Digest Number 995
Archiver
Posts: 46,084
Thanks John! I thought it would be something relatively simple. After this
many years, when something doesn't work, I ask questions first. A day
without learning is wasted...and one learns from mistakes (at least after
making it two or three times!)
Tim
Original Message
From: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=R49WD-GF8418dJRj5uHdTT_9n5TkgXbxsZj8QfjzABljNWAIaiKOpN_5ixTJ9R9Zr5KCrFJfF1mQt7e_qKIHDRzPUWlZ]basicstamps@yahoogroups.com[/url
Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2001 11:25 AM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Digest Number 995
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There are 15 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: Stamp to PIC migration
From: "Cliff Griffin" <cliff@g...>
2. Re: Digest Number 994
From: Craig Gardner <cgardner@r...>
3. ATN
From: "Apparatus" <apparatus@m...>
4. Re: DC Voltage Filter
From: "tomatlarge" <tomatlarge@y...>
5. RE: Re: New BS - Is It Defective?
From: "Earl Bollinger" <earlwbollinger@a...>
6. What's a 60000 baudrate for a BS2?
From: "Les Otter" <lesotter@s...>
7. Anyone have the BS2 Milford Instrument 3-axis machine?
From: "Les Otter" <lesotter@s...>
8. Re: ATN
From: jonwms@a...
9. RE: What's a 60000 baudrate for a BS2? - Fixed
From: "Les Otter" <lesotter@s...>
10. A - D with PCF8591
From: "stamptim" <tim@t...>
11. Re: A - D with PCF8591
From: jonwms@a...
12. RE: A - D with PCF8591
From: "Al Williams" <alw@a...>
13. bs2p auxiliary pins
From: "peter verkaik" <peterverkaik@b...>
14. Visual Basic
From: "ebs1955" <ebs1955@y...>
15. Other uses for Optical technology?
From: "Chris Loiacono (E-mail)" <chris01@t...>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2001 23:07:52 -0800
From: "Cliff Griffin" <cliff@g...>
Subject: Re: Stamp to PIC migration
Original Message
From: "Rodent" <daweasel@s...>
The book I am currently reading has alot of bias for the 16F84 processor,
and it looks like a neat tool, but I can't see dropping $250 for the
supporting software and hardware.
It only takes about five Stamps to cover the cost of that supporting
software and hardware you mention...after that, the PIC's are only about
$1.50. If you want a carrier board, that's about $9+, depending on the size.
If you are active with projects, it won't take long to recapture your
investment. Of course, the Stamps have a lot of accessories available.
Cliff
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2001 23:29:37 -0800
From: Craig Gardner <cgardner@r...>
Subject: Re: Digest Number 994
Jimbo
I just checked out the ATOM forums at Basic Micro and didn't see any
postings about serin and serout problems from you or anyone else and the
forums are the normal route for tech support. As far as tech support
asking if you have the latest software that is a valid question I do
computer repair for a living and I often have people say they just
bought their computer and when they actually check the thing is a year
or more old. The new compilers needing a newer programmer is because of
the abilities of the new compiler ICD etc. You can send in your old
ISP-PRO for an updated one for about $15 or $20 I think. The compiler is
always changing because it is getting better it already goes beyond the
Basic Stamp it does not copy it. And updates to the ATOM firmware (it is
updateable so if a bug is found it can be fixed) as well as the IDE and
their compilers are free. I have received great tech support from Basic
Micro.
BTW I have a BS2 if you want to trade off your ATOM.
Craig
> > Message: 5
> > Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2001 18:55:23 -0000
> > From: "ukon_jim" <jseasley@e...>
> > Subject: THE ATOM AND IT'S Weaknesses
> >
> > Hello Group.
> > I wanted to vent alittle fustration with the ATOM, and to
> > congratulate Parallax on keeping a certain level of Service along
> > with product consistancy. Basic Micro, seems to be in a hurry to
> > introduce products without having the backing to support them. I
> > recently purchased the ATOM and had trouble with serin and serout, I
> > contacted technical support and was asked if I had updated software.
> > Hell, I just bought the thing. I had a similar problem when I began
> > using there compiler as well. Every other week, it was " I am
> > releasing a new version, email us and we will send it to you, " BUT,
> > you have to have the latest hardware." Now come on !!. My parallax
> > equipment has been the same now for years, that is good and bad, but
> > at the same time, it shows consistancy. Are they for real ? The
> > products look and feel good, but the performance lacks, and the
> > service is alittle disheartening, maybe they need to quit working on
> > hair brain overpriced printers and keep on working on good software
> > and bug fixing. Anyhow, back to parallax I go. thanks and happy
> > holidays !!
> >
> > Jimbo
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2001 23:50:03 -0800
From: "Apparatus" <apparatus@m...>
Subject: ATN
Just curious, what is the ATN on the BS2 mean, the pin that connects to pin
4 of
the serial port? What type of protocol does the BS2 use?
- Chris
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 4
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 07:45:51 -0000
From: "tomatlarge" <tomatlarge@y...>
Subject: Re: DC Voltage Filter
Thanks again Tracy. I guess I am confused by the high impedance
thing. If the input on the black box is high impedance, why would I
want a bigger resistor? Is it because a high impedance input does not
draw much current and therefore should not be fed much current? (If
the input is high impedance, then I would have thought it acted as
its own current limiter, no?) If it has a lower impednace, and I use
a smaller resistor, don't I risk sending too much current to the
input? (I think I'm confused about the defference between resistance
and impedance.) You are being extremely helpful to me, but if you
are getting tired of the pestering, feel free to say so. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
>
> If the signal feeds an ADC in the engine computer, the the ADC
> _probably_ has a high input impedance. But not necessarily. What
I
> mean by that is, try it with a 1000 ohm resistor between the output
> of your LM358 circuit and the input to engine computer, and measure
> the voltage on both sides of the resistor (referenced to common).
If
> they are the same, then it is okay and prudent to leave the
resistor
> in place. If the voltages are different, that means that the ADC
> has a low input impedance, and you should use a lower value of
> resistor, 100 ohms or 10 ohms. When dealing with "black boxes",
you
> have to probe the black box characteristics by doing experiments!
>
....>
> ADCs usually have quite a high input impedance, but not
necessarily.
> Older ones might have a 100kohm or even 10kohm input impedance, in
> which case you can't put a resistor in series without losing some
of
> your signal!
>
> I hope that clears things up some.
>
> -- regards,
> Tracy Allen
> electronically monitored ecosystems
> mailto:tracy@e...
> http://www.emesystems.com
>
>
> >Thanks and sorry to be unclear. My problem is that I am not 100%
sure
> >what I am connecting the voltage to. [noparse]:)[/noparse] This is for my car. It has
> >an air flow meter that generates a signal from 0 to 5, which feeds
> >the engine management computer (Bosch DME circa 1983, I'm told
based
> >on 8051 technology--i.e., a black box) to drive fuel injectors and
so
> >forth. The black box takes the signal and uses it to generate duty
> >cycles for the fuel injectors. More air means higher voltage means
> >longer duty cycles and more gas. I know that the engine computer
uses
> >an EPROM with maps of duty cyles for various conditions. (In
addition
> >to the signal from our circuit, it looks at engine temp, air
> >dentsity, etc.) So, I assume the signal generated by this circuit
> >goes to an A/D converter so that the cpu can process it with the
> >other information and then pick just the right duty cycle off the
> >EPROM maps. SO, I figured a 10k resistor would be prudent, but was
a
> >little confused by the TTL circuit shown by National. Was TTL dead
in
> >the early 80's? Either way, I think you are right when you say the
> >voltage is not driving digital circuitry anyway (directly).... so
it
> >sounds like I should stick with the 10k resistor in series and stop
> >confusing myself. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
> >
> >
> >--- In basicstamps@y..., Tracy Allen <tracy@e...> wrote:
> > > >No good deed goes unpunished. I have another question. Now
armed
> >with
> > > >my circuit (thanks Tracy), I wanted to take the output voltage
and
> > > >send it to an 8051 based controller. I was planning on
putting a
> >10k
> > > >resistor on the output of this circuit, in series, to avoid too
> >much
> > > >current flow. I just looked at the National datasheet for the
> >LM358,
> > > >however, and it shows a circuit for "driving TTL" gates. (Not
sure
> >is
> > > >car's computer is TTL or CMOS or ?) That they show is the
output
> > > >connected to ground via a 240 ohm resistor and directly to the
TTL
> > > >gate without a resistor. Does that make sense? If I did
without the
> > > >240 resistor to ground and put a 10k in series between this
circuit
> > > >and the 8051-based controller, I'd be ok, no?
> > >
> > > I'm not clear on the purpose. The goal of the LM358 circuit was
to
> > > provide an analog voltage, so it makes more sense to talk about
> > > putting that voltage into an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
> > > Maybe the controller has one?
> > >
> > > It does not really make sense to talk about interfacing it to
TTL
> >or
> > > CMOS, which are digital logic families. The interface circuit
you
> > > saw in the LM358 data sheet is probably for a comparator, not an
> > > analog amplifier. And forget about the TTL interface with the
240
> > > ohm resistor. The original full-fledged TTL is history.
> > >
> > > It _is_ usually wise to put a resistor between the output of one
> > > circuit and the input of another when they are different
modules.
> > > Doing so can save a lot of grief.
> > >
> > > -- Tracy
> >
> >
> >To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> >from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
> >Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
> >
> >
> >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 5
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 06:09:43 -0600
From: "Earl Bollinger" <earlwbollinger@a...>
Subject: RE: Re: New BS - Is It Defective?
I've been using up a couple of BS2's with their BOE board, and it's been
working fine on my W2K-Pro desktop machine. I haven't tried a BS2p or BS2sx
yet. My HP Laptop works OK as well, but it's running Windows ME.
