One pitfall in my opinion is the memory, but it has an easy work around. The Global memory is less than a Stamp and the SX48 has less global memory than the SX28, even though the SX48 has twice the memory space as the SX28.
Using Arrays, is the work around and there are 1 or 2 exceptions that JonnyMac or Bean could clarify. Also using non-specific variable names for the global memory like tmpB1 or tmpW1 helps too.
Bill
(edit) Check out the "Recomended Reading, Nuts n Volts and other good articals" in the Threads index. The Syntax manual and the Draft of JonWilliams latest book, it isn't on the Parallax website yet
Post Edited (Capt. Quirk) : 7/27/2007 5:03:33 PM GMT
The SX series chips are really handy little chips and are great for all sorts of projects. They are fast, inexpensive, and fairly easy to use. Using tools like the SX/B compiler and examples make a great way to start. Although the Prop is a more powerful chip, the SX series has some advantages over the Prop and makes more sense to use for some projects. Some of the advantages are:
- Fast startup time (doesn't need to load code from external EEPROM)
- 5v or 3.3v operation
- Inexpensive
- Code/firmware can be secured and protected int he chip.
- If you like Interrupts, you've got them.
I had a couple interfacing projects that the SX was ideal for ant that other chips wouldn't cut it. One in particular excluded the propeller because of the latency involved in reading the code from the external EEPROM. Each of the chips has their place and it's nice to have the SX as another option.
If you want to get started with them you may just want to get an SX-KEY and a couple of the Parallax Protoboards that Parallax offers (around $10 each).
If you want one of the SX48 chips in a small form factor that fits on a breadboard and also want to try out soldering the surface mount SX48 chip then you may be interested in one of the kits I offer as mentioned in the following thread:
One project I used it with was to try out some extra large 7-segment display panels that I am using to make a count down timer for robot events. I used an SX28 for the final version but the DIP module helps with development. Having the onboard RS-232 and extra EEPROM helps too.
Robert,
Thats a great rundown - I really can't explain why I had not investigated this any further. From what I read and what you tell me - It seems like a very viable option - for lower cost solutions and ones that do not warrant a propeller. I have loads of stamp applications in industry - which were great for a fast turnaround quick knock out - where per unit price was not really an issue. Then I spent a good deal of time with PIC's - which were fine but rather mundane - with the advent of the Prop it really brought back the enthusiasm which, if I am to be honest, I had lost. Electronics was just work - now the enjoyment is back - even when on a tight schedule with looming delivery dates ! I suppose from this re-invigoration - I want to investigate all of what Parallax are offering - due in no small part to this wonderful friendly,informative forum. With a personal approach by all Parallax staff - something that any other company in the business is sadly devoid of..
Back to your points re: SX - thats great - keep them coming..
Regards,
John Twomey
aka: QuattroRS4
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 'Necessity is the mother of invention'
The SX chips ( my fav is the 28 dipper) are great.
Very low cost and very fast.
When your interfacing to 5VDC devices and do not need the
awesome grunt of the Prop.. SX is the way 2 go.
Your a bit like us here.. industrial electronics..special projects..
The SXB compiler is pretty solid now .
The "Mul" Speed parameter on the shiftin/shiftout instr's·really is very usefull
when you for example need to poll an SSI type encoder .. 100KHZ + clock
data handling needed .. now possible in Basic with the SX..
Of course bit bashing is better but not for everybody.
Jon Williams is also about to drop an excellent book I hear.
It will be a good one.. no doubt.. he has a track record ..
Ron,
I don't ask questions too often· (I prefer to battle it out myself - that approach has its pros and cons but·I believe if you tackle and cure it yourself you tend not to forget it and have a better understanding of the issues)·but when I do ... its great to get good answers (got a few of those 'good answers' here).. much appreciated ... fyi met that chap with the rotary engined bikes - pics on the way ...btw .. with reference to your thread re: industrial apps on the prop forum (a while back at this stage)-· I say bring it on again ..· a really worthwhile topic...
JT
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 'Necessity is the mother of invention'
Post Edited (QuattroRS4) : 7/28/2007 11:01:18 AM GMT
Well got my SX stuff today (as well as Hydra and more - said I'd avail of the 20th celebration offers) .. ready to rock and roll ... Gunthers book looks like a good read ... Note to self: must park Props and new Hydra until I get proficient with SX... tough just saying it - not to mind doing it ! lol...(rubbing hands together sitting down with nice strong cup of coffee .... wonderful..)
