Reading thumb wheel switches and driving Attenuators
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Posts: 46,084
Hello there,
I am very new to the Stamps. In fact I haven't ordered one yet. I
am kinda itching to do some microcontrolling hobbywise and then
perhaps use it in my job. I don't know if the stamp2 computer can do
what I want to or not. I emailed Parallax three times without a
reply.
Here is what I want to do:
I have a HP355E and a HP355F attenuator. These are "programable"
attenuators, but only in the sence that you must have a programmer to
operate them. They are simply solinoid driven switch attenuators. I
think each one has 4 solinoids in them. They can be driven easily by
transistors. Unfortunitly they are not BCD. The 355E attenuator is,
I think 1dB, 2dB, 3dB & 6dB. By combining which sections you choose,
you can precisely attenuate a signal from 1 to 12dB. The other is
from 0-120db. Using both attenuators in series gives you a 132dB
attenuator in 1dB steps.
I would like to build in a nice project box a circuit to control
them. On the from of the box, I will have a 3 digit thumb wheel
switch. The MSB digit will only be "0/1" the other two digits will
be from "0-9". Each TWS section is BCD/HEX. For the three sections,
that is then 9 lines to monitor.
I would have to write some code to decide which attenuator sections
to engauge to get the requested attenuation.
Now with using both attenuators, that is 8 drive output lines.
9 input lines and 8 outputs is a total I/O of 17 lines. Add yest
another output line to drive an LED to indicate that any setting over
132dB is non-valid. I don't think the STAMP2 has that many. I am
sure there is a trick using an addressable MUX chip that I could use
that could cut that number down conciderable, but I am totally
unfamiliar with STAMP Computing.
Can what I want to do be done with a STAMP?
If so, is it's program memory non-volitile? I want to be able to
power the box up and have it control the attenuators without doing a
program d/l.
If after working the above out, could I also interface my box to a
bench computer that could take control away from the TWS and allow a
test program to control the attenuators through the Stamp Computer?
Perhaps what I am thinking about is not practical. I have these
attenuators and would love to be able to impliment them on my work
bench. I would also love a microcontroller project.
I would need to know everthing I would have to buy to get started on
a project like this one.
Thank you all very kindly for your thoughts, experience and help!
Dave
I am very new to the Stamps. In fact I haven't ordered one yet. I
am kinda itching to do some microcontrolling hobbywise and then
perhaps use it in my job. I don't know if the stamp2 computer can do
what I want to or not. I emailed Parallax three times without a
reply.
Here is what I want to do:
I have a HP355E and a HP355F attenuator. These are "programable"
attenuators, but only in the sence that you must have a programmer to
operate them. They are simply solinoid driven switch attenuators. I
think each one has 4 solinoids in them. They can be driven easily by
transistors. Unfortunitly they are not BCD. The 355E attenuator is,
I think 1dB, 2dB, 3dB & 6dB. By combining which sections you choose,
you can precisely attenuate a signal from 1 to 12dB. The other is
from 0-120db. Using both attenuators in series gives you a 132dB
attenuator in 1dB steps.
I would like to build in a nice project box a circuit to control
them. On the from of the box, I will have a 3 digit thumb wheel
switch. The MSB digit will only be "0/1" the other two digits will
be from "0-9". Each TWS section is BCD/HEX. For the three sections,
that is then 9 lines to monitor.
I would have to write some code to decide which attenuator sections
to engauge to get the requested attenuation.
Now with using both attenuators, that is 8 drive output lines.
9 input lines and 8 outputs is a total I/O of 17 lines. Add yest
another output line to drive an LED to indicate that any setting over
132dB is non-valid. I don't think the STAMP2 has that many. I am
sure there is a trick using an addressable MUX chip that I could use
that could cut that number down conciderable, but I am totally
unfamiliar with STAMP Computing.
Can what I want to do be done with a STAMP?
If so, is it's program memory non-volitile? I want to be able to
power the box up and have it control the attenuators without doing a
program d/l.
If after working the above out, could I also interface my box to a
bench computer that could take control away from the TWS and allow a
test program to control the attenuators through the Stamp Computer?
Perhaps what I am thinking about is not practical. I have these
attenuators and would love to be able to impliment them on my work
bench. I would also love a microcontroller project.
I would need to know everthing I would have to buy to get started on
a project like this one.
Thank you all very kindly for your thoughts, experience and help!
Dave
Comments
First, you could use a BS2P which has 32 I/O. Or you could use a PAK-III
or PAK-IV coprocessor (http://www.al-williams.com/awce/pak3.htm) to
expand your I/O. There are many ways you can use shift registers and
similar chips to extend the I/O count as well.
