Ziog have a new Z51F3221000ZCOG Development Kit.
This includes a VIM-878 LCD, which is a 14 segment, 8 digit, so is well suited to Custom Timer applications.
The kit includes a HighSpeed Cypress USB uC inside the OCD 'brick' (which will not be cheap), for a tolerable price.($49)
It is not clear if the Z51F PCB+LCD alone is order-able, but one would guess it is < 50% of the bundle.
I'll mention one more option here. Are you familiar with Great Cow BASIC? I know nothing about it other than what's on its main page. It looks like something that might interest you, and the price is certainly right.
Also check out PJRC.com for lots of 8051 goodies including a tiny basic compiler. Never used it, but it is there.....
Re-emphasize.... "no magic bullet". I agree whole-heartedly with Mike Green.
Many of us hit a wall of wanting an easier way of learning and have grown weary of spending money for items that are supposed to ease the way. Simply put, there is 'sweat equity' involved in micro-controllers. One does have learn any chip selected on a very detailed level to master it.
Switching languages and switching silicon can be a way to avoid really moving ahead. A generic PIC or an SX chip can teach you just about all you need to know, if you master it. PIClist and SXlist web sites have most of the reference material if you just work through it.
Of course, a Propeller 1 and C are also and excellent setup to develop one's knowledge, but you exclude that option.
We will just call you "One" then