PropMag-2008-03
Title:PropMag-2008-03
Author:216.193.149.248
Published:Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:05:46 GMT

Prop Magazine - March 2008

Next issue April 2008

The Prop Magazine, with many thanks to the work put in by Fred Hawkins.

http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256872

Shock News


DeSilva Tosses Towel (or takes Sabbatical)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256944
Sabbitical seems likely, see book below

Basics


bookmarked Propeller manual pdf, w/ google search tips, Ray's logic link
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=254507

external web pages: "Building blocks"
Useful information for new propeller users.
Simple audio interface boards get a mention with two pictures.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=251102

book: DeSilva outlines his How to start Microcontrolling using the Parallax Propeller,
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257218

cognew or coginit and kiss thoughts. (IE don't make stuff hard to do)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257791

clear thinking is possible -- kiss
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255146

division, spin,
with tips for flogging integer math to do floating point work
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258422

spin instruction timing
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259389

variables between cogs
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257464

Spin, global variables across cogs and objects: discussion.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=254609

bit masking, in spin and assembly
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256775

spin, bit masking. Code fragments included.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260279

controlling servos, using Beau's servo32v3.spin (in Prop Tool, starting with version 1.06).
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255594

lots to chew on -- laptop serial to prop, robot fits where?
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258177

prop plug and reset avoidance, w/ nested links to previous threads.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258255

mosquito's timer module
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258441

Prop Demo board's tv clipping
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259567

prop UI theory discussion
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259991

Basics and Beyond


CommentedFullDuplexSerial.spin (grasshopper's collation of Mike Green's wisdom)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258162

Assembly: Sample code that uses a cog's $1f0-1ff special purpose registers as part of the program space.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256591

Assembly, ina is source only. Plus nice code minimalization discussion. (w/ examples)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258143

assembly, remember sign of cnt when comparing. (w/ code sample.)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260776

synchronizing cogs, program counter
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257095

PropMonitor, PropTerminal links
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257718

hyperterminal settings
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259697

Spin, 1 second timers:
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=254589

event timestamping, spin
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256874

simple ADC, link to rayman's web page with program zip, schematic and resistor calculator applet.
sending serial data (to Pololu Micro Dual Serial Motor Controller)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256547

spin and assembly, towards a micro-stepping controller program.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=261026

more simple ADC in spin.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256645

bare bones adc links and Perry's vid capture code
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260159

spin execution speed, profiling
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256763

on FloatMath timing (a bit). & Stevenmess' remark on Float pdf error.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260417

towards closed loop controller (industrial)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257608

Spin syntax, OR's in Cases: Peter's Ladder Logic thread (below) spun out of this thread where Ron suggests the CASE construct is much like PLC's.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256295

"Is my propeller dead?", troubleshooting gambits. Not mentioned, low 9v battery on ed kit
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255083

spin, LOCKSET, LOCKNEW review
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259235

spin, LOOKDOWN LOOKUP discussion
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259987

spin, ascii string to integer conversions and, marginally, gps/rtc stuff.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258771

spin to assembly, advice
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259580

spin niceties: i/o pin notation () versus subscript declaration []
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260027

spin, writing long variables (remember: byte by byte transfer from @address)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260064

spin strings, function referencing (misleading metaphor) Links to workarounds
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260504&p=1

Possible? guitar to midi conversion
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260907

Sine wave generation
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=261056

PropDOS 1.6 released by Oldbitcollector
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=224206

and then a full text editor for PropDOS -- "Think of this as NOTEPAD"
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255771

Mirror releases current code for Gear. This is the current Gear thread including the stimulus plug-in. Also links backward to the original version.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=242685

Oldbitcollector's PropBBS for Ethernet
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257661

and now, FemtoBASIC in Color
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=231506

tvIRC client for propeller
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258073

Games


Spinpong
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256210

Hardware


Beau troubleshoots his 3axis H48C module's prop code
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=225297

a different 3axis sensor: LIS3LV02DQ test program by JoMo (nice chip, no external adc needed, runs on 2v to 3.6v, qfn package though)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=151211

position sensing, kicks around using a LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) to measure an physical movement.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255994
{ LVDT: [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_variable_differential_transformer }]]
Also Beau points back to his July 31 2006 post for a homemade LVDT joystick, an overlooked wonder. Good stuff.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=138059

towards implementing ADS8341 16 bit 4 channel A/D converter
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257373

links to chinese caliper threads
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255194

towards interfacing with vinculum vdrive 2 from FTDI to USB memory stick
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257357

messing w/magnets (railguns and why one needs a blockhouse on range)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=253606

on XBee modules, briefly. Link to Martin's site. Demo I/O programs added.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258257

Ping, briefly w/ links. Mike Green's ground plane discussion.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257936

managing ground traces
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260436