Original Message
From: rcvehicles [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=mhsXLClXwfNMSOHXuiw_IsBW_CfxMdvx3LRstU8lF7vfONGD4cogcJzNpiriioLXyPLDbrzF6-6a9EtQpw]rcvehicles@y...[/url
Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2001 10:55 PM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: New BS - Is It Defective?
Ahhh... well it looks like it is a W2K thing then as I notice someone
else using W2K has the same problem. I can program the chip without
the debug, disconnect the cable and it works. As soon as I connect
the cable, the program stops running.
I have a Toshiba laptop running W2K.
hankster
--- In basicstamps@y..., tbitson@a... wrote:
> Just for kicks, try running it with the serial cable disconnected
without the
> debug statements. Maybe the COM port om your computer is holding
the reset
> line high for some reason. Disconnecting it will eliminate your
computer from
> from the picture.
>
> Tim
>
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________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 6
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 12:51:27 -0000
From: "Les Otter" <lesotter@s...>
Subject: What's a 60000 baudrate for a BS2?
Hi
I am trying to debug a BS2 program whci came with the Milford Instruments 3
axis machine, and the SERIN
statement has 60000 as the baudrate.. WHat's that? Trying all
combinations, I can't seem to figure it out, even with the
2.0c Stamp programming manual.
Any help appreciated
Les Otter
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 7
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 12:51:28 -0000
From: "Les Otter" <lesotter@s...>
Subject: Anyone have the BS2 Milford Instrument 3-axis machine?
I took delivery a couple of days ago of the Milford Instruments 3-axis
machine.
Trouble is, I only got one diskette of software - an old version of PCBDrill
which won't run under Windows 98.
Apparently, according to their advert, it should come with REPLAY and
PLOT-IT too.
Of course, they are shut now for Xmas, so I can't get them to email these
programs. I was hoping to give a functional machine to my son for Xmas!
Anyone have a copy they can email me please?
Hopefully there is a Windows98 compatible version of PCBDrill available too.
Thanks very much for any help
Les Otter
les@s...
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________________________________________________________________________
Message: 8
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 08:14:44 EST
From: jonwms@a...
Subject: Re: ATN
In a message dated 12/23/01 1:39:28 AM Central Standard Time,
apparatus@m... writes:
> Just curious, what is the ATN on the BS2 mean, the pin that connects to
pin
> 4 of
>
The ATN line is used to reset the Stamp from the programming software. This
is why it's a good idea to put caps on the ATN line when using the
programming port as a general-purpose comm port.
The Stamp is programmed and DEBUG works at 9600-N81.
-- Jon Williams
-- Parallax
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 9
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 13:20:08 -0000
From: "Les Otter" <lesotter@s...>
Subject: RE: What's a 60000 baudrate for a BS2? - Fixed
Forget that question..I am being a twit!
that was the daly, not the baudrate!
Sorry!
Les
Original Message
From: Les Otter [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=mhlqBwUbjeimGE7lfJ00SJYIJBX2j4QUUMd_GTXeNVYKY8ZqtrN6e0o30wHYJYwvu7zNmlXD1dVFB8J1Epfrny73]LesOtter@s...[/url
Sent: 23 December 2001 12:51
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: What's a 60000 baudrate for a BS2?
Hi
I am trying to debug a BS2 program whci came with the Milford Instruments 3
axis machine, and the SERIN
statement has 60000 as the baudrate.. WHat's that? Trying all
combinations, I can't seem to figure it out, even with the
2.0c Stamp programming manual.
Any help appreciated
Les Otter
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 10
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 13:31:04 -0000
From: "stamptim" <tim@t...>
Subject: A - D with PCF8591
We recently purchased a couple of the BS2p24 Demo Boards. We also
purchased the BS2p Plus Pack application kit.
One of my current major interests is for A - D conversion. I am
trying to develop an application to control 24 antenna rotators. 12
for azimuth, 12 for elevation (they're for satellite use).
The control box will allow me to interface to it with simple dry
contact closures to energize the rotator. The position outputs a 0 -
5 VDC signal. I wanted to use the PCF 8591 for this.
Two of us wired up the application in the Plus Pack (individual
efforts). Neither of us got it to work as described. I always have
an indication of 2.5 volts coming in, no matter where the actual
input is set to.
I haven't broken out the meter yet to start tracing through but
thought perhaps I'd ask if I missed something. I searched through
the archives but found nothing.
Has someone else tried this application? I'll start over from
scratch again today...just trying to figure out if I'm all messed up
(surely wouldn't be the first time!)
Thanks!
Tim
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 11
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 09:13:37 EST
From: jonwms@a...
Subject: Re: A - D with PCF8591
In a message dated 12/23/01 7:32:10 AM Central Standard Time,
tim@t... writes:
> We recently purchased a couple of the BS2p24 Demo Boards. We also
> purchased the BS2p Plus Pack application kit.
