- Wed May 05, 2010 10:57 pm
#100245
Hi all... I've got a few questions that I was hoping to get some feedback on.
First off, I'm a programmer by trade. I have extensive experience with higher level languages such as C, C++, Java and some prior exposure to Assembly and BASIC (for embedded systems). I've worked with a PIC16F877 chipset in the past, for fun, but only briefly before other priorities took precedence (as they always do). I have some minor experience with analog and digital circuits from college. Well, unpacking boxes I came across my equipment and my interest took root again and I've been refreshing.
I've been toying with a project I'd like to play with and started looking around at what I'd need to make it happen. I'm sure I could use my existing PIC16F877 to accomplish it, but I have a few implementation hurdles to address. Since I first got my PIC, I've become a Mac user at home. No serial port. I know I can use a USB-to-serial adapter, but I'd like my project to actually use the USB port as-is to communicate with my project (ethernet would also work, but the components I've looked up are pretty low-level). I'd like to also play with wireless communication. Additionally, it'd be great to also interface with a display of some sort... scrolling LED or LCD... I'm somewhat indifferent (although the LED would probably be easier to implement).
My research has shown me a variety of programmers that run in-chip and are programmed in either BASIC or C, although my comfort level is greater with C than BASIC. Some programmers have built-in wifi others have modules to support it. Most are Windows-only and a few have Mac ports.
My project, when running, would have a computer-based software component that would send commands to the processor (via USB or ethernet) to update external displays (individual LEDs, LED arrays, and/or LCDs). Those visual displays might be managed by another processor over wifi (but not required, just think it'd be a fun addition).
The CUI32 project with built in wifi looks pretty interesting. However, can anyone recommend any other good project kits, or kit plus modules, that would work well for me to get back into embedded programming?
Thanks folks!
-Ryan
First off, I'm a programmer by trade. I have extensive experience with higher level languages such as C, C++, Java and some prior exposure to Assembly and BASIC (for embedded systems). I've worked with a PIC16F877 chipset in the past, for fun, but only briefly before other priorities took precedence (as they always do). I have some minor experience with analog and digital circuits from college. Well, unpacking boxes I came across my equipment and my interest took root again and I've been refreshing.
I've been toying with a project I'd like to play with and started looking around at what I'd need to make it happen. I'm sure I could use my existing PIC16F877 to accomplish it, but I have a few implementation hurdles to address. Since I first got my PIC, I've become a Mac user at home. No serial port. I know I can use a USB-to-serial adapter, but I'd like my project to actually use the USB port as-is to communicate with my project (ethernet would also work, but the components I've looked up are pretty low-level). I'd like to also play with wireless communication. Additionally, it'd be great to also interface with a display of some sort... scrolling LED or LCD... I'm somewhat indifferent (although the LED would probably be easier to implement).
My research has shown me a variety of programmers that run in-chip and are programmed in either BASIC or C, although my comfort level is greater with C than BASIC. Some programmers have built-in wifi others have modules to support it. Most are Windows-only and a few have Mac ports.
My project, when running, would have a computer-based software component that would send commands to the processor (via USB or ethernet) to update external displays (individual LEDs, LED arrays, and/or LCDs). Those visual displays might be managed by another processor over wifi (but not required, just think it'd be a fun addition).
The CUI32 project with built in wifi looks pretty interesting. However, can anyone recommend any other good project kits, or kit plus modules, that would work well for me to get back into embedded programming?
Thanks folks!
-Ryan