John
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 'Necessity is the mother of invention'
QuattroRS4
Posts: 916
Comments
Using Arrays, is the work around and there are 1 or 2 exceptions that JonnyMac or Bean could clarify. Also using non-specific variable names for the global memory like tmpB1 or tmpW1 helps too.
Bill
(edit) Check out the "Recomended Reading, Nuts n Volts and other good articals" in the Threads index. The Syntax manual and the Draft of JonWilliams latest book, it isn't on the Parallax website yet
Post Edited (Capt. Quirk) : 7/27/2007 5:03:33 PM GMT
Good to know that ..Thanks.
edit: Thanks again Bill ..
QuattroRS4
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
'Necessity is the mother of invention'
Post Edited (QuattroRS4) : 7/27/2007 9:00:31 PM GMT
The SX series chips are really handy little chips and are great for all sorts of projects. They are fast, inexpensive, and fairly easy to use. Using tools like the SX/B compiler and examples make a great way to start. Although the Prop is a more powerful chip, the SX series has some advantages over the Prop and makes more sense to use for some projects. Some of the advantages are:
- Fast startup time (doesn't need to load code from external EEPROM)
- 5v or 3.3v operation
- Inexpensive
- Code/firmware can be secured and protected int he chip.
- If you like Interrupts, you've got them.
I had a couple interfacing projects that the SX was ideal for ant that other chips wouldn't cut it. One in particular excluded the propeller because of the latency involved in reading the code from the external EEPROM. Each of the chips has their place and it's nice to have the SX as another option.
If you want to get started with them you may just want to get an SX-KEY and a couple of the Parallax Protoboards that Parallax offers (around $10 each).
If you want one of the SX48 chips in a small form factor that fits on a breadboard and also want to try out soldering the surface mount SX48 chip then you may be interested in one of the kits I offer as mentioned in the following thread:
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=7&m=166781
The others on this forum that have tried the kit have had excellent results and had a chance to try something new.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=7&m=186926
One project I used it with was to try out some extra large 7-segment display panels that I am using to make a count down timer for robot events. I used an SX28 for the final version but the DIP module helps with development. Having the onboard RS-232 and extra EEPROM helps too.
Robert
Thats a great rundown - I really can't explain why I had not investigated this any further. From what I read and what you tell me - It seems like a very viable option - for lower cost solutions and ones that do not warrant a propeller. I have loads of stamp applications in industry - which were great for a fast turnaround quick knock out - where per unit price was not really an issue. Then I spent a good deal of time with PIC's - which were fine but rather mundane - with the advent of the Prop it really brought back the enthusiasm which, if I am to be honest, I had lost. Electronics was just work - now the enjoyment is back - even when on a tight schedule with looming delivery dates ! I suppose from this re-invigoration - I want to investigate all of what Parallax are offering - due in no small part to this wonderful friendly,informative forum. With a personal approach by all Parallax staff - something that any other company in the business is sadly devoid of..
Back to your points re: SX - thats great - keep them coming..
Regards,
John Twomey
aka: QuattroRS4
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
'Necessity is the mother of invention'
The SX chips ( my fav is the 28 dipper) are great.
Very low cost and very fast.
When your interfacing to 5VDC devices and do not need the
awesome grunt of the Prop.. SX is the way 2 go.
Your a bit like us here.. industrial electronics..special projects..
The SXB compiler is pretty solid now .
The "Mul" Speed parameter on the shiftin/shiftout instr's·really is very usefull
when you for example need to poll an SSI type encoder .. 100KHZ + clock
data handling needed .. now possible in Basic with the SX..
Of course bit bashing is better but not for everybody.
Jon Williams is also about to drop an excellent book I hear.
It will be a good one.. no doubt.. he has a track record ..
Cheers·· Ron Nollet
I don't ask questions too often· (I prefer to battle it out myself - that approach has its pros and cons but·I believe if you tackle and cure it yourself you tend not to forget it and have a better understanding of the issues)·but when I do ... its great to get good answers (got a few of those 'good answers' here).. much appreciated ... fyi met that chap with the rotary engined bikes - pics on the way ...btw .. with reference to your thread re: industrial apps on the prop forum (a while back at this stage)-· I say bring it on again ..· a really worthwhile topic...
JT
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
'Necessity is the mother of invention'
Post Edited (QuattroRS4) : 7/28/2007 11:01:18 AM GMT
John
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
'Necessity is the mother of invention'
Rgds,
John
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
'Necessity is the mother of invention'