>
> One of my current major interests is for A - D conversion. I am
> trying to develop an application to control 24 antenna rotators. 12
> for azimuth, 12 for elevation (they're for satellite use).
>
> The control box will allow me to interface to it with simple dry
> contact closures to energize the rotator. The position outputs a 0 -
> 5 VDC signal. I wanted to use the PCF 8591 for this.
>
> Two of us wired up the application in the Plus Pack (individual
> efforts). Neither of us got it to work as described. I always have
> an indication of 2.5 volts coming in, no matter where the actual
> input is set to.
>
> I haven't broken out the meter yet to start tracing through but
> thought perhaps I'd ask if I missed something. I searched through
> the archives but found nothing.
>
> Has someone else tried this application? I'll start over from
> scratch again today...just trying to figure out if I'm all messed up
>
You've got a loose connection somewhere. I know this because I saw the same
thing when I was developing the "Plus Pack" code. I promise -- that code
does work when all the connections are secure.
-- Jon Williams
-- Parallax
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 12
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 08:56:55 -0600
From: "Al Williams" <alw@a...>
Subject: RE: A - D with PCF8591
Could be a loose connection. However, be sure you have a common ground
between the A/D, the Stamp, and the control box. If your ground is
"floating" that could cause the problem.
Just to take the opportunity, I hope all on the Stamp list have a nice
holiday season -- whatever holiday you are celebrating.
Al Williams
AWC
* NEW KIT: Need a 5V Supply?
http://www.al-williams.com/awce/ps1.htm
>
Original Message
> From: jonwms@a... [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=UwlSaQoMqyhVW49n-3fApouYSN7a9XW-lYFlxcpGlycalzYdrw-Ei6zrWAg4ldZ7yGK8RQ]jonwms@a...[/url
> Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2001 8:14 AM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] A - D with PCF8591
>
>
> In a message dated 12/23/01 7:32:10 AM Central Standard Time,
> tim@t... writes:
>
>
> > We recently purchased a couple of the BS2p24 Demo Boards. We also
> > purchased the BS2p Plus Pack application kit.
> >
> > One of my current major interests is for A - D conversion. I am
> > trying to develop an application to control 24 antenna rotators. 12
> > for azimuth, 12 for elevation (they're for satellite use).
> >
> > The control box will allow me to interface to it with simple dry
> > contact closures to energize the rotator. The position
> outputs a 0 -
> > 5 VDC signal. I wanted to use the PCF 8591 for this.
> >
> > Two of us wired up the application in the Plus Pack (individual
> > efforts). Neither of us got it to work as described. I
> always have
> > an indication of 2.5 volts coming in, no matter where the actual
> > input is set to.
> >
> > I haven't broken out the meter yet to start tracing through but
> > thought perhaps I'd ask if I missed something. I searched through
> > the archives but found nothing.
> >
> > Has someone else tried this application? I'll start over from
> > scratch again today...just trying to figure out if I'm all
> messed up
> >
>
> You've got a loose connection somewhere. I know this because
> I saw the same
> thing when I was developing the "Plus Pack" code. I promise
> -- that code
> does work when all the connections are secure.
>
> -- Jon Williams
> -- Parallax
>
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
> Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 13
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 16:57:48 -0800
From: "peter verkaik" <peterverkaik@b...>
Subject: bs2p auxiliary pins
Hi,
I've got two questions regarding the bs2p auxiliary pins.
(I do not have a 2p yet, but am already writing code for it)
Q1.
Is there a way to retrieve the current IOTERM setting?
(like the STORE value and active program slot) or do I need to track this
myself?
Q2.
When I run another program, is the current IOTERM setting retained,
or is it reset to MAINIO or AUXIO?
Regards peter
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 14
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 16:15:50 -0000
From: "ebs1955" <ebs1955@y...>
Subject: Visual Basic
Hello Fellow Stampers.
I am trying to teach myself Visual Basic with the Visual Basic 6 for
Dummies software. I am getting it pretty good but the problem I'm
running into is the mscomm command that is available in Visual Basic
to communicate on the serial line. Visual Basic 6 for Dummies doesn't
cover the mscomm.
My main goal is to program in Visual Basic a program that will
receive and transmit to the Basic Stamp and also log a file the
activity from the basic stamp. Is there any good reference books out
there that will explain how to do this using the basic stamp?
I have had given to me a program called Comm Port Logger that logs
the activity of the stamp and also inserts time and date of the
activity. I want to customize my own program with this same type of
operation that this Comm Port Logger does. So I am looking for some
reference material to make my own program.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in Advance
Gene
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Message: 15
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 11:29:23 -0500
From: "Chris Loiacono (E-mail)" <chris01@t...>
Subject: Other uses for Optical technology?
Say, has anyone thought of hacking an optical mouse for other purposes, such
as measurement? I picked one up for under $20- and to me that means it's in
the right price range for hacking.....
Chris
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
many years, when something doesn't work, I ask questions first. A day
without learning is wasted...and one learns from mistakes (at least after
making it two or three times!)
