Prop P8x32A... so upset

New to the stuff · 2013-11-25 06:37

So I posted a question in the forum earlier about the P8X32A quick start. then I discover that there are no links available with any documentation on this board. I spent all this money to learn and am stuck with basically a brick board. It obviously works great, but with no Docs available on it, it leaves me pretty disappointed that Ive chosen Parallax as a beginner and can't get anywhere. I see now where it says that the Docs won't be hosted on the site any longer , but when I was in Radio Shack buying all of this stuff, there was no mention or signage that told me this. Had it, I would have purchased a different board. Does anyone know of any source that I could get this documentation/?. It could be that I am just looking in the wrong places, but I have Googled for hours with no success.

Bean · 2013-11-25 06:42

If you have the quickstart, then here is the documentation (click on the "downloads" section to open links to all the datasheets).

http://www.parallax.com/product/40000

Bean

Rsadeika · 2013-11-25 06:46

Go to the Parallax store, search for QuickStart, and then move down till you see downloads. Just look for what might be an interesting document to start with, select the file... Then come back here and ask some more questions if need be.

<you beat me to it Bean.>
Ray

New to the stuff · 2013-11-25 06:51

Thanks guys. I will do both. Actually after I posted this, I began wondering if the info would be in the app. I will check it out now. I should advise that I am an absolute beginner to this , so please be patient with me lol. I want to learn. So much so that my wife is about to throw my laptop out the window because of all the hours ive spent with a table of electronics stuff I continue to stare at

Matt Gilliland · 2013-11-25 07:14

Welcome to the Forums New to the Stuff :-)

So sorry you had a rough start here :-( Bean has it right, that link is a good place to start.

You're now surrounded by a lot of propeller experts on these Forums. I'm confident that you'll be up and running in no-time, because our Forumistas are mind-boggling sharp and generous with advice and expertise...

Let us know how you're going and don't hesitate to ask even the simplest of questions (those are the kind I'm good at answering...)

Tell us what you need, and what we can do to help!

-MattG

PS:

my wife is about to throw my laptop out the window

I've experienced that as well...

New to the stuff · 2013-11-25 07:17

Thanks Matt. I believe Ive got it up and running. I'm trying to learn to write a simple code to verify it. am I correct that the pin-out numbers correlate to the pins described on the schematic concerning the header pins and the processor pins???. If so, Ill feel like I have conquered a mountain alrerady!

Publison · 2013-11-25 07:28

Welcome to the forums!

There some additional links on the old web site:

http://classic.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/txtSearch/40000/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/748/Default.aspx

There are also the Application Notes on the Parallax Semiconductor:

http://www.parallaxsemiconductor.com

A lot of info in the ANs.

Jim

New to the stuff · 2013-11-25 07:35

Publison wrote: »

Welcome to the forums!

There some additional links on the old web site:

http://classic.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/txtSearch/40000/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/748/Default.aspx

There are also the Application Notes on the Parallax Semiconductor:

http://www.parallaxsemiconductor.com

A lot of info in the ANs.

Jim

hi Jim, and thanks, I actually stumbled upon that very link just before you posted and am playing with the blinking light

after downloading the zip of examples. I am a little confused though. Im trying to figure out the assignment of the pins in the 40 pin header are, more so what pin is ground. If I am understanding the schematic correctly, pin "9" is??. can you help me on that ??

Matt Gilliland · 2013-11-25 07:41

Hi New-
If I understand your question, then maybe this little device may shed some light...

It's called the QS Pinfinder - PM me with your mailing address and I'll get one out to you today :-)
-MattG

New to the stuff · 2013-11-25 07:52

YOU HIT THE SPOT my friend!!!!

Matt Gilliland wrote: »

Hi New-
If I understand your question, then maybe this little device may shed some light...

It's called the QS Pinfinder - PM me with your mailing address and I'll get one out to you today :-)
-MattG

LoopyByteloose · 2013-11-25 08:00

Greetings.
The Propeller is like crossword puzzles or sudoku...
Once you begin to make some headway, it almost becomes a daily puzzle activity.

Lots of choices for learning Spin, PASM, C of various varieties, Basic also in various forms, and even Forth.

I found using Forth on the Propeller was right for me. If you want an interactive interpreter there are 3 Forths available. Currently I am favoring pfth with Dave Hein's Spinx (a Linux-like file system with a few utilities).

Recently the Parallax web site has gone through a big redesign. If you can't find something, just ask here.

Matt Gilliland · 2013-11-25 08:03

Very Most Excellent :-) Pin Finder is on it's way!

Now, get back to your Propeller Studies, and keep us updated on your trials, tribulations, and Successes :thumb:
-MattG

xanadu · 2013-11-25 08:25

This is where I started - (PDF) http://www.parallax.com/sites/default/files/downloads/122-32305-PE-Kit-Labs-Fundamentals-Text-v1.2.pdf It's not for any Propeller Board specifically, but is a great reference for SPIN.

For the QuickStart overview - (PDF) http://www.parallaxsemiconductor.com/sites/default/files/parallax/40000-Propeller-QuickStart-Guide-v1.1.pdf

Have fun

New to the stuff · 2013-11-25 08:30

Loopy, Matt, someone recommended Forth to me and I will be diving into it. I have a lot of lower level knowledge in automotive electronics and motorcycle performance electronics. i have to say that even finding a starting point to learning the programming side of this stuff has proven more challenging than all my years of being in the performance industry. I am hooked on it already no doubt. Even though I am having a rough start. I should tell you my direction that I am trying to move in with all of this. There seems to be a huge gap between programming and the automotive side (at the mom and pops type shops like myself). I hope to help bridge that gap in my own learning. You probably see where Im going with this

. Communicating with ECU's that have Denso, and mitsubishi processors in them. there are a few big companies that sell expensive interfacing devices for our beloved performance vehicles and I have spent some significant money in some of this stuff, but I want more. I want to be one of the guys pioneering some of this stuff. Yes my ambitions are big, but Im trying not to let that discourage me. That being said, if anyone has any special knowledge with TTL, CAN communication, I'm hoping to become your best friend in my endevor

.

davejames · 2013-11-25 08:48

New to the stuff wrote: »

I see now where it says that the Docs won't be hosted on the site any longer ,

Hi New - could you point me to where you saw this information?

Thanks,

DJ

RobotWorkshop · 2013-11-25 09:43

You can find some interesting Propeller powered projects here:

http://www.instructables.com/member/Propellerpowered?show=INSTRUCTABLES

Also, Duane has an excellent list of projects and forum posts that are worth reading:

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/135706-Index-Test

Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) · 2013-11-25 09:43

He might be referring to the RadioShack website. This is what they list for the QuickStart's "Tech Specs":

General Features
Model: 40000-RT
Product Type: Modules
Enclosure Color: Green
Miscellaneous Features
Supported Languages: English

... and no links to any other info. It's sad that RS is so clueless.

-Phil

New to the stuff · 2013-11-25 09:48

Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) wrote: »

He might be referring tothe RadioShack website. This is what they list for the QuickStart's "Tech Specs":
General Features
Model: 40000-RT
Product Type: Modules
Enclosure Color: Green
Miscellaneous Features
Supported Languages: English

... and no links to any other info. It's sad that RS is so clueless.

-Phil

I went to a couple different places online to look for it, but everyone gives the same link to the Parallax documentation to the board, but they are all dead links. Im wading through it with the help of members here though, and the help files on the App. Radio Shack still sells the board here where I live at, so I assumed that I would not have any trouble finding info on it.. Hope that clarifies what I was trying to say.

New to the stuff · 2013-11-25 09:50

RobotWorkshop wrote: »

You can find some interesting Propeller powered projects here:

http://www.instructables.com/member/Propellerpowered?show=INSTRUCTABLES

Also, Duane has an excellent list of projects and forum posts that are worth reading:

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/135706-Index-Test

thankss much. Im looking now!

Matt Gilliland · 2013-11-25 10:49

General Features
Model: 40000-RT
Product Type: Modules
Enclosure Color: Green
Miscellaneous Features
Supported Languages: English

That is funny, except that it makes me very sad. I grew up getting to know electronics through Radio Shack and Gordon's and Forrest's books. I still credit my love of electronics to the local availability of Radio Shack stuff.
Sad, so sad.
-MattG

ajward · 2013-11-25 10:52

New to the stuff wrote: »

Thanks guys. I will do both. Actually after I posted this, I began wondering if the info would be in the app. I will check it out now. I should advise that I am an absolute beginner to this , so please be patient with me lol. I want to learn. So much so that my wife is about to throw my laptop out the window because of all the hours ive spent with a table of electronics stuff I continue to stare at

Hi New to the stuff and welcome! :-)

I think you'll find Parallax is pretty darned good at providing documentation. It might not be real easy to find some items, but find them you will. There is a lot content even on non-Parallax sites!

