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Simple Propeller DIY prototyping board — Parallax Forums

Simple Propeller DIY prototyping board

LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
edited 2007-04-16 11:05 in Robotics
I've just designed a simple prototyping PCB for the DIL Propeller chip. A photo of my prototype, the schematic, PCB layout and artwork files are here:

http://www.leonheller.com/propeller

The PCB is single sided, and may easily be made at home. I haven't bothered to drill all the holes, I'll just drill them as required. I've added a couple of·LEDs and the LP filters for audio output to the prototyping area.

Leon

Comments

  • Steve JoynerSteve Joyner Posts: 4
    edited 2007-04-14 01:32
    Sweet! What a fun chip! Nice simple layout.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2007-04-14 07:13
    Thanks. I added TV output a couple of days ago. Although I have one of the Proto boards and they aren't expensive, I'd rather hack something really cheap like this about when experimenting.

    Leon
  • jhoyozajhoyoza Posts: 72
    edited 2007-04-14 12:20
    Great!

    I noticed when looking at the catalog they didn't offer such a thing? I like the idea of being able to replace the chip.

    And an artwork too! Any chance of adding USB interface?

    Nice Work,

    -J
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2007-04-14 12:52
    jhoyoza said...
    Great!

    I noticed when looking at the catalog they didn't offer such a thing? I like the idea of being able to replace the chip.

    And an artwork too! Any chance of adding USB interface?

    Nice Work,

    -J
    As it stands it's intended for use with the Prop Plug. I could add the USB interface, or an even cheaper RS-232 interface, but most people interested in the Propeller would already have a Prop Plug.

    Leon
    ·
  • jhoyozajhoyoza Posts: 72
    edited 2007-04-15 05:14
    Well OK I guess it's obvious,

    I have not moved up to a propeller and have only been investigating it. To be honest despite my relatively decent experience with basic stamps, I really would like to have multi-tasking and interrupt capabilities and move up to Propeller. Please correct me if I'm off base here.

    Perhaps I'm still stuck in Stamp-Land as I was confused why the chips are so inexpensive, but the starter kits have surface mounted prop? With my record of frying stamps (When I was first learning the ropes) I'm concerned about having the same learning curve problems and I was thinking what you are doing was perhaps an alternative to having to return the whole board for an RMA if I fry it. I don't think I can replace a QFP chip. Looks like I would screw it up for sure.

    I apologize for not looking and understanding it better first. But still I love your initiative! So, the propstick plugs into where?

    Thanks!

    -J

    P.S. I was thinking of starting a post about the best way to go about learning the prop stuff. Propeller Starter Kit or perhaps Propeller Education Kit.
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2007-04-15 05:57
    A PropStick plugs into a breadboard or into any 40-pin socket. It's pretty much the same layout as the 40-pin DIP version of the Propeller except it has the crystal on the substrate along with a 32KB EEPROM, 3.3V regulator, and either an RS-232 or USB adapter for programming. It's about 3 times the cost of the Protoboard which has a 64KB EEPROM, 5V and 3.3V regulators, crystal, but no USB or RS-232 adapter (which runs about $30 separately).

    If you are looking to really understand the hardware aspects of things, I'd suggest the Education Kit or a combination of the Breadboard Set, PE Kit Project Parts, and PropSTICK USB which amount to the same thing with the convenience of the PropSTICK if you want to build a more permanent project later.

    If you're a bit concerned about frying a Protoboard Propeller, get a bunch of 1K resistors and put them in series with I/O pins 0-15. Install the Accessory Kit so you can have a keyboard, mouse, and VGA display ... these, the EEPROM, and the programming port use most of I/O pins 16-31 anyway. Attach some 0.1" header sockets to the other end of the 1K resistors and you're set to do pretty much anything (except high speed ADC) on an adjacent breadboard.
  • Paul BakerPaul Baker Posts: 6,351
    edited 2007-04-15 06:00
    Just a minor point, the Propeller has no interrupts.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Paul Baker
    Propeller Applications Engineer

    Parallax, Inc.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2007-04-15 07:28
    The Prop Plug connects to the four pin connector at the top of the photo.

    It isn't difficult to remove QFP chips if you use this stuff:

    http://www.chipquik.com

    You do need a bit of skill to solder the replacement chip, though. Drag soldering is the best way, with lots of gel flux.

    The Demo Board is the easiest way to get started with the Propeller, but it's a bit expensive. It's good value, though, as it has virtually everything you need to get some interesting applications running as soon as you get it.

    Leon
  • jhoyozajhoyoza Posts: 72
    edited 2007-04-15 14:29
    Thanks guys for the clarifications.

    And Leon that is one interesting tool!

    I think I will open the new post about prop details, as I appear to be digressing on Leon's completed project post. nono.gif

    I appreciate everyones help...I hope to see you on the other side.

    Thanks Leon for the advice and congrats on your most excellent project!

    -J
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2007-04-16 11:05
    I've just uploaded a picture of my little system connected to a small LCD display:

    http://www.leonheller.com/Propeller/Prop%20and%20LCD.jpg

    The Propeller is running the Parallax TV_Text_Demo.spin program.

    The display is a 2.52" Pustom colour LCD monitor and cost me about £48.

    Leon

    Post Edited (Leon) : 4/16/2007 12:12:58 PM GMT
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