Tim
Original Message
From: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=R49WD-GF8418dJRj5uHdTT_9n5TkgXbxsZj8QfjzABljNWAIaiKOpN_5ixTJ9R9Zr5KCrFJfF1mQt7e_qKIHDRzPUWlZ]basicstamps@yahoogroups.com[/url
Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2001 11:25 AM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Digest Number 995
To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
Body of the message will be ignored.
There are 15 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: Stamp to PIC migration
From: "Cliff Griffin" <cliff@g...>
2. Re: Digest Number 994
From: Craig Gardner <cgardner@r...>
3. ATN
From: "Apparatus" <apparatus@m...>
4. Re: DC Voltage Filter
From: "tomatlarge" <tomatlarge@y...>
5. RE: Re: New BS - Is It Defective?
From: "Earl Bollinger" <earlwbollinger@a...>
6. What's a 60000 baudrate for a BS2?
From: "Les Otter" <lesotter@s...>
7. Anyone have the BS2 Milford Instrument 3-axis machine?
From: "Les Otter" <lesotter@s...>
8. Re: ATN
From: jonwms@a...
9. RE: What's a 60000 baudrate for a BS2? - Fixed
From: "Les Otter" <lesotter@s...>
10. A - D with PCF8591
From: "stamptim" <tim@t...>
11. Re: A - D with PCF8591
From: jonwms@a...
12. RE: A - D with PCF8591
From: "Al Williams" <alw@a...>
13. bs2p auxiliary pins
From: "peter verkaik" <peterverkaik@b...>
14. Visual Basic
From: "ebs1955" <ebs1955@y...>
15. Other uses for Optical technology?
From: "Chris Loiacono (E-mail)" <chris01@t...>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2001 23:07:52 -0800
From: "Cliff Griffin" <cliff@g...>
Subject: Re: Stamp to PIC migration
Original Message
From: "Rodent" <daweasel@s...>
The book I am currently reading has alot of bias for the 16F84 processor,
and it looks like a neat tool, but I can't see dropping $250 for the
supporting software and hardware.
It only takes about five Stamps to cover the cost of that supporting
software and hardware you mention...after that, the PIC's are only about
$1.50. If you want a carrier board, that's about $9+, depending on the size.
If you are active with projects, it won't take long to recapture your
investment. Of course, the Stamps have a lot of accessories available.
Cliff
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________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2001 23:29:37 -0800
From: Craig Gardner <cgardner@r...>
Subject: Re: Digest Number 994
Jimbo
I just checked out the ATOM forums at Basic Micro and didn't see any
postings about serin and serout problems from you or anyone else and the
forums are the normal route for tech support. As far as tech support
asking if you have the latest software that is a valid question I do
computer repair for a living and I often have people say they just
bought their computer and when they actually check the thing is a year
or more old. The new compilers needing a newer programmer is because of
the abilities of the new compiler ICD etc. You can send in your old
ISP-PRO for an updated one for about $15 or $20 I think. The compiler is
always changing because it is getting better it already goes beyond the
Basic Stamp it does not copy it. And updates to the ATOM firmware (it is
updateable so if a bug is found it can be fixed) as well as the IDE and
their compilers are free. I have received great tech support from Basic
Micro.
BTW I have a BS2 if you want to trade off your ATOM.
Craig
> > Message: 5
> > Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2001 18:55:23 -0000
> > From: "ukon_jim" <jseasley@e...>
> > Subject: THE ATOM AND IT'S Weaknesses
> >
> > Hello Group.
> > I wanted to vent alittle fustration with the ATOM, and to
> > congratulate Parallax on keeping a certain level of Service along
> > with product consistancy. Basic Micro, seems to be in a hurry to
> > introduce products without having the backing to support them. I
> > recently purchased the ATOM and had trouble with serin and serout, I
> > contacted technical support and was asked if I had updated software.
> > Hell, I just bought the thing. I had a similar problem when I began
> > using there compiler as well. Every other week, it was " I am
> > releasing a new version, email us and we will send it to you, " BUT,
> > you have to have the latest hardware." Now come on !!. My parallax
> > equipment has been the same now for years, that is good and bad, but
> > at the same time, it shows consistancy. Are they for real ? The
> > products look and feel good, but the performance lacks, and the
> > service is alittle disheartening, maybe they need to quit working on
> > hair brain overpriced printers and keep on working on good software
> > and bug fixing. Anyhow, back to parallax I go. thanks and happy
> > holidays !!
> >
> > Jimbo
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________________________________________________________________________
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2001 23:50:03 -0800
From: "Apparatus" <apparatus@m...>
Subject: ATN
Just curious, what is the ATN on the BS2 mean, the pin that connects to pin
4 of
the serial port? What type of protocol does the BS2 use?