Amanda

Matt Gilliland · 2013-11-25 10:56

Hey New...
Don't forget, I need a MAILING address to get those pinfinders out to you :thumb:
-MattG

GordonMcComb · 2013-11-25 11:11

New to the stuff wrote: »

but everyone gives the same link to the Parallax documentation to the board, but they are all dead links..

To explain why the links might be dead, a couple of months ago Parallax did a major overhaul of their Web site, and some older links may still point to the old version of the site. That site is not guaranteed to be fully functional. So to find something, for now don't use links on Google or another site -- it takes these other sites time to update their links. Instead go to the main Parallax Web store page, and type in a search for what you're looking for.

There are also additional examples on the http://learn.parallax.com site. Start with the Kickstarts, which is a collection of entry-level examples of using various microcontrollers -- the QuickStart included -- with different Parallax products, like the Serial LCD, servos, and so on. Each Kickstart includes a short intro, a pictorial wiring diagram, and code you can download.

Matt Gilliland · 2013-11-25 11:50

Great Point Gordon -
Hey New...Gordon wrote a great Microcontroller Kickstarter book (among many) which I still have some copies of. I'll include it with your Pin Finder :-) It'll really get you up and going FAST.

Still need that mailing address - you can email it directly to me if you prefer: mattg@parallax.com
-MattG

Duane Degn · 2013-11-25 12:32

RobotWorkshop wrote: »

Also, Duane has an excellent list of projects and forum posts that are worth reading:

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/135706-Index-Test

Among the list of links is a link to this thread about QuickStart projects.

Also mentioned in the above thread are labels.

attachment.php?attachmentid=82231&d=1308241428

attachment.php?attachmentid=82231&d=1308241428

Aren't those much nicer than some old pin finder gizmo? Sure the pin finder will help find the pins but what's going to help you find the pin finder? (Okay, the pin finders are cool too. I still have the one Phil sent me right here next to me.)

Anyway, if you want some labels send me a PM with your address. There's a matching label for the back side of the header.

If you have a Brother label maker with USB interface you can use the file posted here to print your own.

blittled · 2013-11-25 12:39

I agree with Matt, the Kickstarter book is great. I'm an experienced programmer and have been doing microcontrollers for a couple of years and that book is a great reference and starting point for many projects.

Matt Gilliland · 2013-11-25 12:57

some old pin finder gizmo?

Arrrrrg...."old pin finder gizmo"? - I resemble that remark ;-)
-MattG

doggiedoc · 2013-11-25 12:57

Matt Gilliland wrote: »

Great Point Gordon -
Hey New...Gordon wrote a great Microcontroller Kickstarter book (among many) which I still have some copies of. I'll include it with your Pin Finder :-) It'll really get you up and going FAST.

Still need that mailing address - you can email it directly to me if you prefer: mattg@parallax.com
-MattG

You guys are the greatest!

BTW Matt, your name is on a few titles on my shelf too, next to Gordon's.

davejames · 2013-11-25 13:06

...interesting - if I go to the "new site" and dive into Shop->Boards->Propeller, this is no mention of a Quickstart product:
http://www.parallax.com/catalog/boards/propeller?sort_by=created&sort_order=DESC&items_per_page=All

However, if I search on "quickstart", the Quickstart product is shown along with all the other options:
http://www.parallax.com/search?search_api_views_fulltext=quickstart

And if I click on the Quickstart board item, it takes me to the product page that shows stock available.

Methinks the Shop->Boards->Propeller link needs to include the Quickstart product. This might have helped user New in his efforts to find the required documentation.

Matt Gilliland · 2013-11-25 13:37

Excellent davejames! - good catch :thumb:
-MattG

@doggiedoc - I always pride myself in the case that - when times get really bad - I've supplied thousands of people with good quality fire-starter

AGCB · 2013-11-25 14:34

New

I also am new to propeller (3 or 4 weeks) and feel for all that you say. Though I programmed Pics for 4 years, this is all different. Anyway here is a quick and cheap (my way) for the pinout problem. My older eyes ain't what they used to be. Just slightly enlarged and printed the header portion of the quickstart schematic and taped it to the header.

Have fun, I am!
Aaron

Prop P8x32A... so upset

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