Handy GPS search link for prop forum.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258918

tips for pulling protoboard prop chip
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259005

shhh, let sleeping props lie: power down alternatives.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258976

about qfn chips. with Ti's qfn.pdf (nice!)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260015

technochip's Vinculum SPI, with spec sheet corrections.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260159

sinking 5v to the prop, discussion only no schematics.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259960

Ymodem: transfer files from prop's SD to a pc
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260146

towards USB hosting. Nifty proposal: making a sniffer first.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260298

PCA9555 IO expander driver. W/link to deSilva's Small I2c Driver
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260896

FTDI ComPort to Propeller: 2M baud, 3M still theoretical. (w/ link to FTDI app notes). No code yet, but one can hope. Exploits on Stephen's blog: http://propcandev.blogspot.com
Discursive prose about probs and props, yes! (de-obscurify: probs ~ problems)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260892

advice on making pcbs with cnc's, and alternatives. (w/ links.)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=254578

Images & displays


text over camera image
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259649

spudview: displays ppm images
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259578

Tim's assembly graphics driver for µOLED-96-Prop (eeprom bin release). In Object Exchange.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258383
(Subtext: Beat this to win the contest.)

Resurgent threads


steppers in assembly. Alberto adds a driver.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=241108

'Objects' module for PE Kit Labs -- hyperterminal alternative.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=169419

new vid of Alberto's led curtain. (follow more-vids-from to see his mp3 player)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=5&m=179824

Advanced


cogstop, coginit and cognew considerations. (Use cogstop....or not; nor CASE) and finally, add a wait so that a new stack settles down.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=2&m=250812

assembly, towards programs bigger than cog memory. A rudimentary introduction to this topic but has links to LMM and prior threads
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=254117

notes on high speed sampling (25MHz), towards low rez vision. [no code, schematic, just theory]. sidebars: assembly 8x8 font routine (w/ bugs, more or less squashed), size & alignment issues
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=255764

Malloc memory manager, version 011.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256052

advanced skinny branches, Forth: Peter Jakacki offers up a droll implementation of Ladder Logic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladder_logic
used typically by Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programmable_logic_controller
The discussion delves into the how-to but not so much the why-do-it.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=256393

high frequency synthesis, with link back to a 2006 thread with Chip's teaser about a quickie microphone to fm transmitter (no specifics alas, shall we pester him?)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255074

towards a prop mp3 player (or just an UI frontend -- that's doable)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259258

TV object color limitations
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258584

Prop VGA IRC Client
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260624

adjusting video refresh rates with crystals
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260446

towards FFT, DFT implementation. Links to past work.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259917

networking props. Links back to transfer speeds, Phil's reverse LMM.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260226

Fundamentalists


Skinning the onion -- any further and you're scraping hardware. Chip Gracey releases ROM source code. Booter, spin interpreter and runner.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=252691

programming advanced, towards developing an independent spin compiler. Some solid ground here too, with fundamental text links. Sourceforge details too.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=253050

spawning eeproms for the prop
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257265

under development, Ale's Large Memory Model assembler
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=233324

Esoterica


CP/M operating system on a prop. Still handy. (links to reference sites)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=2&m=252784

JVM (Java Virtual Machine) for the prop. Long thread documenting its implementation. Latest entries have best/stable/working code.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=001&m=244721

England, props, importers and VAT, egads!
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260775

Schedule


Prop Graphics Workshop at ATEA (April 2 - 4)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=233234

uOLED-96-Prop design contest (April 30)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=248327

2008 Prop design contest (September 1, 2008)
http://www.parallax.com/Default.aspx?tabid=603

IRC Saturdays at 17:00 gmt
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=252351

IRC Thursdays at 8pm to 10pm Eastern Australia (Canberra) time. (GMT+10?)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=253060

Unofficial NE Prop Expo in Sandusky, Ohio (tentative Aug 22-23, 2008)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=246525

Propeller Tool


Running multiple tools simultaneously now possible
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=255765

Propeller Tool 1.1 re-released. Near bulletproof prop programming.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=244899

Prop Tool 1.1 problems
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260734
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260683
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260801
linux flavored wine:
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=261123

DYI tales


automobile lcd (rca input) from ebay
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=249064

on Printed Circuit Boards, shops and tools (link to toner technique)
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258070

Outside apps


character (cursor) bitmap encoder for Windows
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=257207

Luggable towtruck. Get one for your trunk today, because you never know
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=258479

STM32 Primer
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259602

Projects


two player game console
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=251914

Alberto's homemade mp3 player. (using Vmusic2 chip) With code.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=259540

Remote control props. With recursion sidebar discussion.
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=2&m=256003

Adverts


guitar effects pedal, Howler goes metal
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=252772

prop powered stickers
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=242622

PropGFX Lite DIP40 almost ready
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=248778

PropGFX: new modes
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=259544

almost here: ImageCraft C
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&p=1&m=254114

ImageCraft C alpha is here
http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=260575