- Chris
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________________________________________________________________________
Message: 4
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 07:45:51 -0000
From: "tomatlarge" <tomatlarge@y...>
Subject: Re: DC Voltage Filter
Thanks again Tracy. I guess I am confused by the high impedance
thing. If the input on the black box is high impedance, why would I
want a bigger resistor? Is it because a high impedance input does not
draw much current and therefore should not be fed much current? (If
the input is high impedance, then I would have thought it acted as
its own current limiter, no?) If it has a lower impednace, and I use
a smaller resistor, don't I risk sending too much current to the
input? (I think I'm confused about the defference between resistance
and impedance.) You are being extremely helpful to me, but if you
are getting tired of the pestering, feel free to say so. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
>
> If the signal feeds an ADC in the engine computer, the the ADC
> _probably_ has a high input impedance. But not necessarily. What
I
> mean by that is, try it with a 1000 ohm resistor between the output
> of your LM358 circuit and the input to engine computer, and measure
> the voltage on both sides of the resistor (referenced to common).
If
> they are the same, then it is okay and prudent to leave the
resistor
> in place. If the voltages are different, that means that the ADC
> has a low input impedance, and you should use a lower value of
> resistor, 100 ohms or 10 ohms. When dealing with "black boxes",
you
> have to probe the black box characteristics by doing experiments!
>
....>
> ADCs usually have quite a high input impedance, but not
necessarily.
> Older ones might have a 100kohm or even 10kohm input impedance, in
> which case you can't put a resistor in series without losing some
of
> your signal!
>
> I hope that clears things up some.
>
> -- regards,
> Tracy Allen
> electronically monitored ecosystems
> mailto:tracy@e...
> http://www.emesystems.com
>
>
> >Thanks and sorry to be unclear. My problem is that I am not 100%
sure
> >what I am connecting the voltage to. [noparse]:)[/noparse] This is for my car. It has
> >an air flow meter that generates a signal from 0 to 5, which feeds
> >the engine management computer (Bosch DME circa 1983, I'm told
based
> >on 8051 technology--i.e., a black box) to drive fuel injectors and
so
> >forth. The black box takes the signal and uses it to generate duty
> >cycles for the fuel injectors. More air means higher voltage means
> >longer duty cycles and more gas. I know that the engine computer
uses
> >an EPROM with maps of duty cyles for various conditions. (In
addition
> >to the signal from our circuit, it looks at engine temp, air
> >dentsity, etc.) So, I assume the signal generated by this circuit
> >goes to an A/D converter so that the cpu can process it with the
> >other information and then pick just the right duty cycle off the
> >EPROM maps. SO, I figured a 10k resistor would be prudent, but was
a
> >little confused by the TTL circuit shown by National. Was TTL dead
in
> >the early 80's? Either way, I think you are right when you say the
> >voltage is not driving digital circuitry anyway (directly).... so
it
> >sounds like I should stick with the 10k resistor in series and stop
> >confusing myself. [noparse]:)[/noparse]
> >
> >
> >--- In basicstamps@y..., Tracy Allen <tracy@e...> wrote:
> > > >No good deed goes unpunished. I have another question. Now
armed
> >with
> > > >my circuit (thanks Tracy), I wanted to take the output voltage
and
> > > >send it to an 8051 based controller. I was planning on
putting a
> >10k
> > > >resistor on the output of this circuit, in series, to avoid too
> >much
> > > >current flow. I just looked at the National datasheet for the
> >LM358,
> > > >however, and it shows a circuit for "driving TTL" gates. (Not
sure
> >is
> > > >car's computer is TTL or CMOS or ?) That they show is the
output
> > > >connected to ground via a 240 ohm resistor and directly to the
TTL
> > > >gate without a resistor. Does that make sense? If I did
without the
> > > >240 resistor to ground and put a 10k in series between this
circuit
> > > >and the 8051-based controller, I'd be ok, no?
> > >
> > > I'm not clear on the purpose. The goal of the LM358 circuit was
to
> > > provide an analog voltage, so it makes more sense to talk about
> > > putting that voltage into an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
> > > Maybe the controller has one?
> > >
> > > It does not really make sense to talk about interfacing it to
TTL
> >or
> > > CMOS, which are digital logic families. The interface circuit
you
> > > saw in the LM358 data sheet is probably for a comparator, not an
> > > analog amplifier. And forget about the TTL interface with the
240
> > > ohm resistor. The original full-fledged TTL is history.
> > >
> > > It _is_ usually wise to put a resistor between the output of one
> > > circuit and the input of another when they are different
modules.
> > > Doing so can save a lot of grief.
> > >
> > > -- Tracy
> >
> >
> >To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> >from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
> >Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
> >
> >
> >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 5
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 06:09:43 -0600
From: "Earl Bollinger" <earlwbollinger@a...>
Subject: RE: Re: New BS - Is It Defective?
I've been using up a couple of BS2's with their BOE board, and it's been
working fine on my W2K-Pro desktop machine. I haven't tried a BS2p or BS2sx
yet. My HP Laptop works OK as well, but it's running Windows ME.
