Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
Propeller Micro Trainer — Parallax Forums

Propeller Micro Trainer

BeanBean Posts: 8,129
in Propeller 1
I used to have the Radio Shack "Microcomputer Trainer" and I loved it.
So I've decided to make one using the Propeller.

It is designed to fit on the Express PCB Miniboard size of 3.8" x 2.5" and you get three for $75.

The main features are:
20 tact switch keypad (Hex,ENTER,SHIFT,CONTROL,ALT) allows 64 key functions (0-F, shift 0-F, control 0-F, alt 0-F).
Nokia 5110 84x48 pixel LCD display with controllable back light.
Eight LEDs with 3-pin headers for I/O.
4-Pin header to re-program the propeller.
Mini speaker (on back)

I'm not sure how the user will program it. It could support many different CPUs with emulation (Z-80, 6502, etc).
PASM would be pretty hard since each instruction would be 4 hex characters, and hand conversion is not easy.

On the layout, the propeller and eeprom, etc are located UNDER the LCD.

Anyway, I'll like any feedback you might have.

Bean
pdf
pdf
Propeller Trainer.pdf
22K

Comments

  • David BetzDavid Betz Posts: 14,516
    How would it be programmed? What about using your embedded BASIC?
  • BeanBean Posts: 8,129
    Well, there are two "Levels" of programming.

    There is the Propeller programming that will determine how the trainer operates, then there is actually programming USING the trainer.

    I want this to be used to teaching assembly language programming, but I think PASM would be too hard to write code with.

    So I'm thinking an emulation of a Z-80 or 6502 or maybe even some made-up processor.

    This is like the old trainers that had 7-segment LEDs for the display, but I wanted to update it a little and the LCD will provide 6 lines of 14 character. Which will be much more useful than 4 or 6 digits.

    Bean
  • David BetzDavid Betz Posts: 14,516
    Okay, that makes sense now. Can't enter embedded basic code in hex I guess. :-)
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    Cool! I had a few different trainers/development boards. They were a lot of fun and educational. I like the idea if it hosting various soft processors.

    Plus it offers a bunch of switched and lights and such that can also be accessed from Propeller languages.

    I know it's an issue of board real estate and cost but i'd like it better as a through hole kit! :)
  • David BetzDavid Betz Posts: 14,516
    mindrobots wrote: »
    Cool! I had a few different trainers/development boards. They were a lot of fun and educational. I like the idea if it hosting various soft processors.

    Plus it offers a bunch of switched and lights and such that can also be accessed from Propeller languages.

    I know it's an issue of board real estate and cost but i'd like it better as a through hole kit! :)
    I don't know, the QFP Propeller doesn't look too hard to solder. I might be willing to make a go at hand-assembling this even as an SMT kit. :-)

  • BeanBean Posts: 8,129
    Here is the ExpressPCB file if anyone is interested.

    Bean
  • BeanBean Posts: 8,129
    Arrrg, how do you attach a file after you post a comment ?

    Oh, well here is the ExpressPCB file.

    Bean
    pcb
    pcb
    Trainer3.pcb
    24K
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    I guess everybody should try soldering a QFP once in their life!!

    Forget an attachment??? All indications are your solution is the only solution.
  • ErNaErNa Posts: 1,752
    Soldering QFP is a question of soldering technology.You must move away from solder and iron to solder paste and hot air. The solder paste consists of miniature solder balls and flux and the moment they feel hot enough, they acclomarate from surface tension and as there is sufficient flux there will be no solder bridges or burned tin what makes the connections very safe.
  • David BetzDavid Betz Posts: 14,516
    ErNa wrote: »
    Soldering QFP is a question of soldering technology.You must move away from solder and iron to solder paste and hot air. The solder paste consists of miniature solder balls and flux and the moment they feel hot enough, they acclomarate from surface tension and as there is sufficient flux there will be no solder bridges or burned tin what makes the connections very safe.
    I know that's the "right" way to solder a QFP but isn't it actually possible to use a soldering iron and solder on the Propeller QFP? I remember soldering a surface mount FTDI chip once with a soldering iron.

  • ErNaErNa Posts: 1,752
    edited 2016-04-12 15:51
    Yes, I did it several times, too. But was surprised to see, how simple this job can be accomplished using solderpaste and hot air
  • David BetzDavid Betz Posts: 14,516
    ErNa wrote: »
    Yes, I did it several times, too. But was suprised to see, how simple this job can be accomplished using solderpaste and hot air
    I guess I need to get some solder paste and try it. I already have plenty of hot air! :-)

Sign In or Register to comment.