Time keeping with the Basic Stamp

Garyvb

Hi, I'm attempting to implement a calender w/ clock into a Basic Stamp script with the intention of using a specific date and time of day as a variable for output.· Does anyone know of an accurate method to do this, either through processing or external hardware?· If not, is there a way to keep time for shorter intervals, say an hour, and have a range of output, which once triggered, that would be dependent on what time of the day it was?· Thanks.· -Gary

dandreae

The DS1302 time keeping chip with·32.768KHz crystal will work perfect.· Here is a link for the DS1302 and crystal: http://www.parallax.com/html_pages/products/componentshop/integrated_circuits.asp

Dave

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Dave Andreae

Tech Support
dandreae@parallax.com
Http://www.parallax.com

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Vern Graner

Garyvb said...
Hi, I'm attempting to implement a calender w/ clock into a Basic Stamp script with the intention of using a specific date and time of day as a variable for output. Does anyone know of an accurate method to do this, either through processing or external hardware? If not, is there a way to keep time for shorter intervals, say an hour, and have a range of output, which once triggered, that would be dependent on what time of the day it was? Thanks. -Gary

I know that lots of folks like the DS1302, but myself I like the Pocketwatch B unit:

http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=27962

The unit is small and has lots of neat features. I built a demo program using the Parallax LCD, a BSII and a Pocketwatch B to make a minimalist "Digital Clock". I've attached some pictures of the finished test unit and the example source code so you can see how the Pocket watch can be used. The pocket watch is the small square blue board in the right center of the "opencase" photo. Hope this helps.

Vern

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Vern Graner CNE/CNA/SSE    | "If the network is down, then you're
Senior Systems Engineer    | obviously incompetent so why are we
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Chris Savage

Vern,

·· The reason I push the DS1302 over the PWB is the Battery Backup features...The Pocket Watch has none by default and it takes a beefier backup battery to maintain it.· I never tested the current draw, but I believe it is sufficiently higher to cause some people to want to use a chip with battery backup.·

·· As a side-note, one of the main reason I like the battery backup on the DS1302 is that it backs up the RAM as well.· I will often use this RAM for settings I need to be non-volatile, but updated frequently.· In this case EEPROM wouldn't be a good choice.

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support
csavage@parallax.com