Original Message
From: rcvehicles [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=mhsXLClXwfNMSOHXuiw_IsBW_CfxMdvx3LRstU8lF7vfONGD4cogcJzNpiriioLXyPLDbrzF6-6a9EtQpw]rcvehicles@y...[/url
Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2001 10:55 PM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: New BS - Is It Defective?
Ahhh... well it looks like it is a W2K thing then as I notice someone
else using W2K has the same problem. I can program the chip without
the debug, disconnect the cable and it works. As soon as I connect
the cable, the program stops running.
I have a Toshiba laptop running W2K.
hankster
--- In basicstamps@y..., tbitson@a... wrote:
> Just for kicks, try running it with the serial cable disconnected
without the
> debug statements. Maybe the COM port om your computer is holding
the reset
> line high for some reason. Disconnecting it will eliminate your
computer from
> from the picture.
>
> Tim
>
To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
Body of the message will be ignored.
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 6
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 12:51:27 -0000
From: "Les Otter" <lesotter@s...>
Subject: What's a 60000 baudrate for a BS2?
Hi
I am trying to debug a BS2 program whci came with the Milford Instruments 3
axis machine, and the SERIN
statement has 60000 as the baudrate.. WHat's that? Trying all
combinations, I can't seem to figure it out, even with the
2.0c Stamp programming manual.
Any help appreciated
Les Otter
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________________________________________________________________________
Message: 7
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 12:51:28 -0000
From: "Les Otter" <lesotter@s...>
Subject: Anyone have the BS2 Milford Instrument 3-axis machine?
I took delivery a couple of days ago of the Milford Instruments 3-axis
machine.
Trouble is, I only got one diskette of software - an old version of PCBDrill
which won't run under Windows 98.
Apparently, according to their advert, it should come with REPLAY and
PLOT-IT too.
Of course, they are shut now for Xmas, so I can't get them to email these
programs. I was hoping to give a functional machine to my son for Xmas!
Anyone have a copy they can email me please?
Hopefully there is a Windows98 compatible version of PCBDrill available too.
Thanks very much for any help
Les Otter
les@s...
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________________________________________________________________________
Message: 8
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 08:14:44 EST
From: jonwms@a...
Subject: Re: ATN
In a message dated 12/23/01 1:39:28 AM Central Standard Time,
apparatus@m... writes:
> Just curious, what is the ATN on the BS2 mean, the pin that connects to
pin
> 4 of
>
The ATN line is used to reset the Stamp from the programming software. This
is why it's a good idea to put caps on the ATN line when using the
programming port as a general-purpose comm port.
The Stamp is programmed and DEBUG works at 9600-N81.
-- Jon Williams
-- Parallax
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 9
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 13:20:08 -0000
From: "Les Otter" <lesotter@s...>
Subject: RE: What's a 60000 baudrate for a BS2? - Fixed
Forget that question..I am being a twit!
that was the daly, not the baudrate!
Sorry!
Les
Original Message
From: Les Otter [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=mhlqBwUbjeimGE7lfJ00SJYIJBX2j4QUUMd_GTXeNVYKY8ZqtrN6e0o30wHYJYwvu7zNmlXD1dVFB8J1Epfrny73]LesOtter@s...[/url
Sent: 23 December 2001 12:51
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: What's a 60000 baudrate for a BS2?
Hi
I am trying to debug a BS2 program whci came with the Milford Instruments 3
axis machine, and the SERIN
statement has 60000 as the baudrate.. WHat's that? Trying all
combinations, I can't seem to figure it out, even with the
2.0c Stamp programming manual.
Any help appreciated
Les Otter
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 10
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 13:31:04 -0000
From: "stamptim" <tim@t...>
Subject: A - D with PCF8591
We recently purchased a couple of the BS2p24 Demo Boards. We also
purchased the BS2p Plus Pack application kit.
One of my current major interests is for A - D conversion. I am
trying to develop an application to control 24 antenna rotators. 12
for azimuth, 12 for elevation (they're for satellite use).
The control box will allow me to interface to it with simple dry
contact closures to energize the rotator. The position outputs a 0 -
5 VDC signal. I wanted to use the PCF 8591 for this.
Two of us wired up the application in the Plus Pack (individual
efforts). Neither of us got it to work as described. I always have
an indication of 2.5 volts coming in, no matter where the actual
input is set to.
I haven't broken out the meter yet to start tracing through but
thought perhaps I'd ask if I missed something. I searched through
the archives but found nothing.
Has someone else tried this application? I'll start over from
scratch again today...just trying to figure out if I'm all messed up
(surely wouldn't be the first time!)
Thanks!
Tim
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________________________________________________________________________
Message: 11
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 09:13:37 EST
From: jonwms@a...
Subject: Re: A - D with PCF8591
In a message dated 12/23/01 7:32:10 AM Central Standard Time,
tim@t... writes:
> We recently purchased a couple of the BS2p24 Demo Boards. We also
> purchased the BS2p Plus Pack application kit.