However, I think you might be able to avoid all of this. There is a
Parallax app note that shows you how to wire a keypad up to a single
pin. The idea is to turn the keypad into a variable resistor by
switching various fixed resistors. That, combined with a capacitor and
the RCTime command lets you tell which key is down. I wonder that you
couldn't use a thumbwheel with -- say, a 10K, 20K, 40K, and 80K resistor
(or near enough) would allow you to read each switch with 1 pin (of
course the 0/1 switch would be easy enough by itself).
> 9 input lines and 8 outputs is a total I/O of 17 lines. Add yest
> another output line to drive an LED to indicate that any setting over
> 132dB is non-valid. I don't think the STAMP2 has that many. I am
> sure there is a trick using an addressable MUX chip that I could use
> that could cut that number down conciderable, but I am totally
> unfamiliar with STAMP Computing.
>
> If so, is it's program memory non-volitile? I want to be able to
> power the box up and have it control the attenuators without doing a
> program d/l.
Yes, once you program the Stamp, it stays programmed.
>
> If after working the above out, could I also interface my box to a
> bench computer that could take control away from the TWS and allow a
> test program to control the attenuators through the Stamp Computer?
>
Yes, you could connect to a PC using the serial port that is used for
programming.
Hope that helps.
Al Williams
AWC
* Floating point A/D
http://www.al-williams.com/awce/pak9.htm
keypad and a 74hc922 keypad encoder chip, use an lcd screen and write the
program to figure out which combination of relays to turn on so all you need
to do is input the total attenuation. What is the power rating of the
solenoid's coil and voltage rating. there could be a number like 133 which
is one more than total db these boxes a capable of attenuating this would
set the stamp into serial mode and allow the computer to talk to the stamp,
and the stamp would still control the solenoids via computer. Have fun
larry
Original Message
From: "daveyk0" <dkuhn@a...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: January 10, 2002 10:13 AM
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Reading thumb wheel switches and driving Attenuators
| Hello there,
|
| I am very new to the Stamps. In fact I haven't ordered one yet. I
| am kinda itching to do some microcontrolling hobbywise and then
| perhaps use it in my job. I don't know if the stamp2 computer can do
| what I want to or not. I emailed Parallax three times without a
| reply.
|
| Here is what I want to do:
|
| I have a HP355E and a HP355F attenuator. These are "programable"
| attenuators, but only in the sence that you must have a programmer to
| operate them. They are simply solinoid driven switch attenuators. I
| think each one has 4 solinoids in them. They can be driven easily by
| transistors. Unfortunitly they are not BCD. The 355E attenuator is,
| I think 1dB, 2dB, 3dB & 6dB. By combining which sections you choose,
| you can precisely attenuate a signal from 1 to 12dB. The other is
| from 0-120db. Using both attenuators in series gives you a 132dB
| attenuator in 1dB steps.
|
| I would like to build in a nice project box a circuit to control
| them. On the from of the box, I will have a 3 digit thumb wheel
| switch. The MSB digit will only be "0/1" the other two digits will
| be from "0-9". Each TWS section is BCD/HEX. For the three sections,
| that is then 9 lines to monitor.
|
| I would have to write some code to decide which attenuator sections
| to engauge to get the requested attenuation.
|
| Now with using both attenuators, that is 8 drive output lines.
|
| 9 input lines and 8 outputs is a total I/O of 17 lines. Add yest
| another output line to drive an LED to indicate that any setting over
| 132dB is non-valid. I don't think the STAMP2 has that many. I am
| sure there is a trick using an addressable MUX chip that I could use
| that could cut that number down conciderable, but I am totally
| unfamiliar with STAMP Computing.
|
| Can what I want to do be done with a STAMP?
|
| If so, is it's program memory non-volitile? I want to be able to
| power the box up and have it control the attenuators without doing a
| program d/l.
|
| If after working the above out, could I also interface my box to a
| bench computer that could take control away from the TWS and allow a
| test program to control the attenuators through the Stamp Computer?
|
| Perhaps what I am thinking about is not practical. I have these
| attenuators and would love to be able to impliment them on my work
| bench. I would also love a microcontroller project.
|
| I would need to know everthing I would have to buy to get started on
| a project like this one.
|
| Thank you all very kindly for your thoughts, experience and help!
|
| Dave
|
|
|
|
|
| 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/
|
|
certification
on the type of instruments I work on, I usually go up 1db at a time (and
increase
the instruments gain 1dB at a time). To flick a TWS requires no thought and
allows full concentration on the calibration job. Of course, with a keypad,
two keys could be designated up & down. Once use to the keypad, no thought
would have to be involved either. So yes, I like that idea. Thanks.
You seem to have experience (keep in mind I have none what so ever with
BasicStamps).
