Search found 99 matches

by wd5gnr
Tue Jan 13, 2004 9:11 am
Forum: Robotics
Topic: Pic Programmer kits
Replies: 6
Views: 5841

Re: Pic Programmer kits

There are lots of options. <p>One way to get your feet wet without a lot of expense is to use a boot loader. I agree that the 18F series is the way to go if you are just starting, but, the 16F has lots more example code on the Web.<p>The problem with a boot loader is you have to know someone with a ...
by wd5gnr
Wed Jan 07, 2004 10:55 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: transmitter / receiver
Replies: 7
Views: 3359

Re: transmitter / receiver

Have a look at a wireless doorbell. Read http://www.wd5gnr.com/rfrem.htm for my experiences hacking one of these for a laptop "clicker." I've also used them to let one Basic Stamp send a signal to another.<p>Hmm... 300 yards? Thought you said 300 ft. Not sure if this would do it or not for...
by wd5gnr
Sat Jan 03, 2004 2:39 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Schematic CAD program?
Replies: 10
Views: 6917

Re: Schematic CAD program?

Whoops try this one:
http://tinyurl.com/uzgj
by wd5gnr
Fri Jan 02, 2004 8:25 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Schematic CAD program?
Replies: 10
Views: 6917

Re: Schematic CAD program?

Actually Eagle has schematic capture and PCB routing. I often use it just for the schematics.<p>I have a recent book about using Eagle which covers a lot of ground including schematic capture, PCB, routing, how to make your own boards, and how to have them sent out... <p>Whoops that's the wrong link...
by wd5gnr
Fri Jan 02, 2004 8:21 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Microcontrollers help
Replies: 4
Views: 2478

Re: Microcontrollers help

There are many books on the PIC, but there are also many tutorials on the Web. Mine is at http://tutor.al-williams.com although if you google for microchip pic tutorial you'll find a bunch.<p>The PICs are very cheap and a bewildering range of parts. AVR has a more sane architecture, but are have not...
by wd5gnr
Fri Dec 26, 2003 1:17 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Choosing a good starter microcontroller
Replies: 6
Views: 2949

Re: Choosing a good starter microcontroller

There are PIC tutorials all over the Web. Mine are at http://tutor.al-williams.com (also CPLD and other tutorials).
by wd5gnr
Mon Dec 15, 2003 6:10 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: basic stamp2 to start a timer
Replies: 1
Views: 1436

Re: basic stamp2 to start a timer

In general, yes. The Stamp is not fantastically accurate over long periods of time, so depending on your definition of "timer" you might need to provide a little extra information. A simplistic approach would be:<p>ctr var word ctr=0<p>XLoop: High 0 ' turn on square wave Pause 5 ' pause 5m...
by wd5gnr
Sun Dec 07, 2003 7:34 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Basic Stamp
Replies: 4
Views: 2449

Re: Basic Stamp

There are actually two Williams :-)<p>Have a look at http://www.wd5gnr.com/stampfaq.htm<p>Also, subscribe to the Parallax discussion groups http://groups.yahoo.com/group/basicstamps -- I think that's right. Lots of great info there.
by wd5gnr
Wed Nov 19, 2003 3:30 pm
Forum: Computer Programming
Topic: can visual basic control serial or usb port power?
Replies: 14
Views: 11967

Re: can visual basic control serial or usb port power?

One thing you could consider (although it might be a little overkill) is a GP-3 (see http://www.al-williams.com/gp3.htm). This board can control several digital outputs, has digital inputs, analog input, PWM, etc. You can connect to it with an ActiveX control from VB, VB.net, VBA, C++, etc. This alo...
by wd5gnr
Sun Nov 02, 2003 4:30 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: schools
Replies: 8
Views: 4439

Re: schools

Challenging is getting more accepted. One problem though is that any ABET certification requires an amount of lab work and I don't know any way around that except doing the lab work. ABET cert may not bother you if you don't plan on seeking a PE ticket, though.<p>There are three kinds of schools:<p>...
by wd5gnr
Fri Oct 24, 2003 5:30 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Schematic Software
Replies: 6
Views: 3986

Re: Schematic Software

Speaking of Eagle, be sure to check out my latest book. It includes the free version of Eagle on CD and covers using it for schematic capture and board layout. In addition, it talks about creating libraries, building your own boards, or sending them out to a service bureau. Literally, hot off the pr...
by wd5gnr
Wed Oct 15, 2003 6:32 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: RF remotes
Replies: 7
Views: 3550

Re: RF remotes

Have a look at http://www.wd5gnr.com/rfrem.htm and see if you can adapt that.
by wd5gnr
Thu Oct 09, 2003 7:03 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Transistor Circuit Needed
Replies: 4
Views: 3120

Re: Transistor Circuit Needed

I wonder if you need anything to drive the LED but the PIC. The PIC can drive a good bit by itself (maybe 20mA if memory serves -- as high as 30mA on some). Check the data sheet. I wonder if you could parallel two or more output to draw higher current? I haven't tried it, but it should work as long ...
by wd5gnr
Tue Aug 19, 2003 5:04 pm
Forum: Computer Programming
Topic: new in PIC assistance needed
Replies: 2
Views: 3783

Re: new in PIC assistance needed

Another tutorial resource:
http://tutor.al-williams.com <p>Just recently added some 18F material there to supplement the 16F material that has been there for some time.
by wd5gnr
Mon Aug 04, 2003 12:29 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Buying a digital multimeter
Replies: 16
Views: 7695

Re: Buying a digital multimeter

I have been happy with Elenco for "cheap" meters. They are inexpensive but work well and are pretty rugged. Read: http://www.wd5gnr.com/meter.htm