>
> One of my current major interests is for A - D conversion. I am
> trying to develop an application to control 24 antenna rotators. 12
> for azimuth, 12 for elevation (they're for satellite use).
>
> The control box will allow me to interface to it with simple dry
> contact closures to energize the rotator. The position outputs a 0 -
> 5 VDC signal. I wanted to use the PCF 8591 for this.
>
> Two of us wired up the application in the Plus Pack (individual
> efforts). Neither of us got it to work as described. I always have
> an indication of 2.5 volts coming in, no matter where the actual
> input is set to.
>
> I haven't broken out the meter yet to start tracing through but
> thought perhaps I'd ask if I missed something. I searched through
> the archives but found nothing.
>
> Has someone else tried this application? I'll start over from
> scratch again today...just trying to figure out if I'm all messed up
>
You've got a loose connection somewhere. I know this because I saw the same
thing when I was developing the "Plus Pack" code. I promise -- that code
does work when all the connections are secure.
-- Jon Williams
-- Parallax
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 12
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 08:56:55 -0600
From: "Al Williams" <alw@a...>
Subject: RE: A - D with PCF8591
Could be a loose connection. However, be sure you have a common ground
between the A/D, the Stamp, and the control box. If your ground is
"floating" that could cause the problem.
Just to take the opportunity, I hope all on the Stamp list have a nice
holiday season -- whatever holiday you are celebrating.
Al Williams
AWC
* NEW KIT: Need a 5V Supply?
http://www.al-williams.com/awce/ps1.htm
>
Original Message
> From: jonwms@a... [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=UwlSaQoMqyhVW49n-3fApouYSN7a9XW-lYFlxcpGlycalzYdrw-Ei6zrWAg4ldZ7yGK8RQ]jonwms@a...[/url
> Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2001 8:14 AM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] A - D with PCF8591
>
>
> In a message dated 12/23/01 7:32:10 AM Central Standard Time,
> tim@t... writes:
>
>
> > We recently purchased a couple of the BS2p24 Demo Boards. We also
> > purchased the BS2p Plus Pack application kit.
> >
> > One of my current major interests is for A - D conversion. I am
> > trying to develop an application to control 24 antenna rotators. 12
> > for azimuth, 12 for elevation (they're for satellite use).
> >
> > The control box will allow me to interface to it with simple dry
> > contact closures to energize the rotator. The position
> outputs a 0 -
> > 5 VDC signal. I wanted to use the PCF 8591 for this.
> >
> > Two of us wired up the application in the Plus Pack (individual
> > efforts). Neither of us got it to work as described. I
> always have
> > an indication of 2.5 volts coming in, no matter where the actual
> > input is set to.
> >
> > I haven't broken out the meter yet to start tracing through but
> > thought perhaps I'd ask if I missed something. I searched through
> > the archives but found nothing.
> >
> > Has someone else tried this application? I'll start over from
> > scratch again today...just trying to figure out if I'm all
> messed up
> >
>
> You've got a loose connection somewhere. I know this because
> I saw the same
> thing when I was developing the "Plus Pack" code. I promise
> -- that code
> does work when all the connections are secure.
>
> -- Jon Williams
> -- Parallax
>
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
> Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 13
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 16:57:48 -0800
From: "peter verkaik" <peterverkaik@b...>
Subject: bs2p auxiliary pins
Hi,
I've got two questions regarding the bs2p auxiliary pins.
(I do not have a 2p yet, but am already writing code for it)
Q1.
Is there a way to retrieve the current IOTERM setting?
(like the STORE value and active program slot) or do I need to track this
myself?
Q2.
When I run another program, is the current IOTERM setting retained,
or is it reset to MAINIO or AUXIO?
Regards peter
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Message: 14
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 16:15:50 -0000
From: "ebs1955" <ebs1955@y...>
Subject: Visual Basic
Hello Fellow Stampers.
I am trying to teach myself Visual Basic with the Visual Basic 6 for
Dummies software. I am getting it pretty good but the problem I'm
running into is the mscomm command that is available in Visual Basic
to communicate on the serial line. Visual Basic 6 for Dummies doesn't
cover the mscomm.
My main goal is to program in Visual Basic a program that will
receive and transmit to the Basic Stamp and also log a file the
activity from the basic stamp. Is there any good reference books out
there that will explain how to do this using the basic stamp?
I have had given to me a program called Comm Port Logger that logs
the activity of the stamp and also inserts time and date of the
activity. I want to customize my own program with this same type of
operation that this Comm Port Logger does. So I am looking for some
reference material to make my own program.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in Advance
Gene
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Message: 15
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 11:29:23 -0500
From: "Chris Loiacono (E-mail)" <chris01@t...>
Subject: Other uses for Optical technology?
Say, has anyone thought of hacking an optical mouse for other purposes, such
as measurement? I picked one up for under $20- and to me that means it's in
the right price range for hacking.....
Chris
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