This keyboard and display are probably standard applications for the BS2?
I think they sell a display & keypad on their web site or through Jameco.
If using as you suggest, will there be eight output i/o lines available? If
not, I guess an addressable De-MUX latch would be appropriate?
I am just wondering of their BasicStamps Works kit wouldn't be my best route?
I would hope that I can do what I want to do after investing $350 in it. I
can see it would be a lot of fun. Maybe even control a battlebot someday much
more cheaply than buying those comercial motor controllers? But that is getting
way off my project at hand. Maybe that $350 kit has a lot in it that would
never get used?
I see that Jameco sells a BS2 Starter kit & board for about $150.00. Don't
know what a display and keypad/encoder would cost.
Thanks kindly,
Dave
===============================
I see no problem in doing all you want to do using a bs2 I would use a
keypad and a 74hc922 keypad encoder chip, use an lcd screen and write the
program to figure out which combination of relays to turn on so all you need
to do is input the total attenuation. What is the power rating of the
solenoid's coil and voltage rating. there could be a number like 133 which
is one more than total db these boxes a capable of attenuating this would
set the stamp into serial mode and allow the computer to talk to the stamp,
and the stamp would still control the solenoids via computer. Have fun
larry
Original Message
From: "daveyk0" <dkuhn@a...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: January 10, 2002 10:13 AM
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Reading thumb wheel switches and driving Attenuators
| Hello there,
|
| I am very new to the Stamps. In fact I haven't ordered one yet. I
| am kinda itching to do some microcontrolling hobbywise and then
| perhaps use it in my job. I don't know if the stamp2 computer can do
| what I want to or not. I emailed Parallax three times without a
| reply.
|
| Here is what I want to do:
|
| I have a HP355E and a HP355F attenuator. These are "programable"
| attenuators, but only in the sence that you must have a programmer to
| operate them. They are simply solinoid driven switch attenuators. I
| think each one has 4 solinoids in them. They can be driven easily by
| transistors. Unfortunitly they are not BCD. The 355E attenuator is,
| I think 1dB, 2dB, 3dB & 6dB. By combining which sections you choose,
| you can precisely attenuate a signal from 1 to 12dB. The other is
| from 0-120db. Using both attenuators in series gives you a 132dB
| attenuator in 1dB steps.
|
| I would like to build in a nice project box a circuit to control
| them. On the from of the box, I will have a 3 digit thumb wheel
| switch. The MSB digit will only be "0/1" the other two digits will
| be from "0-9". Each TWS section is BCD/HEX. For the three sections,
| that is then 9 lines to monitor.
|
| I would have to write some code to decide which attenuator sections
| to engauge to get the requested attenuation.
|
| Now with using both attenuators, that is 8 drive output lines.
|
| 9 input lines and 8 outputs is a total I/O of 17 lines. Add yest
| another output line to drive an LED to indicate that any setting over
| 132dB is non-valid. I don't think the STAMP2 has that many. I am
| sure there is a trick using an addressable MUX chip that I could use
| that could cut that number down conciderable, but I am totally
| unfamiliar with STAMP Computing.
|
| Can what I want to do be done with a STAMP?
|
| If so, is it's program memory non-volitile? I want to be able to
| power the box up and have it control the attenuators without doing a
| program d/l.
|
| If after working the above out, could I also interface my box to a
| bench computer that could take control away from the TWS and allow a
| test program to control the attenuators through the Stamp Computer?
|
| Perhaps what I am thinking about is not practical. I have these
| attenuators and would love to be able to impliment them on my work
| bench. I would also love a microcontroller project.
|
| I would need to know everthing I would have to buy to get started on
| a project like this one.
|
| Thank you all very kindly for your thoughts, experience and help!
|
| Dave
|
|
|
|
|
| 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/
|
|
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/
before you try and build some Stamp Application. Find the required supply
voltage for the solenoids, how much current a solenoid requires to operate
and the specific function of each interface wire. This info will help you
select a suitable driver for the solenoid and the max power required if all
devices are turned on at the same time.
Steve
Original Message
From: "daveyk0" <dkuhn@a...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2002 10:13 AM
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Reading thumb wheel switches and driving Attenuators
> Hello there,
>
> I am very new to the Stamps. In fact I haven't ordered one yet. I
> am kinda itching to do some microcontrolling hobbywise and then
> perhaps use it in my job. I don't know if the stamp2 computer can do
> what I want to or not. I emailed Parallax three times without a
> reply.
