SX/B vs. SASM vs. Parallax Assembly Language: A Newbie Question

Zoot

I'm going to be purchasing an SX-key programming kit (I've programmed Stamps, 808xx controllers in assembly, etc).

I've been reading through the available docs and web pages, and there is something I'm not clear on, so I wanted to make sure I have it straight.

SASM = current assembly language for the SX-key compiler
SX/B = Pbasic -like language that compiles to assembly in the SX-key IDE
Parallax Assembly Language = an old, legacy assembly language

Do I have that right? If I don't, let me know. If that's basically right, I have three questions --

- There is a newer (beta?) version of SX/B at the forums. Mr. Hitt posts these -- is this Mr. Hitt's software or Parallax's? Kudos either way, but I'm curious.

- SX pages at the main site have some things along the line of this:

Somebody said...
Now available for download with SX/B Examples! Al Williams' popular Exploring the SX Microcontroller with Assembly and BASIC Programming was released this week as a free web download. All examples are shown with the SX/B and Parallax assembly language. The

So if I see Parallax Assembly Language in code or docs, should I figure that it's "legacy" code and compile it that way?

- If I drop into assembly language from within an SX/B program I'm presuming current IDE will use SASM?

Any other clarifications on the three languages??

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST

Bean

SASM and PASM are both assembly, just handle macro and stuff like that differently.

The latest SX/B version will aways be available on the SX/B forum (currently 1.51.02). SX/B produces SASM code only.

The great thing about SX/B is you can see the assembly code that it generates and this allows you to learn SX assembly quite easily.
Also mixing assembly within SX/B is very easy.

SX/B is a parallax product. I currently do support and updates to the compiler. If you find any bugs (or think it's a bug) please let me know on the forums.

Do you have any projects in mind for the SX ?

Bean.

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Cheap used 4-digit LED display with driver IC·www.hc4led.com

Low power SD Data Logger www.sddatalogger.com
SX-Video Display Modules www.sxvm.com

There are only two guaranteed ways to become weathy.
Spend less than you make.
Make more than you spend.
·

Zoot

Thanks for the clarifications.

And, oh boy, I've got projects in mind! When I realized how cheap and cool the SX is, I realized it's time to dive in. My first few projects will be offloading some functions from the BS2p40 that runs my 'bot (motor encoding, sensor data), plus a few gizmo-type Holiday Gifts (sensor-activiated LED displays) that would be prohibitively expensive with Stamps. And to be honest, I really enjoy the clarity and timing control of assembly sometimes -- a level you can't really drill down to on the Stamp.

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST

Bean

I hope you got a couple of the protoboards. They really are a steal at $10 each.

SX48 http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=45300
SX28 http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=45302

Bean.

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Cheap used 4-digit LED display with driver IC·www.hc4led.com

Low power SD Data Logger www.sddatalogger.com
SX-Video Display Modules www.sxvm.com

There are only two guaranteed ways to become weathy.
Spend less than you make.
Make more than you spend.
·

Zoot

Cool. Those are nice and cheap. One more newbie question then:

What's the difference between a resonator, a crystal, and a TTL clock? I get the physical differences, just not which you would use and when.

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST