Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #03333
To: beam beam@corp.sgi.com
From: "Paul B. Webster." pwebster@clinipath.com.au
Date: Tue, 18 May 1999 17:36:26 +1000
Subject: [alt-beam] Re: Microprocessor with serial interface
Bob Shannon wrote:
> Actually the Stamp I uses a parallel port for programming, the Stamp
> II uses serial.
.. and that's a pretty good summary.
There's a lot of "horses for courses" here. Stamps are a little
pricey, but the code is easy and all the circuit assembly is done for
you. You can buy a complete kit, or just the Stamp much cheaper,
download the software from Parallax and make your own cables. Your
choice.
> I reccomend David Taite's cheap PIC programmer, but Atmel also had
> serial programming features on their runner-ups to the Microchip
> lineup.
This is for those who want to program in Assembler (or PicBasic or "C"
etc. - see also site below) and use just the "bare" PIC chip which is a
lot cheaper. You do though have to build a programmer. *All* the cheap
programmers use a PC parallel port (because it's so versatile) even
though they use a serial protocol to the chip itself, both PIC and
Atmel.
A version of the "Tait" programmer is produced by Dontronics (see it
at http://www.dontronics.com/
) and marketed through his dealers (
http://www.dontronics.com/dealer.html
). Another low-cost one is from
DIY electronics either direct ( http://www.kitsrus.com/
) or through Don
( http://www.dontronics.com/diyk96.html
).
You'll find this site a mine of information, covering not only PICs,
but Atmel and a number of other things also. No commission (sigh!).
--
Cheers,
Paul B.
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