>
> Here is what I want to do:
>
> I have a HP355E and a HP355F attenuator. These are "programable"
> attenuators, but only in the sence that you must have a programmer to
> operate them. They are simply solinoid driven switch attenuators. I
> think each one has 4 solinoids in them. They can be driven easily by
> transistors. Unfortunitly they are not BCD. The 355E attenuator is,
> I think 1dB, 2dB, 3dB & 6dB. By combining which sections you choose,
> you can precisely attenuate a signal from 1 to 12dB. The other is
> from 0-120db. Using both attenuators in series gives you a 132dB
> attenuator in 1dB steps.
>
> I would like to build in a nice project box a circuit to control
> them. On the from of the box, I will have a 3 digit thumb wheel
> switch. The MSB digit will only be "0/1" the other two digits will
> be from "0-9". Each TWS section is BCD/HEX. For the three sections,
> that is then 9 lines to monitor.
>
> I would have to write some code to decide which attenuator sections
> to engauge to get the requested attenuation.
>
> Now with using both attenuators, that is 8 drive output lines.
>
> 9 input lines and 8 outputs is a total I/O of 17 lines. Add yest
> another output line to drive an LED to indicate that any setting over
> 132dB is non-valid. I don't think the STAMP2 has that many. I am
> sure there is a trick using an addressable MUX chip that I could use
> that could cut that number down conciderable, but I am totally
> unfamiliar with STAMP Computing.
>
> Can what I want to do be done with a STAMP?
>
> If so, is it's program memory non-volitile? I want to be able to
> power the box up and have it control the attenuators without doing a
> program d/l.
>
> If after working the above out, could I also interface my box to a
> bench computer that could take control away from the TWS and allow a
> test program to control the attenuators through the Stamp Computer?
>
> Perhaps what I am thinking about is not practical. I have these
> attenuators and would love to be able to impliment them on my work
> bench. I would also love a microcontroller project.
>
> I would need to know everthing I would have to buy to get started on
> a project like this one.
>
> Thank you all very kindly for your thoughts, experience and help!
>
> Dave
>
>
>
>
>
> 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/
>
>
>
Your project looks like it could use some information that was in a
Nuts & Volts article a while back. It shows how you can use an
inexpensive shaft encoder as a selector with a Stamp. It would
provide
an intuitive interface for selecting attenuator values up and down
one
at a time. Here is a link to the article.
ftp://nutsvolts.com/stampaps/st_ap8.pdf
It is for the Basic Stamp 1 but can be modified.
Lee
--- In basicstamps@y..., "daveyk0" <dkuhn@a...> wrote:
> Hello there,
>
> I am very new to the Stamps. In fact I haven't ordered one yet. I
> am kinda itching to do some microcontrolling hobbywise and then
> perhaps use it in my job. I don't know if the stamp2 computer can
do
> what I want to or not. I emailed Parallax three times without a
> reply.
>
> Here is what I want to do:
>
> I have a HP355E and a HP355F attenuator. These are "programable"
> attenuators, but only in the sence that you must have a programmer
to
> operate them. They are simply solinoid driven switch attenuators.
I
> think each one has 4 solinoids in them. They can be driven easily
by
> transistors. Unfortunitly they are not BCD. The 355E attenuator
is,
> I think 1dB, 2dB, 3dB & 6dB. By combining which sections you
choose,
> you can precisely attenuate a signal from 1 to 12dB. The other is
> from 0-120db. Using both attenuators in series gives you a 132dB
> attenuator in 1dB steps.
>
> I would like to build in a nice project box a circuit to control
> them. On the from of the box, I will have a 3 digit thumb wheel
> switch. The MSB digit will only be "0/1" the other two digits will
> be from "0-9". Each TWS section is BCD/HEX. For the three
sections,
> that is then 9 lines to monitor.
>
> I would have to write some code to decide which attenuator sections
> to engauge to get the requested attenuation.
>
> Now with using both attenuators, that is 8 drive output lines.
>
> 9 input lines and 8 outputs is a total I/O of 17 lines. Add yest
> another output line to drive an LED to indicate that any setting
over
> 132dB is non-valid. I don't think the STAMP2 has that many. I am
> sure there is a trick using an addressable MUX chip that I could
use
> that could cut that number down conciderable, but I am totally
> unfamiliar with STAMP Computing.
>
> Can what I want to do be done with a STAMP?
>
> If so, is it's program memory non-volitile? I want to be able to
> power the box up and have it control the attenuators without doing
a
> program d/l.
>
> If after working the above out, could I also interface my box to a
> bench computer that could take control away from the TWS and allow
a
> test program to control the attenuators through the Stamp Computer?
>
> Perhaps what I am thinking about is not practical. I have these
> attenuators and would love to be able to impliment them on my work
> bench. I would also love a microcontroller project.
>
> I would need to know everthing I would have to buy to get started
on
> a project like this one.
>
> Thank you all very kindly for your thoughts, experience and help!
>
> Dave